SB2 Heads on an old school small block

[D1Camaro]

Hi Just kicking around some ideas. I now this has been done but im not sure how much extra this would entale. Does anyone know what would need to be changed or modified to install a set of SB2 heads on a SBC? I know the lifters, rockers, pushrods, headers,and intake would need to be change but will these heads just bolt up or do you need to make modifications to the block?
thanks

[jasonsnova]

pretty sure you have to run pistons made for sb2 heads to account for the different valve angles

[Blown353]

You've name just about everything... offset & keyed lifters, pushrods, rockers, headers, etc. Don't forget the intake & valley plate too.

Also, they have rather small chambers (they usually are about 12:1 compression ratio with flat tops) and thus getting them to work for a low compression setup for boost can get tricky-- I assume that's what you have in mind. I have seen a couple of custom piston designs made for low compression boosted SB2 setups and I wouldn't feel comfortable running them-- the ring pack & pin location did not look very sturdy to me.

[D1Camaro]

I didnt think about the piston or the compression. Thats going to cost alot.

[rocketman]

It's expensive to make it work, and the SB2 arent much better than a 18* head..

[Randy67]

I agree with Rocketman. When I was visiting a Nascar team's place, one of the guys was asked about using the used SB2 heads on a street small block, he said that the 18 degree or a good 23 degree head would do better than the SB2 head. Which team? Hint 4+4=?

[Samckitt]

Uh, 8?

Was this an internal behind-the-scenes visit, or just the normal visit anyone can get?

[Randy67]

It was more behind-the-scenes (it was work related). There were other tours going on that day as well, we just saw more than they did. :drool:

[wendell]

Randy,
Please elaborate as to why an SB2.2 head would make less power than an 18 or 23 degree head. FOr the life of me a can't think of a single attribute in an 18 or 23* set up that would covet over the SB2.2. Why do people spend thousands to roll the face angles, move push rods and valve centerlines when rules force them to run 23* stuff?

[pdq67]

Would the "splayed valve, mini BB" heads be easier to install?

pdq67

[rocketman]

An SB2 head just doesn't flow that much better, than a 18* head there have been many of the top head ports in the country work on them. There is only 15-30 hp difference depending on the cube motor, thats why most of the dirt late model guys still run a 18 or 15* heads still.

[BlindSideCustoms]

hey if you guys want info from 8 or any rcr teams my cousin is chocolate myers, was the gas man for dale sr i could get the dl haha.

[RSX302]

Being that my friends company deals with a lot of the top end heads, I could find out more details. One thing that I remember seeing is that with the 18-23* heads, when the center exhaust ports get heavily ported, they have an issue with heat between them...melt down. I think the SB2's have a little more meat...

[Randy67]

Randy,
Please elaborate as to why an SB2.2 head would make less power than an 18 or 23 degree head. FOr the life of me a can't think of a single attribute in an 18 or 23* set up that would covet over the SB2.2. Why do people spend thousands to roll the face angles, move push rods and valve centerlines when rules force them to run 23* stuff?

Per the guys we talked with, the SB2 heads (ported in house) are setup to run hard in the upper rpm ranges. This is where they shine. But in street engines, the 18/23 degree heads produce more power/torque in the low to mid range, where street cars can use it. The 18/23 degree heads also work in the higher ranges, but the SB2's are better there. The SB2's engines they had on chassis dynos idled just over 3,000 rpms, not exactly a usable street car idle speed. Maybe with different porting, they could be better for the street, I don't know. I figured they knew more about the SB2 heads than most of us, and with the added costs, the 18/23 heads seem to make more sense.

[rocketman]

Randy,
Please elaborate as to why an SB2.2 head would make less power than an 18 or 23 degree head. FOr the life of me a can't think of a single attribute in an 18 or 23* set up that would covet over the SB2.2. Why do people spend thousands to roll the face angles, move push rods and valve centerlines when rules force them to run 23* stuff?

also in a race only engine they aren't that much better, not worst they are alittle better, but no worth the hassle if you aren't using a SB2 block