Basic research + Engine selection

For my crankshaft, I'm going to go ahead with a flat-plane. Since designing flat-plane is going to be way easier to 3d model compared to a cross-plane(designing a flat crankshaft compared to one with multiple 90 degree angles), has lower fiction, and less need for supports. I decided that this will be my first project. I may do a cross-plane engine in the future once I'm more advanced in 3D modelling.

Because I want to be able to see the pistons in action as well, I'm most likely going to get rid of the cylinder head's or have openings in them so it'll still resemble a full engine, but still have viewing spots for the pistons.

This entire model will most likely be held together by screws, alignment pins, and maybe some type of adhesive(for non moving parts).

I'm not sure about using plastic bearings yet, since they may just quickly wear down so I might just use real metal bearings instead.

I would also prefer the engine to be under 12in x 12in x 12in, but I'm not sure about the transmission yet.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCu9W9xNwtI

Researching engines

Since I’m 99% sure that a fully CNC’ed V8 + transmission system would be out of the budget, I’m going to create an 3D printed, motor powered alternative.

The plan is that it will mechanically behave the same, but instead of running on gas, it will run on a small motor powered by a dev board of some sort.

I need to learn more about engines and their internals for me to actually understand them before making a 3D model of one. I’m going to divide the project into 2 sections, the engine and the transmission. I will be starting with the engine first.

Here are some videos I plan on watching:

• https://youtu.be/ZQvfHyfgBtA
• https://youtu.be/KZLygdpg3LU
• https://youtu.be/9KKfIYch1FE
• https://youtu.be/PXDFuIMHNZw