Next Project

[mayhugh1]

I'm looking for plans for a next build that would be comparable in complexity to the Inline Six, 270 Offy, Knucklehead, Merlin, and radials I've built, but I'm not having much luck. I own a set of castings and the documentation that came with them for the Black Widow V8, but I'd rather build an engine from billet. I've spent the last month or so working on SolidWorks models for the components of a 1/3 scale Ford Hi-PO 289 V-8, but all I have to work from are undimensioned photos from old shop manuals and 60's era hotrod books. Although I'm making progress, its a tough slog, and I can see my enthusiasm dulling before I get to the point where I can actually start making chips. I have access to the German 'visible -V8' plastic model of the Ford V-8 sold by Amazon, but it's turned out to be a disappointment and only useful for top level sanity checks. Does anyone have any suggestions? - Terry

 

[napoleonb]

Loving your work, this suggestion is not quite what you're asking for but in the larger scheme of things perhaps this type of IC engine is the one you're missing to complete all the other types of operating principles.

OS-Graupner Wankel 29

I have a file on my pc with parts/drawings in 2d, 3d and photo's of a similair engine from a source I can't remember.

 

[ShopShoe]

What engines are famous? How many were made for how many years?

What documentation is available?

Ford Flathead? Build a running metal model AND a "visible" model?

Other Modern Ford V-8s, as you've said?

Otherwise, search for obscure engines that are less well documented and not as popular. I'd like to see you build someting that's more than the engine alone, such as engine and transmission, or industrial engine running pump or generator? I say this with the realization that you have to keep up enthusiasm and momentum as you progress, so probably not your thing.

--ShopShoe

 

[dnalot]

How about the Curtis V8

 

[Vietti]

Buy a junker 289/302, measure, discard, sell?? Should be lots of em out there.

Amazingly over-square with a 4" bore!

 

[Scott_M]

I have always wanted to see a Chrysler 426 Hemi done. I have seen a few people start but have not seen one finished.
Maybe with the crossram manifold.



My buddy has a couple of them if you needed any dimensions.

Scott

 

[petertha]

How about a Liberty V12? American lineage (if that's a desirable). Historically significant, used in aviation, marine, tanks, post-war retrofits.... Maybe a bit more domestic reference documentation available. Somewhat different valve train & CS assembly to what you've already mastered. One of the (many) challenges would be replicating what I assume were cast cylinder jackets for water cooling, but maybe could be functionally replicated with turned sleeves? I'm 99% sure I have the Amazon book sitting on shelf which I'd be happy to send you.

History of the Liberty Engine: Neal, Robert J.: 9781580071499: Books - Amazon.ca

History of the Liberty Engine: Neal, Robert J.: 9781580071499: Books - Amazon.ca

www.amazon.ca

Liberty L-12 - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

Liberty Notes

AAM - Engines - Liberty L-12

www.wy2.org

Liberty 12 Model A, V-12 Engine

Type: Reciprocating, 12 cylinders, V-type, Liquid-cooledPower rating: 298 kW (400 hp) at 1,800 rpmDisplacement: 27.0 L (1,648.92 cu in)Bore and Stroke: 127 mm (5 in.) x 178 mm (7 in.)Weight: 383 kg (844 lb)The Liberty engine was America's most important contribution to aeronautic

airandspace.si.edu

Free CAD Designs, Files & 3D Models | The GrabCAD Community Library

The GrabCAD Library offers millions of free CAD designs, CAD files, and 3D models. Join the GrabCAD Community today to gain access and download!

grabcad.com

THE LIBERTY AIRCRAFT ENGINE on JSTOR

J G Vincent, THE LIBERTY AIRCRAFT ENGINE, SAE Transactions, Vol. 14, PART I (1919), pp. 385-432

www.jstor.org

 

[Charles Lamont]

How about something steam powered?

 

[propclock]

Just a personal favorite , a Jag DOHC 6 with 3 SU carbs, But Not much of a challenge for you. For a challenge how about a Wankel I know I have seen someone attempt one but I have never seen one run, But I may be wrong.
Another favorite is a Ducati with bevel drive you could even go desmo
if you are a in for a real challenge. Whatever it is I will follow.
I always enjoy following your builds Thank You very much!

 

[Vietti]

Second the vote for a desmo Ducati, and it is Italian! Single or twin.

 

[danallen]

Probably not much of a challenge for you but how about a 4 or 6 cylinder horizontal opposed aircraft engine?

 

[Eccentric]

If you are looking at V8s, how about one of George Britnell's, I don't know if he has plans available for both his Ford Flathead V-8 in 1/3 Scale and the 1/3 scale Ford 302 V-8. If you would like to make a 289, you might be able to use George's 302 plans if they exist. The 302 was basically a stroked 289.

 

[Basil]

There’s always the Napier Deltic.

 

[rpf]

BRM V16 1500cc supercharged race car engine, half size would be OK, its almost a model anyway!!!

 

[minh-thanh]

Maybe...a new challenge ....build a injector diesel engine .

 

[Peter Twissell]

Perhaps, if you fancy something small from billet, I could suggest the Whittle Aero V8?
I have a drawings and materials kit from Hemingway, not yet started. I have modelled the engine in CAD and I'd be happy to share the data with anyone who has bought the drawings (not wanting to infringe on copyright).

 

[vederstein]

Mayhugh:

With your skill, this suggestion would be cake, but perhaps IC engines are becoming to easy/common for you. May I suggest a model of one of Watt's condensing steam engines, one with the sun-planet gearing.

The joy would be knowing that this engine works entirely based on the condensation of steam and not the pressure of steam. It's actually an atmospheric engine. The smaller the scale, the more precise the fits must be.

Another suggestion: A multiple cylinder, high pressure, stirling engine not unlike Ford was experimenting with in the early 90's.

...Ved.

 

[Drawfiler]

The Wankel engine had several problems, particularly with high oil consumption and sealing the piston with the chamber, most solutions involved high seal wear. These engines are made in small numbers in small sizes for military use.
Another project to consider is the Bentley 6 cylinder car engine, possibly supercharged, a beautiful design, I too am a fan of the Jag XK engine with all that Ali on show, I have a full sized car with one and it always attracts crowds at shows.
if steam is ok look at a water pumping engine, some of these are fascinating designs, I know of one in the uk where the pump shares the crank journals with the engine, 3 cylinder set up I think
Failing all those try a marine diesel?

peter

 

[Basil]

Perhaps, if you fancy something small from billet, I could suggest the Whittle Aero V8?
I have a drawings and materials kit from Hemingway, not yet started. I have modelled the engine in CAD and I'd be happy to share the data with anyone who has bought the drawings (not wanting to infringe on copyright).

That is a engine I am contemplating for my next project. Gorgeous little engine!

 

[ranger]

Honda‘s 6 cylinder race motorcycle engine from the 60’s? 250cc or 297cc (for the 350cc class)