Is it REAL? Keith Craft takes the Challenge! The Results

[Cracker]

Keith Craft Racing has taken the "CHALLENGE"!

I, like some of you know, have been very vocal regarding the HP & TQ claims by KCR over the last 6-9 months (as recently as last week). Therefore, I challenged Keith to a test that many of us would be interested in - a third party review of his work and comparison of his dyno vs my non-affiliated third party dyno - HE HAS ACCEPTED!!!

THE BASIS of this whole "project" is that I have a professionally build standard stroke and .010 over bore side-oiler 427 that was dynoed in August '03 and made 543 hp & 496 tq - #'s that at the time were good for an FE! Remember, the competition cars reportedly only had 525 hp in the day! Keith has agreed to the challenge so long as he can totally rebuild it HIS way (since his name is on this in a big way) and build it up from scratch - but
within the guidelines outlined below to keep the comparison objective:

Engine/Build Limitations:
1) compression can't go up (currently at 11:1)
2) bore & stroke must remain the same ( 3.781 stroke/4.247 bore)
3) No hydraulic lifters can be used (currently solid flat tappet but solid roller may be used if desired)
4) The same McLeod Aluminum Flywheel to be used
5) Cam may be changed at his discretion.
6) Head work is unrestricted (they are already running big valves, 3-angle valve job, port & polish, match, etc.) on the Edelbrock heads
7) Allowed anything else that doesn't compromise long term use.

Dyno results:
1) Keith is Dynoing the motor at his shop upon completion.
2) Engine will then be re-dynoed in Atlanta to compare the previous baseline numbers of the previous build and too his dyno numbers so many a weary of - including myself.

The result of this excercise is the same displacement engine with his fingerprints on it to TRULY determine if there is a dynamic change in performance. Please recognize, my engine is built with the best equipment as a de-tuned Road Race Motor (compression & cam) and just endured an 8-month/$11K dollar rebuild last year so I'm trusting Keith to do this right. I mention this to make sure YOU understand what I have at stake in letting someone else touch this motor - I have something to lose! I feel by accepting this "challenge" Keith either comes out good or bad - results will be the judge. It is also important to disclose that Keith is attending the dyno session in Atlanta to tune but not run the dyno. This has already been approved by the race shop who supports countless numbers of NASCAR teams including Joe Gibbs racing.

I commend Keith on stepping out and putting his money where his mouth is by going through with this project. I like hundreds on Club Cobra are anxious to see the results!

To be fare to Keith I've told him (and this OBVIOUS) that I'm one of his most outspoken critics of the HP claims but based upon MY engine builders dyno and in comparison to his, should this engine improve dramatically within the above guidelines I WILL become a CHEERLEADER of his technology and services. As they say in the ring "Let's get ready to rumble!!!". Okay, a little dramatic but I can't wait to see the results! Engine is on the way to KCR and updates will be posted promptly.