Small V8

[stevehuckss396]

Hello all!

I have hit a creative wall with the straight 8 so I have decided to put it aside and work on something else. This new project is something I have wanted to do for some time. I finally have the plans in good shape, well good enough to start. I like the size of the peewee V4 so i borrowed the 5/8 bore and stroke and will try to build a V8.

This V8 will be small by most standards. 5/8 bore and stroke. It will have splash oil system and have a coolant system. Unlike Peewee, It will have a more conventional head setup with valve covers. The block will be about 5 inches long with heads at 4.5 inches. I will shoot for 6:1 compression. The cam will be about the same as the peewee as far as lift and duration. Seems like a doable size for smaller equipment.

The down side is that I could only fit # 8 spark plugs in this one so I'll have to make my own. Also the distributor cap sold by Roy is too big so I will have to make my own. The ignition will need to be toned down to control spark.

It will be built using manual equipment and CNC equipment. I know that's a turn off for some but I didn't build a CNC mill so I could look at it across the garage. I'm hoping it will speed things along when making 16 rocker arms or 16 of something else.


The block is made from a 3 X 3 X 5 block of aluminum.

 

[T70MkIII]

I'm really looking forward to this build, Steve, as I intend to build a small gas powered V8 once I have developed the necessary skills. I have learned a lot from your WIP threads so far, and I look forward to learning plenty more.

What type of aluminium did you choose?

 

[crankshafter]

Hi Steve
Nice beginnig on the V8. I'll be watching this build, for sure
I have missed the stright 8,but I'm sure you will be finnishing it when you comes down from the wall :big:

CS

 

[BenPeake]

That is a monster of a project. Can't wait to see more pictures! Thanks for posting.

 

[deere_x475guy]

Looks like you have a good start on this Steve. Any plan to cast some of the parts?

 

[stevehuckss396]

I'm really looking forward to this build, Steve, as I intend to build a small gas powered V8 once I have developed the necessary skills. I have learned a lot from your WIP threads so far, and I look forward to learning plenty more.

What type of aluminium did you choose?

I used 6061. 6061 is good for every part of a small engine. I might use some 7075 for the pistons but everything will be 6061.

 

[stevehuckss396]

I have missed the stright 8,but I'm sure you will be finnishing it when you comes down from the wall :big:

I have made some motor mounts but have not put up pictures. I have to work out the ignition. I can make up my mind so i'll let it bake in my head for a while. I will make that thing run.

 

[stevehuckss396]

Looks like you have a good start on this Steve. Any plan to cast some of the parts?

Not on this one.

 

[stevehuckss396]

Well we are off to a bad start. I screwed up the block so i'll have to have it welded up before i proceed.


I thought that starting on the heads would take my mind off things. I worked on getting the blocks squared up and machining them to the correct shape.

While the heads were being worked on the CNC machine was chopping away at another piece of the puzzle. In the time it took to make 2 blanks for the heads, the CNC spit out the oil pan.

Here is where i'm at. Bummer about the block.

 

[stevehuckss396]

First thing I did was mill the valve cover surface and create the pocket.

The holes are drilled on the bottom and a small water passage was milled in the surface.

The exhaust port surface is prepared but will need to be drilled to the port after the valve cages are installed.

I still need to do the bottom to create the combustion chamber and I also need to do the intake surface. Hopfully tomorrow! It's starting to look like a head.

 

[zeeprogrammer]

Well we are off to a bad start. I screwed up the block

Apologies if this is a reminder of a boo-boo...but I don't understand what the boo-boo is. What needs to be welded up? The parts look awesome to me.

 

[stevehuckss396]

Apologies if this is a reminder of a boo-boo...but I don't understand what the boo-boo is. What needs to be welded up? The parts look awesome to me.

Made a bad cut on the block after the last photo was taken. Just need to touch up 2 surfaces and redrill one hole.

 

[kustomkb]

Awesome work Steve!

Looking forward to this one.

 

[kcmillin]

Ok, you got my full attention Steve. This is turning out to be a pretty awesome engine.

This is your design?

Kel

 

[stevehuckss396]

This is your design?

Yes and no. I took some peewee and threw in a dash of nitro V8 and a tea spoon of big block chevy and walla.

I liked the size of the Peewee but I had to stretch the block to make the heads work. I had some plans for a nitro V8 that had a pretty good head, so i reworked it (alot) to work on the block. Then everything else I drew for this engine specifically.

 

[Metal Mickey]

Nice to see a new project start and especially one from you. I see Alibre features heavily and just the plans alone are a big project so well done.

I understand the comment re CNC and I go hot and cold on a mill for the future. Could you annotate any picture if its done by CNC? Take it as a compliment about telling the difference! If you want any help re camshaft design and a cutting chart them let me know....I know this chap......oh.. forgot, its you!

Looking forward to the build Steve, from design to running will be a great achievement.

 

[metalmad]

lookig fantastic so far
will be watching

 

[gbritnell]

Hi Steve,
It looks like you're making great progress on this build already. Are you going to be making an intake manifold similar to the one on your other engine? I silver soldered mine out of two pieces and it worked quite well.
George

 

[stevehuckss396]

Got the intake surface done. If you are wondering why i put the 1/4 inch recess where the port goes. It helps me to locate when I cross drill to the port.

Also made the combustion chamber cuts. Next move will be to drill and ream for the valve cages.

 

[stevehuckss396]

Hi Steve,
It looks like you're making great progress on this build already. Are you going to be making an intake manifold similar to the one on your other engine? I silver soldered mine out of two pieces and it worked quite well.
George

Going to try a one piece. If that fails . . . .. We'll talk.