Hot Rods Dressing a SBC to look more Traditional

This thread makes me want to disguise a 400 SBC to look like a '57 265 ci in chartreuse yellow. The 2 barrel version in dad's '70 Impala had torque!

 

Nice depiction of a traditional look V8. this is what an original motor looked like for us in 1955 and was one of the most popular conversion motors.

Hello,

Traditional has many meanings to different folks. Since the SBC is acceptable in all most circles, we can’t please all of the people all of the time. but hot rod history, including the Flathead was first. But, in the time period starting with the introduction of the Chevy v8 265 motor, it became a popular motor to use in any application, including farmers crop watering power for their rows of troughs.

So, if the flatheads can move over, the SBC motor is the traditional motor for most hot rod/drag race folks. Easy to find parts, build is like other OHV motors and the stock color of orange definitely makes it an original.

My first hot rod with a Flathead had good normal level road power and reliability. But, with the back loaded with surfing/camping and other beach paraphernalia, it soon became underpowered to make any steep roadway, without downshifting to 2nd or even first. So, with teenage money not available, the v8 Chevy motor was out of reach. Yikes! Boy, I could have used an extra 80 hp…

Jnaki

When we were ready to decide how and what to build, the flathead motor was not even considered. we started with our Chevy V8 motors that were available. the 265 would put us in a lower gas coupe and sedan class, but be super reliable for the daily driver to high school and back.

So, we skipped the 265 motor and in 1959, went to a 283 SBC with Strombergs only and 1960 with the 671 + Strombergs. But, the SBC motor we ended up with was a 283 version that was orange, again. Plain, stock and ready to be assembled with our selected parts. At first, the orange valve covers were the standard. But after we had put it together, my brother surprised me with a set of finned aluminum valve covers that lasted through two builds and one rebuild to a new 292 c.i. version for our final hot rod Willys Coupe.

We like to think this is traditional SBC power for a Gas Coupe/Sedan Class competition.

Prior to the 671 supercharged, blower spec SBC motor, the 6 Strombergs were by themselves on the 283 version of the SBC motor. That too, was traditional in some drag racing circles. YRMV

Yes, for us, it was late 1959…