Flat plane crank. - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

mgbrv8 · 12-09-2015

It looks like these guys are making a flatplane crank for the gentleman in Germany that put the LT5 in a Opel. Very interesting

Dave Hetrick

mgbrv8 · 12-09-2015

He had a oil pump fail and it took out the factory crank

Dave Hetrick

FU · 12-09-2015

Sam CH ZR1 comes to this site once in a while as well the Corvette forum. I'm pretty sure that he is the wrench on this car.

WARP TEN · 12-09-2015

Didn't Kevin in Chicago try a flat plane crank? Kevin, maybe you can chime in . --Bob

A26B · 12-09-2015

I am working with Norbert as the go-between with Moldex to make the flat plane crank. I consulted with Graham for Norbert about flat plane cranks before ordering from Moldex. Before talking to Graham, I had no idea there are two different designs of flat plane cranks for a V8. One has alternating rod throws, the other has the center two throws on the same side. The application depends on the type of intake, common plenum or isolated banks which includes individual cylinder throttle bodies.

No question the oil pump failed but it may have failed due to the main bearings. The thrust surface of #3 was gone and #2 & #4 were toast. The main bearing failure could have allowed excessive crank walk & vibration which destroyed the oil pump. The likely scenario is oil starvation initiated the main bearing & rod bearing failure, precipitating the oil pump catastrophe. In either regard, the last I spoke with him, a dry sump oil system is in the rebuild plan.

Norbert is in pursuit of a really hi-revving engine with the lightest possible rotating mass.

As a side note, the main journal studs developed by Todd Pepmeier will be used in the new engine.

When I came to the ZR-1 arena, as a johnny-come-lately in 2002, there were less than a dozen 415 LT5's and even fewer 385's, 368's being the more popular modification due to cost. The continuing development of the LT5 modifications for the masses is incredible, with displacement pushed upwards to 440 & more economical than ever. It's the little engine that could.

secondchance · 12-09-2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by A26B

One has alternating rod throws

- Ford's new Voodoo?

Quote:

Originally Posted by A26B

the other has the center two throws on the same side.

- True boxer configuration?

I truly look forward to hearing of completed boxer LT5. I wonder if the resulting engine sound will be similar to "ripping canvas" sound of italian boxer engines.

tpepmeie · 12-11-2015

What's the stroke on the new crank? Lots of counterweight, compared to the Lotus FP cranks. The LeMans race cranks were 92.4mm stroke, which is actually quite big for a FP configuration.

LGAFF · 12-11-2015

Quote:

Originally Posted by secondchance

- Ford's new Voodoo?

- True boxer configuration?

I truly look forward to hearing of completed boxer LT5. I wonder if the resulting engine sound will be similar to "ripping canvas" sound of italian boxer engines.

Boxed LT-5 was already done.....it was built on a fuel economy play however....

rkreigh · 12-11-2015

there was a lotus race car recently for sale on ebay that had a small displacement short stroke lt5 with a flat plane crank engine and a carbon fiber "calliope" style manifold with a cool air box and scoop on top that stuck out above the car

engine was reported to make 700+ hp at over 8k rpms

car was a mid engine setup and looked to be very well engineered

wonder if graham can tell us a bit more of the r&d work that went into that engine

the crank is definitely lighter and less windage and if the 526 HP the litte voodoo cranks out and the Ferrari faithful mondelloo stalions have to say that there really is something to the efficiency and strength

the voodoo goes to 8200 rpms and looks like a pretty spiffy little deal.

XfireZ51 · 12-11-2015

Jerry,

That modifications continue to push the limits of the LT-5 is just a testament to the forethought and engineering put into the motor. It's also a testament to a small community of enthusiasts and their ingenuity to keep this motor relevant.
Maybe someday, the rest of the automotive world will appreciate the importance of this motor in the history of Corvette.

