The SB2 small block Chevrolet is considered by many to be the ultimate factory engineered version of the venerable engine family that was introduced in 1955. The SB2 first appeared in the NASCAR world in the late 199os and by the early 2000s had trickled down into all of the sanctioning body’s major touring series. Using many traditional small block parts from the deck of the block down and the best flowing and working set of cylinder heads anyone had ever seen for a small block up to that time, the piece was an interesting mix of exotica and tradition.
The cylinder heads with their evenly spaced intake and exhaust ports, revised valve angles, and extremely awesome flowing ports made lots of horsepower for Chevrolet teams until the engine was replaced by the R07 power plant about 10 years later. Currently SB2 engines have found their way into many drag race cars and other sportsman racing ventures. Anything that is “previous generation” in racing has little value so these motors can be had for relatively short money on the “power per dollar” scale, especially if you add boost or nitrous.
Knowing all that stuff we can tell you about the engine we found for sale on eBay. This SB2 was built by Dale Earnhardt Enterprises and according to the seller, it only has dyno time on it. On the face of things you may think that this engine made a couple of pulls and was then put up for sale. Right? Probably not. We’re not disparaging the engine by saying this but the reality is that “dyno time” in a NASCAR shop can mean hundreds of pulls testing carbs (which they still ran on SB2 engines) testing cams, testing oil, testing ANYTHING. The dyno engines may have a harder life than the show ponies that run the races.
No matter how many pulls or hours this thing has spent on the pump, we still think it is neat and those valve covers alone would stop people in their tracks at the track or at car shows.
Link: SB2 Built By Dale Earnhardt Enterprises only dyno time claimed
I machined the prototype water pump at EMP(Stewart) back in the day! Very nice piece!
Does Teresa know?!
Would look sweet in my \’55 Chevy!
I believe it. I sent 4 of these to Sweden! Very unique valve train. Unlike any other.