NEXT EVENT RJ's Home Improvements Night • MON. SEP. 7 • Darlington
All DNQ

Predator Engine Rule Book

2026 DNQ Rule Book

Predator Engine Rules

Core Rule

  • All Predator engines must be run “out of the box” with the original factory parts.
  • Any modification to stock parts or changing the original parts will result in fines and suspensions.
  • All engines will be compared to a known stock engine for tech.

Carburetor

SP Carburetor Jet Sizes

  • Idle jet: max size .014 (.015 gauge must not pass)
  • Main jet: max size .030 (.031 gauge must not pass)

Hyuai Carburetor Jet Sizes

  • Rules are forthcoming. These carbs generally feature a larger idle jet and a smaller main jet than the SP carb.
  • Idle jet: max size .017
  • Main jet: max size .028

Camshaft Lift

  • Intake: .223 ± .005
  • Exhaust: .228 ± .005

Exhaust System

  • There are 3 holes inside the port-side of the exhaust pipe; these holes must be uniform and present.
  • Any machining or opening of these holes is prohibited.
  • The additional perforated holes located on the screen side must be unaltered.
  • This will be compared to a known stock system.

Block & Head

  • Hemi head depth: .420+
  • Engine stroke: 2.164 (+.005)
  • Engine bore: 2.755 (+.008)
  • Spark plugs must be single-probe style.
  • No flat racing plugs.
  • Washers are allowed.

Air Filter & Box

  • Must be installed per factory specs.
  • Loose or missing wing nut on air filter will result in disqualification.
  • Foam pre-filter must be installed.

Fuel Rules

  • Pump 87 octane fuel only.
  • Must be fresh; old fuel may fail testing.
  • Samples may be pulled from tanks and placed into approved containers.

$100 Fine Violations & 50 Point Penalty

  • Modified or incorrect carburetor jetting
  • Modified air box
  • Modified exhaust system:
  • interior holes
  • baffles modified

$300 Fine & 300 Point Penalty

  • Hemi head depth less than .420
  • Engine stroke exceeds 2.164 (+.005)
  • Engine bore exceeds 2.755 (+.008)

Camshaft Rule

  • The stock camshaft must remain unaltered and original to the engine as it came from the manufacturer.
  • Changing or replacing the stock camshaft with any other camshaft, regardless of brand, lift, or intent, results in a $300 fine.

Oil Test

  • Oil introduced to a flame must not ignite.
  • Flammable oil results in a 1-race suspension + $300 fine.

Loud Exhaust

  • Loud exhaust pipes may result in a disqualified lap or full-event DQ.

Sealing & Protests

  • The series may install red seals on engines that have passed post-race tech.
  • These seals must remain on the engine for the duration of the season.
  • Once the season concludes, seals may be removed.

Protest Procedure

  • Engines may be protested for $100.
  • The protesting party may choose one specific area to inspect.
  • The winner of the protest receives the protest fee.

Additional Tech & Operation Requirements

  • Engine must remain stock, with no signs of tampering (examples given: dry graphite, Scotch-Brite marks, scratches).
  • Flywheel must retain the factory-installed keyway.
  • Governor test limit: 5,500 RPM max with tires installed.
  • Engine must fully surge by 5,500 RPM.

Surge Test Attempts

A total of three attempts will be made to confirm surge:

  1. Initial test
  2. Turn engine off/on and retest
  3. Final attempt

If no surge is heard and the engine isn’t close to surging, further testing may be stopped.

Double Feature Nights

  • A 5-minute cool-down period will be provided before RPM re-checks for the second feature only.

Allowed Adjustments & Exceptions

  • Vent hose may be disconnected at the fuel tank (must remain attached to air box)
  • Valve covers may be sealed with silicone instead of gaskets
  • Throttle stop screw may be removed
  • Factory fuel tank must be used
  • Pull cord may be taped
  • Air can be directed to the engine using hoses or fans
  • No aftermarket parts, except chain guard
  • Oil sensor wire may be disconnected
  • One engine may be claimed per year for $160
  • Gas cap may be vented
  • Supplied spec engines may not be claimed
  • A driver can only be claimed once per season

DNQ Sealed Engine Program (Ghost and Predator 212cc)

  • Engines sealed by DNQ will cost $100 over market price and are not eligible for claim.
  • Engines are sealed and documented by the series.
  • A digital PDF will be provided, including:
  • pictures
  • seal numbers
  • serial numbers
  • The DNQ Series keeps a database of all sealed engines.
  • If seals are damaged, the series must be notified immediately.
  • The engine will be inspected before re-sealing.
  • Any tampering results in a $1,000 fine and a one-year suspension.
  • Seals will be applied to (but not limited to):
  • head
  • exhaust
  • air box
  • side cover
  • valve cover
  • The series may cut seals for tech.
  • After inspection, the engine will be re-sealed either at the track or returned for reprocessing.
  • If you purchase a sealed engine from another competitor, contact the series to verify the seals.
  • Reminder: any tampering or attempt to re-seal a DNQ-sealed engine results in a $1,000 fine and a one-year suspension.