Introduction

A few years ago while attending Nascar Technical Institute, I came up with an idea for a bolt on that would act as a camshaft replacement for the small block Chevy V8 engine. It was simply a group of hydraulic valve actuators in a housing that would replace the existing valve cover. They were operated by solenoids that were controlled by a computer. I drew the basic design on paper and about a year later I was ready to build it and see if I could make it work. Once I received price quotes from machine shops and manufacturers of components, I realized that I did not have the money to build my first prototype and development came to a halt.

I was talking to a friend not too long ago and he gave me the idea of trying to get investors to fund the development of my idea. I began doing research to see what I needed in order to create a professional presentation for potential investors. It was not long until I came across the subject of digital prototyping. I was amazed that software existed that would allow me to design, build, and test my idea on a computer without spending a penny. I immediately began designing a digital prototype and testing it.

Months went by as I continually tested the design, researched parts and materials I would need, and updated the digital prototype accordingly. After I was happy with the fit and function, I wanted to place my virtual invention on a virtual engine to validate the design better. It wasn't long until I went from trying to create a digital small block Chevy for testing purposes, to designing by own engine block. Back to the pen and paper...

I decided that since I can design whatever I want and build it digitally, why not make a complete engine that is designed from the ground up to use my valve actuator idea. While i am at it, why don't I incorporate a lot of other ideas I have into the design. Intake/exhaust valves actuated by a computer instead of a camshaft, an oil pump capable of building up oil pressure before cranking, combustion chamber pressure senors, a Linux base ECU capable of monitoring engine performance and driver inputs, then adjusting valve timing, spark timing, fuel trim, etc. all while being fully accessible to users for modifications, monitoring, and reprogramming.

I have many drawing of how various components of this engine will work. I believe I have enough to began creating the digital prototype of the first version of this engine. I tried searching the internet for similar projects but I was surprised to only find two. Both of those were no longer active. I decided to create this blog to document my progress, share my ideas with people who have similar interest or projects, and to hopefully get some help designing this thing. It is my dream to day be able to have this engine installed into a Camaro so I can cruise the streets with a big smile knowing that I designed and built it!