Inspirational work from a fellow Rennlister - CNC Billet Valve covers
12-10-2015, 02:49 AM
#2
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
There's a good reason that people turn to billet covers as the OE version is expensive $$$$
Fellow Rennlister, Maxem, works in engineering systems and decided to create some locally.
First he measured the originals and input the dimensions into Solidworks. He then printed a prototype.
Fellow Rennlister, Maxem, works in engineering systems and decided to create some locally.
First he measured the originals and input the dimensions into Solidworks. He then printed a prototype.
12-10-2015, 02:53 AM
#3
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Today I saw the final product. Wow! Elegant and a perfect finish match for my 1990 Aluminium intake runners. Next up is fitting and testing. Just thought I'd share as this is an amateur taking it to the next level.
12-10-2015, 03:17 AM
#4
Rennlist Member
Very cool. What about tapped holes for the spark plug wire clips?
12-10-2015, 04:14 AM
#5
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Mine were all broken so that wasn't a priority in the design. We can do them later with a drill and tap. So far we are up for USD 20 of materials and one hour of CNC machine time per cover. We need to reduce the latter to ever make this a commercial venture. Right now we are playing with purpose.
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12-10-2015, 02:56 PM
#13
Rennlist Member
Thread Starter
Great to see the interest guys. IMHO Maxem nailed the aesthetics. Next is the practical test.
I think the CNC shop priced on 25 sets i.e. enough for 25 cars. Unless the CNC time comes down this may not be a commercial venture. In which case we'd produce the sets as a one-off and sell at a modest profit to recoup Maxem's time.
An alternative if it isn't commercial is to share the solidworks file so others can get their local shop to produce them, assuming they do small runs.
Above all we're enthusiasts that get a kick out of pushing our own boundaries. We're not looking to become parts suppliers.
I think the CNC shop priced on 25 sets i.e. enough for 25 cars. Unless the CNC time comes down this may not be a commercial venture. In which case we'd produce the sets as a one-off and sell at a modest profit to recoup Maxem's time.
An alternative if it isn't commercial is to share the solidworks file so others can get their local shop to produce them, assuming they do small runs.
Above all we're enthusiasts that get a kick out of pushing our own boundaries. We're not looking to become parts suppliers.
12-10-2015, 03:46 PM
#14
Rennlist Member
Porsche no longer sells the mag covers and superseded them with the later aluminum ones.
I like what he has done. Very nice looking workmanship.
I had mentioned on another thread I have finally converted another foundry to manufacture mag parts. I will be working on a set of valve covers in magnesium with a new design to help prevent warping but if they aren't torqued down correctly even the CNC pieces will warp. It will be a while before I get something I can show as a prototype.
I like what he has done. Very nice looking workmanship.
I had mentioned on another thread I have finally converted another foundry to manufacture mag parts. I will be working on a set of valve covers in magnesium with a new design to help prevent warping but if they aren't torqued down correctly even the CNC pieces will warp. It will be a while before I get something I can show as a prototype.
12-10-2015, 04:11 PM
#15
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Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Cool! Can't wait to see what you come up with.
