Engine Builder's Notebook

What do you use to log everything about the engines you build? Do you have software or paper forms? There's a ton of measurements that need to be recorded. So what do you use?
I posted in the Advanced Tech because usually only the advanced builder keeps a notebook of EVERY spec of their engine.

I made an excel spreadsheet this last time. I also have all the teardown & rebuild pics organized in a folder with subfolders.

Would you be willing to share your spreadsheet?
TIA

I have a buildsheet that I can post on here, will do tomorrow.

I just write everything down. Some sort of organized format is a good idea. Never really thought of it in the past though.

Rich

Dam, I just do everything in my head. I can't sleep at night if it's not right so I have to do it right!!!!!!

Seriously writing it down is a dam good idea, there are a ton of clearances you need to check just make sure you check them all and they are in spec. Guys who do it all the time know what that part should be so they can be a little more lax about it, but then again if you can't name off all the parts in every motor you build you NEED A SPEC SHEET.

Bret

I use a legal pad and write everything down, during blueprinting I typically go through 2-3 different combinations of bearings before I find what I like. So its numbers everywhere.

Afterward I write all the numbers down in an organized build book that I supply the customer upon request. Most aren't interested but some are, so we do that for them. I also keep a copy with my records, attach cam card, piston spec card, balance card and anything else critical to that assembly. I also have a page on the build book for notes to record anything specific to that build or a certain customers needs or how a cam was timed etc.

Its a lot of writing but I can't see doing it any other way.

Would you be willing to share your spreadsheet?
TIA

I'll see if I can put it on my web site tonight and make a link to it.

OK here it is. Some of the clearance fields are calculated, some are not. Just check the cells before you put a number in there if not sure.

Right click and do a "save as" to download.
http://home.earthlink.net/~kwkrahl/Engine%20Measurements.xls

Kevin! that is a sweet spread sheet. Although I don't have MS excel I'm going to get it and use this very well written and organized build sheet.
thanks!!!

karl ellwein
Ellwein Engines

OK here it is. Some of the clearance fields are calculated, some are not. Just check the cells before you put a number in there if not sure.

Right click and do a "save as" to download.
http://home.earthlink.net/~kwkrahl/Engine%20Measurements.xls

If it helps you keep things organized than it is a good sheet. Thats what really matters here.

Good sheet and thanks for sharing it.

Here check this .xls out:

It says 351W; I was using it for my Mustang, but, just name it whatever.

2 tabs on the bottom.

You'll have to change a couple things around with the rod widths since Chevy shares different ones.

http://paradox.shacknet.nu/dave88lx/87mustang/351W%20Blueprint.xls