Still at it...

I received a hand written letter from Hydraulics & Pneumatic Sales, Inc. today. It is nice to see a company that is taking the time to help me out. I have been working on the spreadsheets and have made a ton of progress. I am holding back on posting any of the numbers I have so far until I have everything factored in.


I have started the block design almost from scratch. I tried a parametric approach originally. This way I could adjust any parameters and the block would automatically update as required. This did not work well with the idea of using off the shelf Chevy parts. I also spent a lot of time creating equations instead of simply typing in specific measurements. I have decided to ditch all parametric equations and dimension the block to accept a Chevy Gen I style crankshaft, rods, and pistons. I am going with a 4.001" bore and 3.48" stroke for a traditional 350 cubic inches. Horsepower and torque goals are 626 and 548 respectively at 6000 RPM, good enough for a mid 10 second Camaro. I will not know if 6000 RPM is a realistic speed goal until I finish my spreadsheet, but from what I have so far it will definitely be achievable with the solenoids I am looking at. The torque curve will be a flat line if this system works as intended (at WOT since volumetric efficiency is intentionally cut back for throttling). Since horsepower is a function of speed and torque, if I can achieve a higher engine speed then the power should increase as such (ex. 782 hp and 548 ft/lb at 7500 RPM, knocking on 9 second's door in a Camaro). This is dependent on the valve actuator's ability to maintain 100% or better volumetric efficiency. These numbers are if the engine has an 80% mechanical efficiency, 100% combustion efficiency, 46% brake thermal efficiency, and a BSFC of 0.30. This is more than likely not going to happen, and I still need to finish the spreadsheet and factor in a lot more variables. I said I wouldn't post any numbers but I did it anyway...

I am going to get the lower block dimensions the best I can without being able to take any physical measurements tonight, talk with the hydraulic supply guys tomorrow, and decide if I should design the deck to accept a Gen I or Gen III/IV style cylinder head. I have decided to ditch the goal of designing this to be machinable as well. This will allow me more freedom in design and will possible be cheaper to have this block cast instead of machined, as well as being able to ditch the open deck for added strength and reliability. These decisions will bring the overall cost and development time down.