Big-Block, Little Bricks: Check Out This Full-Scale Lego 454
The act of building an engine is a rite of passage for many enthusiasts. The first startup, when something you created from parts comes alive and produces power on its own, is often an emotional moment. Of course, there are people who revel in the process rather than the result, and I have never seen a better example than this nearly full-scale replica of a Chevrolet 454 engine made exclusively from Lego bricks.
According to the builder, Evan Koblentz, this was a project he undertook in 2020 and 2021 just to see what was possible. The result is a relatively functional representation of an engine that captures many of its more complex parts, and well, at that.
It’s not a perfect 1:1 scale, but that likely would not be possible, given that Koblentz limited himself to the use of 1970s and 1980s-era “Expert Builder” bricks to achieve his vision. This meant that rounded shapes were all but out: The “pistons,” for example, are flat, square plates. The limited choice of bricks doesn’t stop the pistons from reciprocating: The crankshaft rotates, driven by small electric motors mounted to the front of the engine model.
Above the crankshaft is a brick-built camshaft that lifts a set of sixteen pushrods that actuate 16 valves. Interestingly, the distributor is one of the items that is closest to the real thing, as it holds switches that control eight small LED lights that light up as if they were spark plugs firing. The model even has electronic ignition: The sensors and LEDs that replicate the ignition system are switched on and off by a Lego control panel that uses code running on a 8-bit computer.
As if building the engine model were not enough, Koblentz also assembled a working flywheel and clutch setup, along with a four-speed transmission with reverse. The transmission shifts pretty easily through all the gears thanks to the hand-operated clutch, and the ratios even look pretty accurate.
If this whole project has you wondering when it will go into a car made of the same dimpled bricks, don’t hold your breath. In the frequently asked questions portion of his website, which is dedicated to Lego projects, Koblentz has a clear “no” next to the idea of building more parts or pieces to add to this model. Should he decide to, we suggest an 8-71 blower on top. After all, that’s the same thing we’d love to see on a real big-block.
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When I was a kid, you had maybe 20 different varieties of Lego blocks and you had to be pretty creative to make anything other than a multicolored cube. kids these days are spoiled
Still pretty cool though
TG – I’m the builder. I am 49, not a kid 🙂 and built this * entirely * from Lego parts of the 1970s-1980s.
I think anybody could’ve made a big lump in the shape of an engine, but you sir are a master. To make a BBC with a rotating assembly clutch, and transmission is spectacular. Bravo! 👏🏼
Thanks!
I have a stash of K-nex floating around… so no offense on the kid reference
Evan: ❤️👏👏👏❤️
49 is a kid. 😝. Great job, Evan!
OMG, who cares!
Not you, obviously.
Actually, it appears that many of us think it pretty cool! Not everyone appreciates skill and creativity, though.
Jealous? Remeber when your Mom sadi, “if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything?” This is that time.
Square pistons. Probably has more power than the actual Chevy engine. jk, Im a Ford guy. Pretty cool really
As part of the mindless Chevy/Ford challenge, now, if there is actually a Ford fan intelligent enough, build a Ford equivalent Lego model
Does your name refer to the number of pedals on your bike? 🙂
As someone who’s built Lego vehicles from Beetles and Minis up to the Titanic, I can truly appreciate the work involved in this. While kits have a certain amount of “working” features, this is an engineering marvel, especially considering the limitations of the older parts. Outstanding job!
Truly impressive on so many fronts: car guy, techie, creative mind! Fabulous
Crazy! How long did this madness take to put together? I love it.
I loved Lego when I was a kid! Lego is still around today and it is amazing what they have today, everything from A-Z. This engine is awesome, good job!
I’ve got to ask how much “Legopower” does it make?
Instead of Horsepower.
All I can say is, “WOW! BRILLIANT!”
That’s a Big Block that will make you scream “Yoooowwll” when you step on it.
Quality humor.
Amazing!!!
I can only imagine the trial-n-error in building this and to “see if I could do it” and also something Covid-19 couldn’t stop. Hats off to you and your imagination.
Look out Lego Masters here comes Evan and he just blew by you with his vintage 454.
Sweet! I love car guys. And nerds.
Pretty cool! Now…let’s see him try it with DUPLO bricks!