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Alright folks! It's been a while and I wanted to post a few more pics and put a few manufacturing thoughts out there. I have been revising my engine block model to better match my desired manufacturing process. I am planning to leverage lost PLA investment casting such that I can print a 3D...

Hey all, Been too long since I have posted anything, so here goes! Attached are pictures of the modeled LS7 crank, connecting rods, and pistons. I have printed a few of these off in ABS plastic. Really looking forward to trying lost PLA on this model to see how the castings turn out...

Oh, there is time :) My progress seems to be going in spurts on this one, but it is a fun mental exercise

Oh, I have been bad lately, neglecting my little project!! I have been researching different casting methods. Lost wax/pla seems to be the best, but I still like the idea of doing core sand molds to pour blocks from! Maybe I am weird... I am planning to send out for a water clear SLA of...

I think the block took around 12 hours. The heads were around 7 hours each if I am not mistaken.

Working on the matching cylinder heads now... But there were some earlier attempts. I was able to get the bore spacing back closer to stock and have to rebuild the heads again. Not bad though! I love the details and thinking about watching this thing turn over.

You are a funny man Aone... After reading back through my last post, I guess I could have phrased things a little differently. :o

It sure is! Even when you know all the dimensions, it is always a wonder to hold it in your hands. I was surprised at how "large" this block is. The block is 5.500" long.

This one was made form ABS. I could print in PLA and do lost PLA casting when the design is finished. I am still watching videos from Aonemarine on this and learning about his casting method with vacuum assist. Sure is nice to have the model in hand to reference.

And here it is... I am actually surprised the print came out so well. For the number of undercuts on the part, it's not too shabby!

Well boys... 12 hours from now I should be able to handle the first draft of the LS7 block. Functional coolant and oiling systems... all holes are center drilled to be tapped. The block isn't 100% quite yet, but getting close.

I have been working on the cam and cam bearings... Conventional cams have different size bearings with the largest bearing in the front of the engine. This likely eases installation... My question for the group - Would you machine the cam bearings the same diameter for this small scale? It...

Here is a picture of the block with camshaft installed and the full oil galley system in place. Apparently all LS engines have a conventional oiling system, and the LSx block specifically calls out a "priority mains" oiling system where oil goes first to the main bearings and then to...

Here is a copper head gasket that I drew up real quick. And then a cutaway of the block with gaskets, sleeves, and camshaft installed. This mainly shows the water jacket in the block and also is a decent angle for seeing the cam, lifters, and relative proportions of the internals...

So, I have to say that I have really enjoyed this exercise going through and reverse engineering the LS7 engine. I found it easiest to model just one bank (4 cylinders) at a time. It enable me to look through the inside of the block and make sure I had proper clearance, etc. It just gave an...

I am attaching my engine block study for the LS7. I did need to make one major modification to the design - stretching the cylinder bore spacing a bit to account for water jacket and space for adequate bearing surface. It's not much, but it is the only dimension that isn't perfectly to scale...

NAMES was incredible. I really like how open everyone was to newcomers and how everyone was interested in sharing technique and insights. Really cool show and a fun experience chatting with everyone there. Some absolutely amazing handiwork gentlemen!!

AWESOME! Thanks for the pointer. I will go pick some up. :)

I am looking forward to the NAMES exhibit this weekend! Not sure whom is going, but I am excited that it is here :) I believe I am settling in on the LS7 engine rather than specifically the LSx block. Not only is the LSx block cast iron, but it supports 6 head bolts per hole which would be...