WHERE SOCKETS MEET SPEED
Experience the Ultimate Engine Rebuild Race at AAPEX
Ready For Action
The energy and skill of the automotive aftermarket’s rising stars will be on display at AAPEX 2025 with the brand-new Student Engine Assembly Competition. This high-stakes, high-speed event brings top technical school teams together to dismantle and reassemble Chevy 350 engines live on the show floor — while racing against the clock. Whether you’re competing or cheering from the stands, expect nonstop excitement!
Why You Can’t Miss It
- To be dazzled. This test of speed, precision, and teamwork is unlike anything you’ve seen before.
- To get noticed. Whether you’re scouting talent for your shop or you want to attract the attention of future employers, you’ll meet the right people.
- To get in for free. Student competitors receive complimentary registration for AAPEX.
- To be part of it. Everyone will be talking about this event for the rest of the show — don’t get stuck saying “I wish I’d been there.”
- To see what’s next. There’s no better way to check out the talents of tomorrow’s top technicians.
When and Where
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 10 a.m., Joe’s Garage (Level 1)
Other Key Dates:
- June 13: Application deadline
- June 27: Selected teams announced
- Oct 1: Team rosters finalized
How To Enter
Think your school has what it takes?
- Form a team of two students and one instructor/advisor
- Shoot a video highlighting your team’s skills, teamwork, and drive
- Submit your video application by June 13
Prizes
In addition to pride, glory, and industry-wide recognition, the winning team receives a tool set (details coming soon), and a $1,000 Snap-on Gift Certificate ($500 for each participant donated by Euro Clinic). The second-place team receives a tool set. Hotel accommodations and $1000 airfare credit provided to all teams by AAPEX.
What’s Involved
Six to eight teams from post-high-school technical schools will fully dismantle Chevy 350 engines. After inspection, they’ll put it all back together again.
Setup Details
- Crank bolts will be tightened to torque specs
- Rings will remain on their pistons, and bearings will remain in their bore
- All gaskets will be removed and reused during assembly
- Professional grade tools will be supplied: two standard socket sets (1/2” and 3/8”), torque wrench, ring compressors, cam shaft holder, breaker bar, ratchet (1/2” and 3/8”), rubber mallet to tap the pistons out
- Engines will be drained
Dismantle Details
- Remove rocker covers
- Rocker assemblies
- Push rods/lifters
- Inlet manifold
- Water pump
- Heads
- Pistons/rod assemblies
- Oil pump
- Crankshaft
- Timing cover
- Cam shaft
Reassembly Details
- All components reassembled
- Big ends and head bolts tensioned to torque specs
- When completed engine must rotate 360deg.
Questions?
If you have questions please contact Kelly Denman, kelly@aapexshow.com.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
