With the participation of SEMA-member performance parts manufacturers and legendary engine builder Ed Pink, the SEMA Scholarship Committee will have a complete dyno-tested 302 Ford engine—based on a Dart block and cylinder heads—up for auction on eBay concurrent with the upcoming SEMA Show. Proceeds will benefit the SEMA Memorial Scholarship Fund (SMSF). Simultaneously, a customized Dodge Charger and Avenger will also be auctioned to benefit the SMSF.
Each year, the SMSF distributes between $100,000–$150,000 in scholarships to deserving students who plan a career in the automotive industry. This includes awards for vocational school, and two-year, four-year and postgraduate work, with a percentage designated for the families of employees of SEMA-member companies. There is also a Loan Forgiveness Program to help repay student loans for employees of SEMA-member firms.
The engine is targeted to produce in excess of 400 hp, but will be designed for long-term street durability. It is applicable to many niche markets, including street rods, Cobra kit cars, custom classic trucks, Mustang restomods and other street-performance applications.
In announcing the promotion, SEMA Scholarship Committee member and Project Coordinator Bill Holland said, “Ed Pink Racing Engines (EPRE) is exceptionally well qualified to perform the build and will bring tremendous cache to the project. While 'The Old Master' is probably best known for his exploits with fuel-burning SOHC Ford and Chrysler Hemi engines, the company has expanded beyond its drag-racing roots and has built many highly successful engines for IndyCar, Midget, Sprint Car and Endurance Road Racing applications. Ed, EPRE General Manager Frank Honsowetz and owner Tom Malloy have a cadre of highly qualified, experienced technicians who will assist in the building and testing of this engine at the Ed Pink Racing Engines facility in Van Nuys, California.”
For ongoing updates on the project, visit www.sema.org.