How much tinkering on an sbc?!
Discussion
Hi guys, I’ve been considering pushing the button on a gtr for some time, have found one for sale that I love, but it’s an sbc. Everything about the car is spot on snd I’ve had a chat to Charles Dunn so I know it’s a great car. However.... I’m not a tinkerer and am concerned I’m making the decision based on heart rather than head!
So the Q is, for those who have owned sbc cars, is it a realistic proposition for someone with a limited amount of mechanical expertise and time? And what kind of things need ‘tinkering’ with? I’ve read all the threads on here and all I can see is ‘don’t buy an sbc unless you’re a tinkerer ‘ without any detail around what that actually entails. Whilst it’s a track toy / weekend car, I do need it to be reliable!
Thanks in advance!
So the Q is, for those who have owned sbc cars, is it a realistic proposition for someone with a limited amount of mechanical expertise and time? And what kind of things need ‘tinkering’ with? I’ve read all the threads on here and all I can see is ‘don’t buy an sbc unless you’re a tinkerer ‘ without any detail around what that actually entails. Whilst it’s a track toy / weekend car, I do need it to be reliable!
Thanks in advance!
Thanks chaps. However I guess I was after a little more advice around how much general day to day / at track fixing / fettling it needs to keep it running reliably (apart from the usual track day prep)? Assuming of course that it’s regularly maintained and set up by a specialist.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Boosted LS1 said:
It won't need fettling once settings have been established. No more then any other daily driver even if it's on the track. You may experiment with tyres, suspension and handling but the engine should just run and run.
Yup, In the 15 plus years I have had my SBC, I changed the oils, plugs, plugs leads. Had one ignition module fail in the HEI distributor which was a super easy fix. A well setup one is really easy to look after and very simple to troubleshoot. Obviously, if you are on the track you will need to keep an eye on the rev limit and watch out for oil control. Hardcore track work really needs a dry sump - but that would be the same for most engines you could put in an Ultima. I have an oil accumulator which helps alot, but it is possible to out brake it
The downside is they can be a bit weepy oil wise and my Holley vacuum secondary was a bit agricultural in both smell and fuel consumption. I upgraded to Holley fuel injection because I was bored and wanted a project and that has made it a lot more tractable, a lot less smelly.
I will eventually upgrade to an LS/LT (see above re boredom and projects) and I will dry sump.
But that's not to say there is anything wrong with the SBC - a well-specced and sorted on is a fine engine, just overshadowed by the newer and admittedly very good LS's.
Boosted LS1 said:
It won't need fettling once settings have been established. No more then any other daily driver even if it's on the track. You may experiment with tyres, suspension and handling but the engine should just run and run.
If you run an SBC it depends on the state of tune as to how much maintenance it needs. My GTR had a 570bhp engine which even for a 6.3L is a high state of tune for the old technology. It’s recommended by Charles Dunn to change the oil every 2,500miles - as well as before and after any track mileage - and the valve springs need changing every 5,000 miles. You also need to check the Accusump actually works correctly and doesn’t have a solenoid issue and if the car has an MSD ignition unit there is a sensible rev limit set on it - not the default 10,000rpm.if the sbc has a carb, distributor, points, solid lifters and as stated a high state of tune then you're going to need to stay right on top of it. to the other extreme if it's equipped with a well-tuned ECU hydraulic lifters and something below 500 H.P. with regular oil changes and sparkplugs every 10.000 miles you should have little to worry about.
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