oakley6575

iTrader: (3)

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

30th t/a

iTrader: (51)

How bout a twin turbo kit?

The Mighty Texan

iTrader: (4)

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.

Pocket

iTrader: (22)

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

What program are you learning?

oakley6575

iTrader: (3)

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.

Pocket

iTrader: (22)

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

mark21742

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

NovaKid

^^

mark21742

Well he said he wanted a challenging project

i6overboard

iTrader: (3)

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.

SlIm95

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.

1-kwik-6

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?

oakley6575

iTrader: (3)

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

Gordon0652

iTrader: (4)

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:



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...

mark21742

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!

wildcamaro

iTrader: (15)

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

oakley6575

iTrader: (3)

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.

Pocket

iTrader: (22)

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

mebuildit

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

Rare96LT1Formula

iTrader: (32)

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.