Sunday, October 3, 2010

New approach

My design goal of making this engine block compatible with a Gen I Chevy small block engine has caused more problems than expected. The biggest problem is the hydraulic actuators for the intake and exhaust valves. The integrated position sensors are too long to fit in the optimal position. Every solution to this problem I have drawn up that will allow the engine block dimensions to stay within limits has a negative impact on the actuator design. I have began drawing up a new engine block without the design goal of being SBC compatible. This will increase the number of custom designed components necessary for the physical prototype. I feel that to properly design a working prototype I need to start from the inside and work my way out, not the other way around. Here are a few screenshots of the new engine block so far.