I'll have to disagree. There is a such thing as a best engine. it depends one ones knowledge and driving skills. As far as high end vs low end engines. I strongly beleave you get what you pay for. If I was running with guy's who ran RB's, O.S., Novas and JP's I'm not gonna get a dynamite and think I'm going to shock the world. Thats just me.

As far as the life of an engine. One thing that is over looked is break in. I noticed a lot of people prefer the heat cycle method. Mainly because some racers do it. If you pay for your own engines this method is not wise. Racers do it because that engine will only be used for that one race. These engines now adays need a gallon threw them. If you want to run them for multiple gallons. The pinch is so tight on them now it standard to change the rods after break in.