Engine Integration
Fully dressed for fire-up, the engine is being lowered into the hull and prepared to be started
Personal Projects
When I'm not at work or school, I'm always working on something! Ever since I was young, I've always been fascinated by mechanical things, and that continues today in projects like vintage automobiles, boats, drones, and more.
1970 Mandella Short Deck
One of the biggest contributions to my practical mechanical education has been the purchase of a 1970 Mandella jet boat. Originally built for high performance boating and waterskiing, this boat had been stored in a barn for 21 years before I found it. Since aquiring the boat, some of the work I've done includes:
- Complete engine rebuild, with modifications such as a hydraulic-roller camshaft and digital ignition system.
- Rewiring of the boat's electrical infrastructure including gauges, pumps, and ignition systems.
LS6 454 Block Prep
After coming back from the machine shop, the block was extensively cleaned and prepared for assembly.
Finished!
After two summers of being down, the boat finally made it out to the lake.
Hydraulic Roller Valvetrain
The engine was retrofitted with modern-inspired high performace hydraulic roller camshaft and lifters.
Valvetrain Adjustment
Adjusting the valve lash after initial fire-up
Crankshaft Preparation
Ready to Fire!
Cam Button
In order to retrofit the hydraulic roller valvetrain, a phenolic cam button had to be designed and made.
"Complete" Boat
Cooling off after some evening ski runs.
Assembled 454 Short Deck
The "rotating assembly" of the engine freshly assembled
Marine V-Drive Bearing Housing
This custom designed bearing housing was designed to adapt a marine Walther V-Drive power tranmission unit from the original "gimbal" style input shaft, to a fixed angle input shaft with the addition of a pressurized oiling system to improve bearing life. I designed the housing in SolidWorks, and machined it using a manual lathe and CNC mill. The assembled housing was then installed and tested on the boat, and has been functioning flawlessly since!
Installed Bearing Housing
The part was installed in the boat's driveline, and has been working perfectly!
Machined Bearing Housing
The housing after lathe and mill operations, ready for finish work.
Housing Lathe Progress
Bearing housing partway through lathe operations.
Bearing Housing Raw Material
Prior to machining, the aluminum stock material was measured and prepared for lathe work.
Bearing Housing SolidWorks Model
CAD model of the housing.
FPV Racing Drone
After taking interest in UAV's, I built and flew an FPV racing drone to gain more experience in small flying vehicles as well as component selection, wiring, and configuration.
1996 Dodge Ram 2500
Since purchasing my first car, I've taken on a number of projects related increasing the performance of the engine, powertrain, and suspension of the vehicle.
Some of this work includes:
- Engine modifcation for greater performance, including injection pump, valvetrain, and turbocharger components.
- Front and rear differential swap (larger diameter ring and pinion, limited slip differentials).
- Suspension modification featuring modern-style trackbar, custom swaybar mounting points, and increased ride height.
-Installation and wiring of multiple engine monitoring systems including exhaust gas temp (EGT), manifold pressure, and transmission temperature.
- Complete interior overhaul including new dashboard, seat upholstery, stereo wiring, sound dampening material, etc.
- 6 speed manual transmission swap (in progress).
Various Design/Machining Projects
Throughout the years of various projects, I've had the opportunity to design and machine a bunch of neat parts for myself or friends!
