bb vs sb
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8,117
Likes: 104
From: charlotte north carolina
bb vs sb
whats the difference between a bb and sb as to bellhouse size and bolt pattern and clutch diameter recommended? any other differences to be noted when comparing drive line components? my only experience is with sb, and i'm considering building a bb. what clutch would you recommend for a medium output bb?
jeff
jeff
Racer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 400
Likes: 11
From: Lubbock Texas
I can answer a couple of the questions.
BB & SB bellhousings are the same pattern & I believe that they are interchangeable. As far as clutches I believe that the BB used the larger 11" & the sb used both the smaller ( I think 10.5" ) & the 11" depending on the original application.
Hope this helps a little.
BB & SB bellhousings are the same pattern & I believe that they are interchangeable. As far as clutches I believe that the BB used the larger 11" & the sb used both the smaller ( I think 10.5" ) & the 11" depending on the original application.
Hope this helps a little.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,572
Likes: 51
From: Wichita Kansas
Here is the basic; BB and SB are the same for the bell housing and the dimentions from the bell housing to the front motor mount are the same. The cross section of the BB between the motor mounts are the same. The BB will sit higher and wider and approx 1.5 inches longer.
BB's are on the aversage 150 lbs heaver. Clutches depend on the application and output of the engine.
BB's are on the aversage 150 lbs heaver. Clutches depend on the application and output of the engine.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
SB motors came with a 10.5 and 11 inch clutch. They both use the same bellhousing and can use the same clutches. Which clutch is a matter of how hard you are going to abuse it and how much power you are sending through it.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 847
Likes: 0
From: Des Allemands LA
Even a straight six and 90 degree V-6's 4.3/4.8 have the same pattern and will bolt right up. Same deal for starters, just have to match the starter "foot" to what size flywheel you use. I'd look at everything closely, for peace of mind's sake and make sure you aren't trying to put an 12" flywheel in an 11" hole. Wasn't directing that last statement towards anyone personally but it was for others that may be following the post or have a similar situation. Good luck
Last edited by ltlevil; Dec 10, 2007 at 04:30 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 1,502
From: Little Rock AR
The larger and smaller setups can (and were) used on both BB and SB. The only thing you have to worry about is keeping them together. You can't mix and match. No big bellhousing with small clutch and or starter etc. It is all or nothing. 
BB or SB is not important.
-Mark.
BB or SB is not important.-Mark.
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