Daily Roddin’: Blown engines for charity

Engine blowing contests can be an easy way for local charities to raise a little cash at car shows. Just take a derelict old car, drain the oil and coolant, and fire it up. The money part comes in when people bet on how long the engine lasts before going out in a blaze of glory.

Last year’s contest at the “Cruisin’ Gimli Beach” car show in Gimli, Manitoba, was almost no contest at all. The car, a late ’80s Oldsmobile 88 sedan, came with the legendary 3.8-litre V6 engine, which almost didn’t blow up. As the clocked neared the 5 minute mark, someone had to bust out the fire extinguisher to give the crowd some “smoke.” Getting closer to 9 minutes, the local fire chief had to get in the car and floor the gas pedal, finally allowing the poor old family hauler to slowly, peacefully grind to a halt. Moral of the story? If you’re going to blow up a car, get a Cavalier.

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