SEMA News—January 2014

EDUCATION
By Chad Simon

Advancing Automotive Education

SEMA-Member Companies Donate Parts for Scholarship Engine—a 700-plus-hp Dart LS Next Package

	The 2013–2014 SEMA engine project was based on a Dart LS Next cast-iron block—a 434ci engine combination that is dyno-proven to generate in excess of 700 hp utilizing a single four-barrel carburetor on pump gasoline.
	Several SEMA-member companies are donating components for the Dart LS Next cast-iron block SEMA Scholarship Engine

Launched two years ago, the SEMA Scholarship Engine Project has enjoyed support from nearly two dozen manufacturers and the talents of noted engine builder Ed Pink.

The first year saw a 347ci small-block Ford engine go on the auction block, while a 405ci small-block Chevy was built last year. Both engines featured Dart SHP iron blocks and SHP aluminum cylinder heads.

The SEMA Scholarship Committee announced that its SEMA engine project for 2013–2014 would feature a package delivering more than 700 hp and would be based on a Dart LS Next cast-iron block.

The engine was offered on eBay beginning December 12, 2013, and was displayed at the Performance Racing Industry Trade Show through December 14. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund, which aids young men and women seeking careers in the automotive industry.

“The engine build is another example of our industry’s willingness to give back and help foster the next generation of automotive professionals,” said Zane Clark, SEMA’s director of education.

“Through the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund and the support provided by our industry partners, qualified students and SEMA-member employees are eligible to receive financial assistance to help them along their path. The engine build and other charitable efforts undertaken on behalf of the scholarship fund help ensure that our industry will thrive long into the future.”

Heading the SEMA build team was Dart’s Richard Maskin, who has been the engine builder/crew chief for several NHRA national points championship-winning efforts in Pro Stock. Maskin developed a 434ci engine combination that is dyno-proven to generate in excess of 700 hp utilizing a single four-barrel carburetor on pump gasoline. Spearheading the project was long-time Scholarship Committee member Bill Holland of Holland Communications Inc., while Anson Tse and eBay offered support through an online listing.

Heading the SEMA build team was Dart’s Richard Maskin, who has been the engine builder/crew chief for several NHRA national points championship-winning efforts in Pro Stock.

Dart’s LS Next block evolved from the LS engine family introduced by General Motors in 1997. The aftermarket iteration incorporates a redesigned bottom end (non Y-block) with improved oil control and a reduction in windage. It also utilizes six head bolts per cylinder and four-bolt steel main caps. A pair of CNC-ported Dart Pro1 aluminum cylinder heads was employed in the SEMA Scholarship engine.

Components from a number of respected SEMA-member companies were used in the build. They included Allstar Performance, ARP, ATI, Callies, Champion, Clevite, COMP Cams, Dart, Diamond, Fel-Pro, Hedman Hedders, Holley, Joe Gibbs Driven, Melling, Meziere, Moroso, MSD, PowerMaster, Total Seal and Trend.

The engine will be finished to the requirements of the buyer, whether it’s to be used for racing or the street.

SEMA’s scholarships are awarded to university, two-year college and trade-school students pursuing careers in the automotive industry. A Loan Forgiveness Program also is available to employees of SEMA-member companies to help retire student debt.

For information on how to apply for a SEMA scholarship, visit www.sema.org/scholarships.

The SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund is a recognized 501(3) charity, and the purchase price of the engine may be tax deductible (verify with your CPA or tax preparer). For additional information on the engine or to get involved in the eBay sale, visit www.semaengine.com.