Why I'm MAKING a shovelhead Engine Model | Stirlingkit

In September 2021, our team launched the first miniature version of the FG-VT9 Panhead V2 engine. Once released, it's thought highly of by the majority of engine model enthusiasts. Since then, more and more people know us.

As a motorcyclist, I owned my first motorcycle when I was 18. I have a passion on engine power and speed. So I have been thinking of making my own engine for a long time. Rebuilding any engine is not easy if you do it properly. It's very expensive to have machine work done. The Cison FG-VT9 engine is my first try. Luckily it works better than I have expected. Actually, I was nervous and had no confidence that you would satisfy with the mini Panhead engine I made at that time or not. I wanna thank you again for your support. It's YOU who support me to keep going even though we are still such a young brand, compared to our predecessor. (Check out the story of our first engine here. ) And we have also received sincere suggestions on the 2nd generation of the V2 engine. So a year later, we use the start-up capital to produce the next new little shaking beast, the scaled classic shovelhead engine FG-VT157, which remembers and memorizes the old times of the historical development of motorcycle engines.

We still manufacture this new generation of the V2 engine by the all-metal CNC process. Silver is the main color of the exterior as usual, the most distinctive feature of the original shovelhead engine in our impression. In order to make up for the regret of the Panhead cylinder head, we redesigned the cylinder head with a V-shaped valve angle structure and a hemispherical combustion chamber.


This time, we're going to do something different from the Panhead engine and give the mini shovelhead a unique charm. We decided to forego the same 16.7mm bore and use a larger bore (20mm), longer stroke (25mm), and a single cylinder displacement of 7.85mL.
Regarding the rocker chamber cover, the full-size engine is formed in one piece, but we decided to change it to a split type so that it's more convenient for people to install and debug their loving v2 engine model. And chrome-plated the rocker chamber cover to make it look shinier, keep it brighter and cleaner.

Regarding the engine sound volume, I will keep it as loud as the old Panhead engine model. In addition, after the displacement becomes larger, the V2 engine will sound deeper, the idle speed will be lower, and the work will be more stable. A few of my friends, as engine machinists, love it and become excited about its good working performance.
And I find it costs more if we used a five-axis CNC machine tool to process the middle cylinder than the one we made before. So how much is this mini shovelhead engine model? We will see.


In the past, some users complained about the bad interference fit design of the Panhead engine because it was inconvenient for them to install and remove. Therefore our model engine engineers use a new method this time and change some designs on the crankshaft too. At the same time, the connecting rod also has a copper sleeve to make the engine more durable.

Most engine hobbyists hope that this v-twin engine can have an independent lubrication system there. I think it's a good idea too so I have reserved some DIY modification positions in the design for people who want to do some other projects later if possible, such as the place of the oil hole.


Regarding the gearbox cover, I design and extend the camshaft, so that the modified trigger can achieve precise ignition here. Of course, it can also be installed on the flywheel end.


Most of the users suggest us not using a large flywheel. So I will make it not that large as suggested but I think it's more refreshing and attractive if we can make a flywheel with the same proportions as that of a real full-size engine. What do you think?

Yes. I know what you're mostly concerned about, the electric starter, right? I feel bad about my mini Panhead not making a suitable electric starter in advance. It's a pity that it's hard to do that even though our team have tried many ways serveral times. After the engine was released, I started to find people want the electric starting than I have thought. So our team worked on it day and night. We did make a few versions of the starters but they worked not well and didn't meet my requirement. That's I had to put my plans of making a working electric starter on the shelf for a while. Don't worry. I won't give up making a workable electric starter on the mini Panhead. Therefore, to avoid this problem, I also replaced the pulley with a synchronous pulley, which is convenient for RC model car players to load the V2 engine DIY on the model car later. In this case, it will be easier for them to install an extra electric starter.



We have gained a lot of experience with the massive production of the first Panhead V2 engine. That means the shovelhead V2 engine will enjoy the better manufacturing technique and handier manufacturing process this time. I hope you will love the surprise when you receive the engine in the future if possible.

So that's it. I'm happy to share my engine-building diary with YOU, my old friend. I will appreciate it very much if you can give me some suggestions. In the future, I will update and release pictures and videos of the processing and manufacturing. Stay tuned...

Mr Xi

CEO of Cison Engine

It Runs Through Me

2022/11/15

Machining videos of the CISON Shovelhead V-twin engine parts.

Cylinder head

Cylinder Block

Crankshaft

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