Specifications of Chevy SB2 Race Engines

For the past 50 years the V-8 Chevrolet small-block, in its various incarnations, has been the foundation for NASCAR, late model and sprint car circle-track auto racing. Evolved from the 1955-model 265 cubic-inch original, the Chevy SB2 powerplant is the epitome of modern race car engines.

History

• While Chevrolet produced a V-8 engine in 1917, the modern V-8 small-block was developed by Ed Cole and his engineering team in 1955. The original 265-ci engine provided the basic architecture for the Chevy SB2 racing motor.

Original Features

• The 1955 small-block 265-ci engine's pushrod, in-head-valve design was ahead of its time with its double intake ports. It provided the basis for the SB2 motor, which can still be bolted into a 1955 Chevy with very little drilling. The two engines have the same bearing size, bore spacing and casting configurations.

Modern Features

• The 265 shared many features with the SB2, including thin-wall castings with stamped out steel rocker arms utilizing spherical pivots. Hydraulic lifters with hollow pushrods providing oil to the cylinder head are a mainstay of the SB2, along the slipper-skirt aluminum pistons. The 1955 production motor produced 180 horsepower when equipped with a four-barrel carburetor. The bored-out and modified SB2 can generate up to 900 hp.