Advanced Engineering Tech - CAD Project Ideas

So I'm a student and currently enrolled in a CAD project class. The project has to take the entire semester. I have to design/draw something in a CAD program and I can't think of anything to build. I was thinking a shortened rear end assembly with slicks for my truck. It would include axles, posi, ring/pinion, bearings, seals, housing, cover, ect. It would be a complete assembly.

I want to know if you guys have any good ideas for me other than the rear end. Maybe a redesigned supercharger system. Basically anything that you guys can throw at me would help. Is there anything that you know of that can be improved? Thanks

How bout a twin turbo kit?

Does it have to be mechanical?

When i took the class we did a house and garage with complete layers for heating, electrical, plumbing, etc. The house was nice, but i've thought about it since and would do something different. But if you do something that you would want in the future it would save you some time.

Start with small parts with lots of 90* planes. A piston/rod is a good start

What program are you learning?

A piston and rod would take me an hour and a half. This has to be something that will take me the entire semester. And also and assembly. I'm using Solidworks.

The twin turbo kit would be a great project. Maybe do a mirror image turbo kit for a car that doesn't have one specifically made for it yet.

Draw an engine then. You made it sound like you just started modeling and needed ideas to cut your teeth on. If your school has any SAE teams, talk to them. They always need stuff drawn up

Wires and tubing are nearly impossible to model accurately, atleast accurate enough for fabrication, so Id suggest against a TT design because all it will really be is a pretty picture

How about a super light weight super rigid full tube chassis mid-engine car design with crash protection and crumpled zones built into the chassis design

How about a super light weight super rigid full tube chassis mid-engine car design with crash protection and crumpled zones built into the chassis design

^^:jest:

Well he said he wanted a challenging project :)

Well he said he wanted a challenging project :)

win!! But seriously if you want a challenge this would be the way to go. A rear end shouldnt take you all semester, but a complete chassis may take a little longer. Soo I would go for the turbo kit idea.

do something engine based. How about pneumatic valve spring system for LS engines. Or how about a gear driven supercharger system. Not like the ones they currently have but think of it like a current 8 rib belt width. I wish i had access and the ability to use the programs you have. The current super charger gear drive setups obviousy work fine but they are so bulky and stick out in from of the engine so far. Just throwing ideas out. Plus if you have access to the machines at your school your probably could build these and test them.

I went to school for CAD also. I like the rearend idea but make it more interesting... perhaps a 2 speed rearend for a road tractor or a planetary gear axle for offroad machinery??? be sure to post your work. what are you using solidworks?

Yes I decided to use solid works. I started the rear end project on Monday. I'm having trouble coming up with dimensions.

Hey man,
I wrote in here a year ago with the same question. I currently have a degree in drafting and certified by the ADDA including Mil specs....

This was my final project for class:
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a192/gordon0652/78059_10150358333400503_857210502_16385842_1845828 _o.jpg
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a192/gordon0652/78059_10150358333405503_857210502_16385843_7162644 _o.jpg

It's the sheet metal intake i'm running my my T/A, wish I have more photos of the file but that computer is home and i'm at college getting my ME...

Ok, now I envy you guys....I wish I had a butt load of money, a good computer, a great cad program or two, and the tooling to build what I come up with. Keep on going guys and build our future!

Im tryin to draw an ls6 cylinder Head so I can model the ports...safe to say it has been challenging!!!

Gordon, that intake looks awesome. Do you have pics of it on your car?

Wildcamaro, that would be very challenging if you dont have any digitizing equipment. It would be fun and rewarding to do something so complex.

LSx cyl heads arnt the most difficult because they have mostly flat surfaces on easy to track angles. Even the internal port shape shouldnt be too much of a job, make a foam plug, slice it into disks and loft the disks

How about front and rear arms? Maybe a 4 link kit? Cheaper way to 9 inch rear end. Use U joints instead of CV joints.

Just some of my ideas I guess

A piston and rod would take me an hour and a half. This has to be something that will take me the entire semester. And also and assembly. I'm using Solidworks.

The twin turbo kit would be a great project. Maybe do a mirror image turbo kit for a car that doesn't have one specifically made for it yet.

