Small Block Chevy Builds >> How Many Do We Have? [Archive]

edwardb

05-06-2016, 03:03 PM

Agreed. Not very many. Obviously have no way to know what the actual count is. When the subject comes up, as you can imagine lots of strong opinions about it. Mostly that Ford engines belong in these. Go on a Corvette forum and ask about putting a SBF or BBF in one of those and see how that works out. :rolleyes:

You may think you'll never try to sell it (and maybe you won't) but I believe you'll find many buyers also expect a Ford engine. Just saying. But ultimately it comes down to it's your build. It's a replica and many things about it are far from the originals. Do it the way you want and go enjoy it.

GoDadGo

05-06-2016, 03:06 PM

We have a guy on the other forum making fast progress on a BBC roadster. Besides Randy (and now you!) no other SBCs come to mind.

Jeff

When I first called Factory Five, Dave Smith really pushed me to do a Ford powered build; however, I told him that my 383 & 6 speed needed a home because we lost our Z/28 in Katrina, but the engine and tranny didn't get wet. He gave me Randy's contact information and a few years later we took the plunge.

For the record, Randy has been an unbelievable reference source even though I've only talked to him once or twice.

GoDadGo

05-06-2016, 03:15 PM

For The Ford Purist:
I wouldn't be traveling down this path had my 1980 Z/28 not gone swimming in Hurricane Katrina.
The Heart and Soul of that car will soon come back to life in FFR #8,515.
Since I had that car since it was new, I doubt I'll ever sell my Factory Five MK-4!
My surviving daily driver (1995 C-4) is getting long in the tooth, but it's only 21.
Maybe I'll put a BBF / 429 or 460 in it when it finally gives up the ghost!

Mountain-Metalworks

05-06-2016, 05:26 PM

I've been following along on your build. I've done SBC's in many Jeeps with extremely positive results. Much like an FFR, ragtop Jeeps are VERY light and don't require huge horsepower. Use a pre-Vortech or Vortech TBI with a decent cam, headers, and new chip and you can make pretty decent power on the CHEAP. Or make it look pretty with long-runner intake and carb to make big power. 6-71 blower anyone? With literally millions of LS-powered cars and trucks built in GM plants, it's even easier nowadays to make big power out of lightweight GM engines, regardless of what you're putting it in.

Lots of haters out there, I completely understand why, and it's not even worth trying to persuade otherwise. But there's one thing nobody can argue with. The SBC is THE most supported engine in the aftermarket, and the LS platform has quickly become number 2. That doesn't mean Ford and Mopar don't make great engines, with great aftermarket support, but you still can't argue the facts.

I'll be adding another blasphemous LS-powered FFR to the registry very soon. LS376-525 GMPP crate engine backed by a T56. Let the hate mail begin, I'm expecting it and won't bat an eye. I built Jeeps with AMC 360/390/401 engines but switched to SBC's after a while. The animosity I received prepared me for what I'll get here too.

Good luck with the build and keep the posts coming!

-TJ

GoDadGo

05-06-2016, 06:52 PM

I've had nothing but support from the folks on this forum, but have had some Ford fellows give me some grief and that's okay, especially when I ask if I can see their cars and things get really quiet as they get into their mini vans or sedans.

We're Car Crazy down here in the South and it's a Run-What-Cha-Brung attitude. Wife's a Mopar Gal (Challenger) and son love's Chevy's and Pontiacs and drives a Camaro while I'm in an old C-4 Vette so we love them all.

I'll be posting another album as soon as I get the engine and and we hit the Go-Kart stage. Should be in 2 or 3 weeks depending if I can stay on schedule.

edwardb

05-06-2016, 07:43 PM

Debated whether to respond. Maybe I'll regret it, but here goes. "Hate" and "hater" are very strong words and IMO don't have any place here. The OP asked whether there are many SBC or BBC builds. The answer is no. There aren't many. That's not taking anything away from the GM offerings, how widely they're used, supported, etc. It's just not what most choose to do with these builds. And it does affect resale. Pointing these things out in response to a question doesn't make one a "hater" or a "Ford purist."

