3D Model of the Solex Intake

[AidanDawn2000]

Brian may be able to give some advice on manufacturing methods as well. He owns a full on cnc shop.

[BBF Roadster]

Straight tubes at angles will produce elliptical holes that won't match the head or carbs.
I couldn't see an easy way around this problem, maybe someone has a solution.
Thanks
Scott

[Vinnyz]

Straight tubes at angles will produce elliptical holes that won't match the head or carbs.
I couldn't see an easy way around this problem, maybe someone has a solution.
Thanks
Scott

I would think that a CnC'd thick flange can compensate for the transitions?

[Solex68]

I haven't followed this for a while but I do back up your idea 100%.

The best thing about 3D printing as you can make changes easily. For linkage, I am sure there is something already out there that you will be able to work with and adapt your manifold, to bolt that linkage on it.

There are already 3d printers that print in metal and once your design is complete you may be able to someone print it for you. I never looked at the cost to have something printed in metal but if it is affordable I would design a new Solex manifold as well, and maybe I still will, just for fun and to see what bonus feature I could bring to the intake.

Porsche is now printing older car parts in 3d so why can't we

[Pjackb]

Hey Scott,
Where are you with this project?

[BBF Roadster]

I've been side tracked recently with (wife's) Spring Break vacation to Paris and my appendix removal right after that.
I'm recreating an exact copy of the Solex intake that I'm planning to have 3D printed in metal, depending on cost.
If printing proves to be too expensive, then I will move forward with my hand built intake.
Thanks for the nudge.

[fj20spl311]

You might look into sand casting....The molds can be 3D printed....used to be pretty cost effective.

[boxcar]

Hey thanks for the drawings , dimensions and info. I have a small machine shop in Astoria Or.
I'm always on the hunt for new projects to burn the dead time in the winter months. I may tackle an intake project this winter as long as you don't mind me sharing some of your research.
Intakes are not rocket science but do need to be done correctly. Your on a good track.
I have several L series Cannon Solex / Webber / Dellorto intakes in the shop. I have often looked at them and wished they had offered the same intake for the U-20.
Thanks again for sparking the mad scientist genes in me. I applaud your efforts and just shake my head at your detractors...... Carry on .PLEASE!

[spl310]

Boxcar, I am willing to bet that you could use an L intake and modify it to work on a U20.

[Mattk]

Okay so I just stumbled into this topic. I need to reread it but just off the top of my head here are some manufacturing methods that might work. I played with some of these in school.
1 metal powder
A- can be produce via laser slintering (some might call this 3D printing or SLS)
*parts can be very brittle and porous
*moderatly expensive
B-pressed then heat treated
*parts are remarkably strong and accurate but dies are expensive
*crankshaft bearing caps are produced this way in many engines
2 Metal FDM (fuse deposition modeling)
*accuracy can be an issue and strength relies on quality of layer bonding
*expensive!
*Mainly for touchy-feely prototyping
3- CNC
*Accurate and strong.
*more option for material ie aluminum vs steel or other alloys
*cost can be low or high. Number of manufacturing operations really dictates cost
4- Investment Casting
1 Wax/plaster mold
*very accurate. Requires little to no post machining depending on complexity
*dies are expensive for wax but
*Wax can alturnitivly be produced via 3D printer economically for low quantity runs
2 Wax/sand mold
*moderately accurate. Require more post machining for most productions
*dies are expensive for wax but
*Wax can alturnitivly be produced via 3D printer economically for low quantity runs
5 Sand Casting
*Not very accurate. Requires significant post machining
*economical if machining is not extensive

I’m sure that I’m forgetting something but again just off the top of the old noggin. I think your best bets are:
CNC for ease of iteration and accuracy and material selection
Sandcasting for cost if run is larger and model is final
Wax/Plaster Investment Casting for cost and iteration for smaller runs
3D printing (SLS) but strength might be an issue

Just a hay penny more than two cents

Cheers
Matthew

[ggouveia]

Good Morning Gents,

Did anyone post the CAD files for this manifold.....just picked up a 3D printer and wanted to try to carry on with this chain. I'm thinking fab in plastic and cast in sand. Any thoughts?