I'm working on a project car, and for a while I thought I had the engine decided, but now I'm not so sure. i was originally going to put a RB26 in it, but now I'm toying with the idea of a small block Chevy. Both engines are capable of the power I'm looking for, 800-1000, so that's not really a deciding factor.
RB26
Pros:
- Although more then there used to be, not a whole lot of people are running around with RB's, especially the 26.
- I already have the head and accessories, which made around 600 hp when pulled.
- If I want to turn it into a full drag car later on, the stock 26 block starts to crack at 1600 hp, and I'm not going to be using a stock block.
- The 26 in twin turbo format sounds amazing. Not a huge factor, but still a factor.
Cons:
- The head already has about $7000 invested in it, and between the bottom end, accessories I want to replace, and redoing some of the head, I'm looking at between $12000 and $18000 in engine alone before I have a complete 26 ready to be installed.
- Maintenance and repair costs will be pretty high for an imported engine.
- For what I could sell the head for, I could buy a complete SBC and still have some left over.
SBC (350 or 383)
Pros:
- Easy to find and cheap
- Will hook up to transmission easier (2 speed Powerglide)
- Much easier to find parts
- Better fitment since it is physically smaller
Cons:
- Won't turn heads, SBC's are everywhere
- If I want more power later, I will hit a wall and have to switch to a big block at some point.
- Kinda defeats the purpose to getting an old Z car.