Well, you have fantastic software so this project is all going to come down to your abilities to engineer something. The differential concept is a great idea imo. When I was in school for Cad drafting our final project was to design a grandfather clock in solidworks. Seemed like it'd be an easy project...until you find out how many damn moving parts are involved!!

Anyways, I'd say to build your "dream differential." Incorporate some of your personal thoughts on how to make a differential better.

probably gonna get some bashing for this but i would like to see an IRS kit for 98-02 camaro or trans am. ie: rear frame, brakets, axles, diff, springs shocks and everyting. and as bolt in as possible.:drive:

Nice! I have designed quite a bit of projects with SolidWorks.... for my job and some for my own personal projects. Here are some to give you an idea:

http://ls1tech.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=337837&stc=1&d=1327950040

http://ls1tech.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=337838&stc=1&d=1327950045

http://ls1tech.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=337839&stc=1&d=1327950045

http://ls1tech.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=337840&stc=1&d=1327950045

I definitely like the idea of modeling a differential... definitely my next task.

probably gonna get some bashing for this but i would like to see an IRS kit for 98-02 camaro or trans am. ie: rear frame, brakets, axles, diff, springs shocks and everyting. and as bolt in as possible.:drive:

I love this idea! It'll be a win=win for you ;)

probably gonna get some bashing for this but i would like to see an IRS kit for 98-02 camaro or trans am. ie: rear frame, brakets, axles, diff, springs shocks and everyting. and as bolt in as possible.:drive:

I'll sell you everything I pulled out from under my 04 GTO :)

How about working on a complete ITB manifold.

why not do what most professionals do. Send it out have a 3D scan done and alter the model from there. That is how we start on a lot of projects here at work. This will save a very large chunk of time when it comes to getting the 3D solid model done. How about a redesign of a FAST 102 intake where the MAP will not hit on the fire wall.

A piston and rod would take me an hour and a half. This has to be something that will take me the entire semester. And also and assembly. I'm using Solidworks.

The twin turbo kit would be a great project. Maybe do a mirror image turbo kit for a car that doesn't have one specifically made for it yet.
This will take an entire semester:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8ezQMdtyW4

I love the independent rear suspension bolt on project also, that will keep you occupied for an extended period, especially if you want to do any engineering on it to back it up.

Quick word of advice to help you learn: whenever you are modeling a part, always think about how you would make it. Ask yourself, can I machine this feature? How can I get a mill in there? Would this be easier cast or as a weldment instead? Can I make more features round so I can make it all on a lathe? Do I need this fillet / chamfer or is it just for looks?

From experience, it sucks finishing a really cool design for a part and then realizing you can't make it :bang:.

I love the independent rear suspension bolt on project also, that will keep you occupied for an extended period, especially if you want to do any engineering on it to back it up.

Quick word of advice to help you learn: whenever you are modeling a part, always think about how you would make it. Ask yourself, can I machine this feature? How can I get a mill in there? Would this be easier cast or as a weldment instead? Can I make more features round so I can make it all on a lathe? Do I need this fillet / chamfer or is it just for looks?

From experience, it sucks finishing a really cool design for a part and then realizing you can't make it :bang:.

One of the best pieces of advice for sure...

why not do what most professionals do. Send it out have a 3D scan done and alter the model from there. That is how we start on a lot of projects here at work.

I wouldn't say most professionals. Or even many.

Might start off with something a little simpler and go from there.

A header is a pretty good start as it will teach you sweeps, shelling and the like. Or, build the whole thing from surfaces.

http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo237/metric_01/CAD/HEADER4.jpg

http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo237/metric_01/CAD/HEADER3.jpg

Here is what I have been working on:

https://d2t1xqejof9utc.cloudfront.net/screenshots/pics/97960/large.png

lt1detroit,

Very nice project. Are all the line-up dimensions accurate? Any way you could show a cut-away??

I'm working on something similar for a siamese port configuration.

