Engine Research
Engine Research:
Selecting an engine has been the hardest part of this project. Even though there are really only 3 real possibilities, each has its plus's and minus's:
Big Block: Increased weight on the front half of the vehicle make it more of a point and shoot configuration throwing the handling out the window. Although the thought of pure axle twisting torque is very enticing, the overall size of the engine also introduces some other challenges since I plan to have Air Conditioning in this vehicle.
Small Block: The typical small block resolves the issue of weight and space but there are fundamental limitations of extracting power while having durability (you can argue this with your friends all you'd like). Ultimately I plan to drive this car for the next 25 years or more and fundamentally don't want to wrench on it endlessly...or let me down on a weekend outing.
Modern LS: This engine has resolved a number of issues with the previous small block and the possible power output is really within the range of a big block or stroker version of the small block (reliably). Firing order has been changed to improve durability of the engine (excessive wear on #2 journal). Improved material like titanium rods and the list goes on. Here is were all the period accurate builders and car buffs cringe with the mere thought of this option. Well, this is the planned power plant for this project.
Since the point of this project is to teach Brandon about the mechanics of a car, I think the modern engine with fuel injection will really be more beneficial than covering the gap on a point based distributor or jetting a carburetor for the respective configuration. Instead, we'll be cover things like fuel mapping curve, engine timing tables, closed loop feedback, and other controls in modern engine systems...updated curriculum or new edition.
Keeping this same train of thought and balancing it with the fact that I want a reliable fun ride into and through my fixed income years, initially, we'll be using a salvaged 6.0L (LQ4) engine since they are cheap and the 4.0" bore allows the use of many performance parts like heads from a number of other performance engines. Plus I won't mind changing around the cam and other components, or test the boundaries of the injection system on a salvage yard engine. The post education engine will be a GM crate engine pushing 525 HP with 480 lb-ft of torque.
The before mentioned engine controls will be possible with the FAST fuel injection system, with data logging and flexibility over a wide range of engine configurations (Link). This will provide reliable and great drivability during all operating points of the engine.
Selecting an engine has been the hardest part of this project. Even though there are really only 3 real possibilities, each has its plus's and minus's:
Big Block: Increased weight on the front half of the vehicle make it more of a point and shoot configuration throwing the handling out the window. Although the thought of pure axle twisting torque is very enticing, the overall size of the engine also introduces some other challenges since I plan to have Air Conditioning in this vehicle.
Small Block: The typical small block resolves the issue of weight and space but there are fundamental limitations of extracting power while having durability (you can argue this with your friends all you'd like). Ultimately I plan to drive this car for the next 25 years or more and fundamentally don't want to wrench on it endlessly...or let me down on a weekend outing.
Modern LS: This engine has resolved a number of issues with the previous small block and the possible power output is really within the range of a big block or stroker version of the small block (reliably). Firing order has been changed to improve durability of the engine (excessive wear on #2 journal). Improved material like titanium rods and the list goes on. Here is were all the period accurate builders and car buffs cringe with the mere thought of this option. Well, this is the planned power plant for this project.
Since the point of this project is to teach Brandon about the mechanics of a car, I think the modern engine with fuel injection will really be more beneficial than covering the gap on a point based distributor or jetting a carburetor for the respective configuration. Instead, we'll be cover things like fuel mapping curve, engine timing tables, closed loop feedback, and other controls in modern engine systems...updated curriculum or new edition.
Keeping this same train of thought and balancing it with the fact that I want a reliable fun ride into and through my fixed income years, initially, we'll be using a salvaged 6.0L (LQ4) engine since they are cheap and the 4.0" bore allows the use of many performance parts like heads from a number of other performance engines. Plus I won't mind changing around the cam and other components, or test the boundaries of the injection system on a salvage yard engine. The post education engine will be a GM crate engine pushing 525 HP with 480 lb-ft of torque.
The before mentioned engine controls will be possible with the FAST fuel injection system, with data logging and flexibility over a wide range of engine configurations (Link). This will provide reliable and great drivability during all operating points of the engine.
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