breather/vent location options SBC

Dragsinger · 12-31-2009, 06:45 PM

for 35 plus years I have installed "breathers" in each valve cover and of course, some valve covers accommodate and seal better than others but overall, that set up is mostly what you see on sportsmen drag race builds.

So in a quest for options, I have the idea of putting two AN fittings in the "valley area" of the intake then using hoses to a remote breather tank. In doing so, there would be no openings in the valve cover. Oil fill would be some kind of threaded bung somewhere on the intake.

Of course we are talking about an intake that allows access to the valley area. [example, a Super Victor style intake]

Let me have your thoughts about this idea.

Kegracing · 12-31-2009, 07:52 PM

Larry,
Other than keeping things looking clean on the valve covers, can I ask why you want to do this? I fooled around with electric vaccum pumps several years ago on a bracket car, never saw any difference on my cheap bracket motors... but was something to fool around with. Just trying to better understand where you are going here?

Happy New Year.

Ken

Dragsinger · 12-31-2009, 08:08 PM

Ken, you are correct, it is an idea to consider for appearance reasons. Fabrication time and cost of supplies are not issues.

Simply looking for another, cleaner way to vent the engine. Even a more modern, high tech look but accomplishing the same thing, venting the crankcase.

I have in mind an aluminum vent can by Peterson or Steff's with a K & N breather and AN fittings. Maybe mounted on the front engine plate.

On my web site, click on the Ironsides Story to see the car for this engine.
www.woodfinautomotive.com

Adger Smith · 01-01-2010, 04:02 AM

Larry,
If you put in in the Valley I would consider putting it a little back from either end and near the center (L to R) Think of where the old 327 and 283 road draft cans were placed in the blocks. I would bet GM engineers think/know there is less dirty air(oil mist) in that area. Probably can't argue with that since they put such a simple device for oil control/crankcase breathing in Several, several, several million engines. :~)

tomcowle · 01-01-2010, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragsinger

On my web site, click on the Ironsides Story to see the car for this engine.
www.woodfinautomotive.com

Isn't the Transformer character named 'IRONHIDE' not 'ironsides'?

Dragsinger · 01-01-2010, 10:36 AM

Could be, but mine is" Ironsides." He is my personal & unique Transformer.

And it is a strange relationship. Ironsides has actuall transformed me into a better fabricator. Maybe more accurately, the project has put me on my toes about fabrication details.

In the past, I have built some very nice, successful drag race cars but this is a different direction for me.

Please check my web site from time to time for updated photos. The rear section work is just about finished so I will roll it outside for some photos.

12-31-2009, 06:45 PM	#1
Dragsinger VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Liberty City [East Texas] Posts: 1,759 Likes: 5 Liked 99 Times in 60 Posts	breather/vent location options SBC for 35 plus years I have installed "breathers" in each valve cover and of course, some valve covers accommodate and seal better than others but overall, that set up is mostly what you see on sportsmen drag race builds. So in a quest for options, I have the idea of putting two AN fittings in the "valley area" of the intake then using hoses to a remote breather tank. In doing so, there would be no openings in the valve cover. Oil fill would be some kind of threaded bung somewhere on the intake. Of course we are talking about an intake that allows access to the valley area. [example, a Super Victor style intake] Let me have your thoughts about this idea. __________________ Larry Woodfin 471W

12-31-2009, 07:52 PM	#2
Kegracing Member Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Red Oak, TX Posts: 441 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: breather/vent location options SBC Larry, Other than keeping things looking clean on the valve covers, can I ask why you want to do this? I fooled around with electric vaccum pumps several years ago on a bracket car, never saw any difference on my cheap bracket motors... but was something to fool around with. Just trying to better understand where you are going here? Happy New Year. Ken

12-31-2009, 08:08 PM	#3
Dragsinger VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Liberty City [East Texas] Posts: 1,759 Likes: 5 Liked 99 Times in 60 Posts	Re: breather/vent location options SBC Ken, you are correct, it is an idea to consider for appearance reasons. Fabrication time and cost of supplies are not issues. Simply looking for another, cleaner way to vent the engine. Even a more modern, high tech look but accomplishing the same thing, venting the crankcase. I have in mind an aluminum vent can by Peterson or Steff's with a K & N breather and AN fittings. Maybe mounted on the front engine plate. On my web site, click on the Ironsides Story to see the car for this engine. www.woodfinautomotive.com __________________ Larry Woodfin 471W

01-01-2010, 04:02 AM	#4
Adger Smith VIP Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Texarkana Ark/TX Posts: 2,348 Likes: 435 Liked 677 Times in 261 Posts	Re: breather/vent location options SBC Larry, If you put in in the Valley I would consider putting it a little back from either end and near the center (L to R) Think of where the old 327 and 283 road draft cans were placed in the blocks. I would bet GM engineers think/know there is less dirty air(oil mist) in that area. Probably can't argue with that since they put such a simple device for oil control/crankcase breathing in Several, several, several million engines. :~) __________________ Adger Smith (Former SS)

01-01-2010, 10:36 AM	#6
Dragsinger VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Liberty City [East Texas] Posts: 1,759 Likes: 5 Liked 99 Times in 60 Posts	Re: breather/vent location options SBC Could be, but mine is" Ironsides." He is my personal & unique Transformer. And it is a strange relationship. Ironsides has actuall transformed me into a better fabricator. Maybe more accurately, the project has put me on my toes about fabrication details. In the past, I have built some very nice, successful drag race cars but this is a different direction for me. Please check my web site from time to time for updated photos. The rear section work is just about finished so I will roll it outside for some photos. __________________ Larry Woodfin 471W