We're car crazy here in the north too. Last Tuesday night there were 300+ cars at our local Culvers for their weekly cruise night. I was at a car show today with an incredibly diverse mix of cars. Couple of Hellcat MOPARs, Roush Mustangs, a Fisker electric, Audi A8, Ferrari Testarossa, a gaggle of Cobras including a Daytona Coupe, just to name a few. I was parked next to an original 55 Chevy. No judging, no chips on any shoulders, just a bunch of car guys having a good time with their craft. This forum is no different if you let it be that way. But if you ask a question, it will be answered. You may or may not agree with every answer, but that's OK.

Jeff Kleiner

05-06-2016, 08:04 PM

Here's the BBC Roadster build:

http://www.ffcars.com/forums/17-factory-five-roadsters/517897-valin-s-roadster-build-8632-a.html

It's going to be a beast!

No hate for any engine combination here; heck, I've either owned or lusted for about everything! At the end of the day what we're building aren't Fords. Or Chevys. Or anything else. Just little hot rods so whatever makes you feel good is OK...if it doesn't make somebody else feel good they can build theirs differently :)

Cheers,
Jeff

GoDadGo

05-06-2016, 09:06 PM

Hey Gang,

I'm doing a Chevy Build because I had the engine and transmission sitting around since 2005. It was the heart and soul of my Beloved Resto-Mod 1980 Z/28 that went swimming in Katrina. If I didn't have a power plant, a 351-W or 392-W stroker would have been my engine of choice or possibly an LS3 with a front drive distributor to get a Ford Look.

What I'm thrilled about is that my Motor Mentor (Mr. Boyd Breaux / See Chevy Cobra Gallery) agreed to assemble my engine.

I've known this man since I was 19 and I'm now 53. Until very recently, the last time I saw him was a day or two before Katrina when he called me to come pick up my stuff because he thought this one was going to be worse than Betsy (1965). His shop was in Chalmette Louisiana which flooded twice, once for Katriana and then two weeks later for Rita.

How Cool It Is That At Age 73 He Was Willing To Do One More Project With Me!

Steve

bobl

05-07-2016, 12:03 AM

I've got to throw in my 2 cents. With the availability of aftermarket parts that exists now, many of us don't have any brand of engine. Mine resembles a Ford but doesn't have a Ford part in it. So I guess it's a replica? Edwardb, I believe you have a Dart (sbf replica) in your Mk IV. Mercury Marine for instance, sells their own engines, but they sure look like a Chevy. I personally chose to stay with a Ford (appearing) engine because it is a more natural fit with all the FFR parts available.

GoDadGo, you just need to machine some adapters and put some FE valve covers on that SBC!

Bob

pcww

05-07-2016, 08:44 AM

Steven,
I think we have a solution. Just make it look like a Ford engine. Genius. Best of both worlds for you.
Henry

Mountain-Metalworks

05-07-2016, 08:49 AM

Debated whether to respond. Maybe I'll regret it, but here goes. "Hate" and "hater" are very strong words and IMO don't have any place here. The OP asked whether there are many SBC or BBC builds. The answer is no. There aren't many. That's not taking anything away from the GM offerings, how widely they're used, supported, etc. It's just not what most choose to do with these builds. And it does affect resale. Pointing these things out in response to a question doesn't make one a "hater" or a "Ford purist."

Sincerely sorry guys, I had no intention of turning this post onto a sour note. Not at all. The 'hater' comment was very much in jest, I'm a horribly sarcastic person at heart. I don't want to take away from the original question that GoDadGo asked about how many SBC's are out there. The uniqueness of each FFR that's built, whether Roadster, 818, etc... is what makes these cars so interesting to build. There are currently active threads on a Ford 300 straight six and a 4 cylinder, both as potential engines for a '33. That's awesome!
There are purists in every sport, not just car building. Ask a Packer fan what they think of the Vikings or Bears. :)
So anyhow, my comments about 'haters' is fully based on previous experience putting GM engines in Jeeps, and the looks/comments I receive on the trail. The same as I expect from Ford purists for my FFR build. I'll just wink, smile, and ask if they are interested in an FFR brochure for a great car from a great company.

