Student Competition
Where Sockets Meet Speed
The energy and skill of the automotive aftermarket’s rising stars will be on display at AAPEX with the Student Engine Assembly Competition. This high-stakes, high-speed event brings top technical school teams together to dismantle and reassemble small block V8 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.
Prizes
Compete for a chance to win high-end prizes — past winners took home over $1,300 in professional tools, a $1,000 gift card, and more. Stay tuned as this year’s prize lineup is revealed!
What’s Involved?
Six to eight teams from post-high-school technical schools will fully dismantle small block V8 engines. After inspection, they’ll put it all back together again. The first team to complete the full reassembly and successfully turn their engine on the block wins.
- 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
- Remove rocker covers
- Rocker assemblies
- Push rods/lifters
- Heads
- Pistons/rod assemblies
- Oil pump
- Crankshaft
- Timing cover
- Cam shaft
- All components reassembled
- Big ends and head bolts tensioned to torque specs
- When completed engine must rotate 360deg.
Competition Schedule
Semifinals Part 1
Wednesday, Nov. 4 @ 10 AM
The first group of four teams compete for their shot at the Finals.
Semifinals Part 2
Wednesday, Nov. 4 @ 1 PM
The second group of four teams compete for their shot at the Finals.
Finals
Wednesday, Nov. 4 @ 4 PM
The top four teams after the semifinals compete to be crowned champion.
Schools Competing
| School Name | Instructor | Participant #1 | Participant #2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arapahoe Community College | Bob Parmley | Schafer Eirich | John Parmley |
| ATI | Ken Faverty | Darrion Franklin | Joshua Ritchie |
| College of Southern Nevada | Scott Bennett | Taner Yoshishige | Preston Huntsman |
| Ferris St University | Fred Bliss | Nathan Cory | Riely Shearer |
| Ferris St University | Fred Bliss | Noah Gorden | Dewy Smith |
| Heritage High School Palm Bay, FL | Michael Broud | Caleb Klar | John Saglimbeni |
| Humble High School, Humble TX | Jose Chapa | Jeremiah Lavalais-Carter | Chris Saldana |
| North Kansas City High Schools | Jack Stow | Adrian Madinger | Taem Aljallad |
| North Kansas City High Schools | Jack Stow | Ashley Caldwell | Amelia Hensley |
Apply To Compete
We’re full this year but let us know if you’re interested for 2027.
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Bring More Students to AAPEX
Applying to compete? Bring more students with you. Not competing this year? Your students can still experience AAPEX through the AAPEX Student Program. Explore opportunities for your school to bring a student group to attend, learn, network and experience the show firsthand.
Questions?
If you have questions please contact Mark Bogdansky, [email protected].