If you really want a challenge...

http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo237/metric_01/55.png
http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo237/metric_01/55side.png
http://i379.photobucket.com/albums/oo237/metric_01/55front.png

I can post all the profile views if anyone is interested... or parasolids.

wow this is a good thread, ive been trying to learn some solidworks for a few months now. those headers and intakes look amazing, yall need to do a solidworks tutorial lol.

ive made a few things for my car and other peoples for ideas:
https://picasaweb.google.com/114445301082740197820/Fabrication?authkey=Gv1sRgCMW5g6m9r-3JMg

my personal fav is probably the intercooler i designed and made
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-PY8x4zFC9t4/Tu9r4bp474I/AAAAAAAAAM0/kKR2bZhTjEw/s720/Assem1.JPG
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ddcWkZSPubs/Tu9r5or3nkI/AAAAAAAAANM/GZ11fxypeDY/s720/flow4.JPG
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/--iL6ihwDjic/Tu9mznnyC4I/AAAAAAAAAIs/_3ZLXcvj1Vc/s720/2011-04-15_20-19-02_703.jpg

wow this is a good thread, ive been trying to learn some solidworks for a few months now. those headers and intakes look amazing, yall need to do a solidworks tutorial lol.

I only used SW for a short period of time but I'd say that, coming from a Unigraphics background, it's probably one of the more intuitive programs out there. The tutorials also seem to be well done, so I'd suggest starting there.

FWIW, the header was built and rendered in Catia, SW's big brother. The truck was my first real attempt at pushing SW's surfacing capabilities. It can be a bit of a challenge to surface with where continuity is important but overall a great package.

I've always liked designing wheels with SolidWorks. But they only take less than an hour each haha.

I think you could try to tackle a complete LS1 engine. Wouldn't be easy, but would definitely be cool, especially if you could do a rapid prototype of the piece for your desk.

How many CAD designers does Tech have? I finished my 2nd year towards my bachelors in CAD product design.

I've always liked designing wheels with SolidWorks. But they only take less than an hour each haha.

I think you could try to tackle a complete LS1 engine. Wouldn't be easy, but would definitely be cool, especially if you could do a rapid prototype of the piece for your desk.

How many CAD designers does Tech have? I finished my 2nd year towards my bachelors in CAD product design.

A friend of mine modeled a LT1 completely. Once he finished that, he started at the wheels/tires of his C4 vette and worked inward, replicating everything he could... Down to the wiring harness. VERY IMPRESSIVE to say the least when he completed it.

How many CAD designers does Tech have? I finished my 2nd year towards my bachelors in CAD product design.

Ugh: 26yrs Automotive CAD design. Never pass up training, jump on every new thing that comes along. I have never been out of work.

Graphite, flow pens & aluminum stylus
Applicon Bravo
PDGS
Aries
SDRC I-Deas
UG
CATIA

Those are just the design softwares.

I did an enzo ferrari for fun in catia. It was a solid 80 hrs of surfacing time into the body.

Does anyone have a model of the LS1/LS6 motor?

I did an enzo ferrari for fun in catia. It was a solid 80 hrs of surfacing time into the body.

Does anyone have a model of the LS1/LS6 motor?

The gen1 SBC, yes. I have lots of drawings of that engine but no LSx stuff. I'd be interested to know if anyone does, but I'd imagine most stuff is being built from reverse engineering with a faro arm.

Not too challenging though, unless you're simply wanting to design for/around one? :)

Ugh: 26yrs Automotive CAD design. Never pass up training, jump on every new thing that comes along. I have never been out of work.

Graphite, flow pens & aluminum stylus
Applicon Bravo
PDGS
Aries
SDRC I-Deas
UG
CATIA

Those are just the design softwares.

Sweet, my goal is ultimately automotive design. I'm going to attempt to get an internship with Volvo next summer, using primarily PRO-E from what I have heard.

lol create me a 3 link suspension for my 67 camaro, or irs

Be sure to post a rendering of your project when you're done! :thumb:

I modeled an entire tube chassis indy style car using UGNX 5.0 in college (2006) It took me over 200 hrs, but it had a fully functioning V8 including valvetrain etc. The motor consumed over 75% of my time haha.

You are lucky to be using SolidWorks, it seems to be the a popular software package in the industry. I have used: UGNX, Solidworks, Catia, Pro-e, Inventor, IDEAS, and other various 3D modeling packages and Solidworks is by far the most user friendly.

Bringing this biotch back up. I'm back in the class cause my major allows me to take it twice. I'm really liking the sheet metal intakes that have been posted here. I have a project proposal due in 10 hours and I think I might pull the trigger on a rectangle port manifold that I could bolt up to my truck. Don't know how I will physically make it but it will be cool to design it in solidworks and do flow analysis on it. What do you guys think?