-TJ

p.s: I follow your builds closely Edward, keep up the good work!

edwardb

05-07-2016, 09:53 AM

Sincerely sorry guys, I had no intention of turning this post onto a sour note. Not at all. The 'hater' comment was very much in jest, I'm a horribly sarcastic person at heart. I don't want to take away from the original question that GoDadGo asked about how many SBC's are out there. The uniqueness of each FFR that's built, whether Roadster, 818, etc... is what makes these cars so interesting to build. There are currently active threads on a Ford 300 straight six and a 4 cylinder, both as potential engines for a '33. That's awesome!
There are purists in every sport, not just car building. Ask a Packer fan what they think of the Vikings or Bears. :)
So anyhow, my comments about 'haters' is fully based on previous experience putting GM engines in Jeeps, and the looks/comments I receive on the trail. The same as I expect from Ford purists for my FFR build. I'll just wink, smile, and ask if they are interested in an FFR brochure for a great car from a great company.

-TJ

p.s: I follow your builds closely Edward, keep up the good work!

It's all good. Thanks for your comments. Like I said in my very first response, it's a replica and many things about it are far from the originals. Do it the way you want and go enjoy it.

P.S. Not everyone likes red cars either. Someone told me yesterday after looking at mine Cobra's are supposed to be blue. Oh well... :confused:

GoDadGo

05-07-2016, 06:49 PM

Steven,
I think we have a solution. Just make it look like a Ford engine. Genius. Best of both worlds for you.
Henry

Hey Henry,

I did find FORD logo valve covers for a SBC.
I can get them in SCRIPT or the Blue Oval Logo!
What Cha Think?

Steve

pcww

05-08-2016, 06:32 AM

Steven,
You now have the answer. I think it will be fun to watch people when you are at shows trying to figure out the engine. They are going to stare at the valve covers then stare at the distributor and then stare at the exhaust and shake their heads. It will be worth a chuckle.
Henry

P.S. Blue Oval

rich grsc

05-08-2016, 08:11 AM

It's all good. Thanks for your comments. Like I said in my very first response, it's a replica and many things about it are far from the originals. Do it the way you want and go enjoy it.

P.S. Not everyone likes red cars either. Someone told me yesterday after looking at mine Cobra's are supposed to be blue. Oh well... :confused:
That guys full of it, (not a blue fan):p

Jeff Kleiner

05-08-2016, 09:18 AM

GoDadGo

05-08-2016, 10:33 AM

I painted one red & white for a customer. His son wanted it to be blue and was quite vocal about it. The owner told him that he'd wanted a red Cobra ever since 1965 and that when the son inherits the car he can have it painted it any color he wants but until he dies it will be red :)

Jeff

The GoDadGo MK-4 will be RED with no stripes.
We plan on tinting the primer a similar red as well so that the car will hide as many rock chips as possible.
If the Gel-Coat would have been any other color, then that would dictated the color of the car.
This will be a driver, hopefully a daily one, and way more fun than my motorcycle.

Remember That The Hot Rod Power Tour Starts In June!

Cruising The Coast Is In Early October So Come Down To The Mississippi Gulf Coast!

Finally, Cruising The Emeralds Coast Is In Late October Or Early November Down In Panama City Beach Florida!

Hottrodder427

05-08-2016, 02:13 PM

I'm doing a Fe build, can you say money???either way I've seen godadgo his car is awesome! I can't wait till they are all done and we can cruise

Paintwerks

05-09-2016, 03:15 AM

It's not a Factory Five, but I have a (supercharged) LSA in my Absolute Pace 427SC Cobra. It's the same crate motor that powers the ZL1 Camaro. LS's are extremely popular in Cobra's Down Under.

