The V-8 Engine is an experiment in casting technologies and machining capabilities by Prototype Industries.
It also was an exercise in advanced engineering design capabilities involving high flow and high horsepower characteristics in geometries, combustion chamber dynamics, coolant path design, high pressure oiling routing and pressure development and much more.
Follow the blog entries as we progress forward in the design and development of this engine.
General Considerations
This engine was developed to satisfy the need of having a small displacement engine that would fit into hobby cars and would also exhibit the novel sounds and snorts of a traditional v-8 engine. The hobbyist desire this type of engine in compact form as it gives them the platform for working on engines, hearing the and feeling the engines power in a small vehicle.
The desire also comes from the fact that the larger counterparts are heavy and require the larger vehicle taking some of the nostalgia and uniqueness away from the small engine layout.
The aim of the design was to match the horsepower rating for a moderately large engine, 9 horsepower, for a go-kart setting. The Phi-Alpha 9 and 10 were chosen as design platforms as they are tested designs with high performance capabilities.
The Phi-Alpha 10 in particular has extensive test time and a large following, so adapting the design into the frame was of importance to the initial design parameters.
Engine Design Specifications
The engine design is to have the following performance specifications:
300cc or 18 Cubic Inches
9 Horsepower @ 3600 rpm
Max RPM 6000 to 7000 rpm
Weight – 45 to 50 pounds
Wet Sump system
Belt driven or direct driven oil pump
Belt Drive water pump or pumps
Pressurize crank with oil passages to conrods
Use Honda 35 cc pistons as base piston
Wet Sleeve cast iron
Babbit mains or equivalent
Use of roller bearings on ends is acceptable
Overhead valves operated by pushrod or overhead cam is acceptable
Cast Aluminum Block with coolant passages incoorperated
Cast aluminum heads with full upper lubrication and drainage
4 bolt mains using steel retainers
Machined connecting rods from 6061 or better
Wired connecting rod bolts, or equivalent tabbing
Must bolt into framework using four 3/8ths to 1/2 inch grade 5 bolts
Engine components must be easily worked on, and robust enough to be taken apart without cross threading. Use of sensible fasteners that will not crean over during assembly or disassembly is vital.
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