After years of big-block Chevy offerings, an LSX-based engine will be raffled off at this year’s PRI show to benefit the Victory Junction children’s camp.

Patterson-Elite Performance out of Augusta, Kansas, is building the 454 ci LSX that will be showcased in the 26th annual Sunnen Engine Charity Sweepstakes. Tickets can be purchased online or at the show. You do not have to be present to win, but the winner will have to make arrangements to have the engine shipped from the show.

For the past five years, a big-block Chevy designed for bracket racing and making around 1,200 horsepower was built by Reher-Morrison. This year, engine builders Nick Ferri, Cory Mattson and Brian Lewis of Patterson-Elite discussed possibilities for a different approach.

“We wanted to build something that has new technology but also has a little bit of old school for those not knowledgeable with fuel injection,” says Mattson. “With this engine, they have to be able to change the timing in the ignition controller, and they can still run a carb like they have before.”

The engine dyno’d out at 859 horsepower at 7,300 rpm with peak torque of 663 lb-ft at 6,200 rpm. The engine is well suited for drag racing or standing-mile competition and will require high-octane racing fuel.

“It’s a big motor, and we like the heads,” adds Mattson. “The old COPO shootout engines had these same heads, so we think it’s going to be a real powerful combination.”

The charity build starts with a Chevy Performance LSX iron block that is finished on a Sunnen hone. Bore is 4.185 inch. The rotating assembly comprises a Winberg 4.125-inch-stroke crankshaft, Carrillo 6.066-inch connecting rods and CP custom flat-top pistons that provide a 14.5:1 compression ratio. The Total Seal ring package includes .9, .9 and 2 mm sizes.

Comp Cams supplied the solid roller camshaft with .820/.800 lift and 281/296 duration at .050. It’s turned by a Comp Cams double roller chain and protected with a Comp Cams timing cover. Other short-block goodies include Melling oil pump, Moroso 7-quart oil pan, ATI damper, Meziere water pump, Clevite bearings and ARP studs.

The CNC-ported Chevy Performance LSX DR cylinder heads were fitted with Ferrea 2.250-inch titanium intake valves and 1.625-inch Inconel exhaust valves. The PSI valve springs are secured with Comp retainers and locks. The remainder of the valvetrain includes Trend 7/16-to-3/8 double taper pushrods and Jesel shaft rockers.

Induction is via a CFE port-matched intake manifold and a Braswell 4825 4-barrel carburetor. Spark is timed with a GM/MSD controller and delivered through Pertronix Flame Thrower coils and wires.

The charity engine just as it’s about to be shipped to the PRI show.

Finishing off the LSX build are an ATI flexplate, K&N filters, Patterson-Elite timing pointer and billet carb spacer, Proform valve covers and Limitless Lubricant break-in oil.

More than $500,000 has been donated to charities since Sunnen Products and PRI teamed up 28 years ago.

Tickets are sold in sets of two for $5, and can be purchased on the Victory Junction/Sunnen website or at the PRI show, which runs December 8-10 at the Indiana Convention Center in downtown Indianapolis.