Hot Rodders Of Tomorrow Engine Challenge - Pure Energy

As the components fly off the engine, they're arranged in a specific order to expedite reassembly.

At the short-block stage, the timing gear, pistons, and rods are removed, but the crankshaft and camshaft are left alone.

The second half of the competition, reassembly, is more challenging as a number of potential pitfalls await each team.

The Comp Cams team did well slipping the pistons back into the block, while other members worked together to complete the next task.

Preparing the pistons and rods for installation proved to be one of the more difficult segments of the competition. Some teams, such as the Hedman Hedders team shown here, successfully popped the pistons back in, while others experienced a slight delay.

According to the standard engine assembly procedures as spelled out in the HRTEC rulebook, all fasteners must be properly lubed.

The AutoMeter team worked together seamlessly to install the cylinder heads, oil pan, and timing chain cover.

Torque readings are shown to the judges, while the tightening sequence is carefully observed. Some students actually write these numbers on their arms.

Walking the tightrope of speed and care during reassembly pays big dividends. Although a team might finish first, it can easily drop down in standings via penalties for mistakes made.

Team Edelbrock looked to be solidly ahead but ran into a couple snags along the way, putting them in second place. This team was intense and obviously well disciplined.

As the engine nears completion, the team makes sure that all the wires, clips, fasteners, and components are in place.

When the team is done, the judges inspect the motor, tallying any penalties. The original rotating torque measurement is compared to the new reading. Variations higher than 25 percent could indicate a tight bearing, misaligned rod caps, or rings bound in the cylinder.