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n19/simon-richards/20151019_201807_zps409nz3sw.jpg (http://s108.photobucket.com/user/simon-richards/media/20151019_201807_zps409nz3sw.jpg.html)

skullandbones

05-10-2016, 12:52 AM

I'm planning a DIS for the 302 with LS style COP coils. It will be fun watching people scratching their heads to figure it out. Except for the exhaust configuration it could be a SBC looks wise. Some of the guys I know who own/built Cobras have been life time Chevy enthusiasts. I am one of those guys. 348/409, 327, 350, 427. I have a C4 Corvette now so it's hard to not love the Chevys.

WEK.

smithbks

05-10-2016, 06:53 AM

Steve,

Now everybody knows how crazy you are!! I'm still adamantly opposed to your Chevy - LOL :). Steve and I know each other a little and his passion about this project is so great it is infectious. Honestly, put whatever you want in it - even better that it has a story with heart and soul. But I still get to make comments about it!!!

I was hoping you'd get a little more ribbing for this, but the forum is too respectful for that.

I'm loving watching your build come together. I want you to race it against that T/A and tell me the results!
-Brian

GoDadGo

05-10-2016, 09:23 AM

Hey Brian,

It looks like this "Chevy Cobra Thread" is taking on a life if it's own so I'm sure that some ribbing will be coming my way so be patient.
Also please remember that "Mr. Ian O" and I will be taking you out to dinner the next time you come to N.O.L.A.
Mr. O said he'll be your Chauffeur so you won't have to ride in my long in the tooth C-4 or Pedro's Camaro or my wife's Mopar.
His Shelby GT-350 will be there ready to tote you around when you come to town.

Steve

NOTE: My Son Pedro Can Be Viewed On The Chevy Corba's Motor Gallery!

Jazzman

05-10-2016, 10:50 AM

Dad, build what you want! I think your reasons for going to "the dark side" are excellent. Based solely upon the 130+ cars at the Huntington Beach Cruise In, I don't think you will find very many going with the SBC, but who cares?!! (I think the exact number was zero.) It's your car. I am doing a tilt front. There are some who don't like it. OK. A bit of good spirited ribbing and laughter is a healthy thing. I look forward to watching your build anyway. There is always something more to learn here. Your build brings a new "color" to the FFR palate. To attempt to quote the NOLA motto, "Laissez les bon temps rouler": Let the good times roll! (And knock off the comments about dinner in NOLA, you are making me long for some of your city's great cuisine. It has been far too long since I have been to NOLA!!) :)

smithbks

05-10-2016, 01:41 PM

Steve,

June 7th-8th is on my calendar for the next trip. I can't believe you've got Ian on your side too! I can't wait to see it and meet everyone.

Brian

135fixer

05-12-2016, 07:06 AM

building a sbc for my 33 hotrod, cant decide on just my dual quads, or the old blower on the shelf, have built to many ls rods,

GoDadGo

05-12-2016, 08:23 AM

building a sbc for my 33 hotrod, cant decide on just my dual quads, or the old blower on the shelf, have built to many ls rods,

I almost ordered the 33 Hot Rod, but picked the MK-4 instead, but it was a tough call.
Are you going to run the 4/Link, 3/Link or New Independent rear assembly?
Also, I really wish Factory Five would do a 33 Rat Rod Truck!
That would be a cool variation that might be really popular.

skullandbones

05-12-2016, 11:04 AM

Hi Steve,

By now you know they are like the proverbial "hen's teeth". But only with a slight twist of fate and you could have been like the vast majority of builds if Shelby had gone with Chevy. Who knows: in that alternative universe you may have been a Ford guy with a prized SBF in your garage. God forbid; a Ford in a Cobra!

I've only seen one roadster with a BBC personally and none with SBC so you will be pretty unique.

Have fun,

WEK.

GoDadGo

05-12-2016, 11:52 AM

Had Carroll Shelby Not Put A Ford V8 In An AC Ace Then None Of Us Would Be Building These Beloved Monsters!
I've always liked being different, but Randy Jones did it first and then wrote the book on how to do the swap.
I just added an extra gear while using Coach Randy's playbook.
Best swap we ever did was a SBC in a Datsun 240-Z.
Half Shafts Were Tough To Keep Together!