12-09-2015	#5
A26B Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Arcadia,OK Posts: 3,394	Re: Flat plane crank. I am working with Norbert as the go-between with Moldex to make the flat plane crank. I consulted with Graham for Norbert about flat plane cranks before ordering from Moldex. Before talking to Graham, I had no idea there are two different designs of flat plane cranks for a V8. One has alternating rod throws, the other has the center two throws on the same side. The application depends on the type of intake, common plenum or isolated banks which includes individual cylinder throttle bodies. No question the oil pump failed but it may have failed due to the main bearings. The thrust surface of #3 was gone and #2 & #4 were toast. The main bearing failure could have allowed excessive crank walk & vibration which destroyed the oil pump. The likely scenario is oil starvation initiated the main bearing & rod bearing failure, precipitating the oil pump catastrophe. In either regard, the last I spoke with him, a dry sump oil system is in the rebuild plan. Norbert is in pursuit of a really hi-revving engine with the lightest possible rotating mass. As a side note, the main journal studs developed by Todd Pepmeier will be used in the new engine. When I came to the ZR-1 arena, as a johnny-come-lately in 2002, there were less than a dozen 415 LT5's and even fewer 385's, 368's being the more popular modification due to cost. The continuing development of the LT5 modifications for the masses is incredible, with displacement pushed upwards to 440 & more economical than ever. It's the little engine that could. __________________ Jerry Downey JERRYS LT5 GASKETS & PARTS http://www.jerrysgaskets.com 1994 *ZR-1*, Black/Black, Lingenfelter Aerobody, 416cu in, 3.91 gears, coil-over susp, Brembo brakes, etc. 2016 Black-Red, 3LT-Z51 Auto 8-speed.

12-11-2015	#7
tpepmeie Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Fishers, IN Posts: 815	Re: Flat plane crank. What's the stroke on the new crank? Lots of counterweight, compared to the Lotus FP cranks. The LeMans race cranks were 92.4mm stroke, which is actually quite big for a FP configuration.

12-11-2015	#9
rkreigh Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Alex VA Posts: 1,087	Re: Flat plane crank. there was a lotus race car recently for sale on ebay that had a small displacement short stroke lt5 with a flat plane crank engine and a carbon fiber "calliope" style manifold with a cool air box and scoop on top that stuck out above the car engine was reported to make 700+ hp at over 8k rpms car was a mid engine setup and looked to be very well engineered wonder if graham can tell us a bit more of the r&d work that went into that engine the crank is definitely lighter and less windage and if the 526 HP the litte voodoo cranks out and the Ferrari faithful mondelloo stalions have to say that there really is something to the efficiency and strength the voodoo goes to 8200 rpms and looks like a pretty spiffy little deal. __________________ 95 390 LPE ZR1 (505 rwhp) LSV = Lingenfelter Super Vette Twin Turbo 2003 Z06 (800 RWHP)

12-11-2015	#10
XfireZ51 Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chicagoland, IL Posts: 9,708	Re: Flat plane crank. Jerry, That modifications continue to push the limits of the LT-5 is just a testament to the forethought and engineering put into the motor. It's also a testament to a small community of enthusiasts and their ingenuity to keep this motor relevant. Maybe someday, the rest of the automotive world will appreciate the importance of this motor in the history of Corvette. __________________ [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]Former Membership Chairman Former ZR-1 Registry - BOD 1972 Corvette 4speed base Coupe SOLD long time ago 1984 Corvette Z-51/4+3 SOLD 1992 Corvette ZR-1 Aqua/Gray #474 SOLD 1992 Corvette ZR-1 Black Rose/Cognac #458 2014 Honda VFR Interceptor DX

12-09-2015	#3
FU Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Found Member Posts: 4,346	Re: Flat plane crank. Sam CH ZR1 comes to this site once in a while as well the Corvette forum. I'm pretty sure that he is the wrench on this car. __________________ Frank Urbo. NCM Lifetime member # 982 Registry Founding # 237

12-09-2015	#4
WARP TEN Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lake Bluff, IL Posts: 2,095	Re: Flat plane crank. Didn't Kevin in Chicago try a flat plane crank? Kevin, maybe you can chime in . --Bob __________________ 2016 Long Beach Red Z06 #10281 "POPS Z" 1995 Polo Green #409 "WARP TEN"--Haibeck 350/510 package, 4.10s, Hurst, Stock Exhaust with QTP Cutouts --Sold but still running strong 1993 Quasar Blue #161 "HIL KING" --Sold but still running strong, now with more than 120,000 miles 1967 Marlboro Maroon/Saddle Corvette Coupe 300 hp/4-spd --Sold a long time ago ZR-1 Net Registry Founding Member #95 NCM Lifetime Member Favorite Quote--Attributed to Mickey Thompson: "Too Much Horsepower is Almost Enough"