Webb 'Chevy" V8
A look inside the prototype electric small block.
If you’ve never heard of Webb Motorworks in Victoria, BC, well, you’re probably not alone. Not a big name like Edelbrock or Holley, Webb is a small manufacturer of performance parts. In reality, Webb Motorsports aren’t really a manufacturer of performance parts at all. Chris Webb is more of an innovator, a dreamer, and an inventor. Years back, he created what he called the “Webb Flatty.” It was never my thing, but it was one of the most successful attempts to disguise a small block Chevy V8 as a Ford flathead that I had ever seen, even to this day. The pieces look to be of quality construction, and they’re functional. The Chevy water pump is removed and replaced by an adapted version of a pair of Flathead water pumps, and the distributor is removed and replaced by hidden coil packs. The spark plugs are covered, the wires are re-routed, and the intake manifold is capped with a flathead disguised spacer and three Stromberg 97’s. Honestly, most people would have to really take their time and look to spot the Chevy under all those pieces of cast aluminum. Not only did he create a V8, but also a V12 and even a gigantic V16.
Piece count goes up, and I’m sure price does too, but a V16 with the reliability of any old 350 looks pretty impressive under a long hood. I guarantee it makes maintenance and repair more involved, and it does absolutely nothing to improve performance, but it’s still pretty incredible to see something like this. Chris Webb is still out there, but this time, he’s making something look like the very same Chevy V8 that he spent all those years trying to hide.
With gas prices sitting at almost half of where they would generally be, it seems preposterous for me to be writing about an electric car. It also feels preposterous to be writing about an electric car, as I have a general dislike for them, but this is technically not an electric car, it’s an electric crate engine. Being as I’m not the electric car guru, I won’t tell you about the technology, because I don’t understand it. What I will say to you is that he’s bundling an electric motor and a bunch more gadgets into a cast-aluminum V8 shell that will make two hundred and fifty-seven foot- pounds of torque at any RPM up to three thousand. That may not sound impressive, but it’s flat, off-idle, usable torque. To personalize, you can cap it with your own air cleaner, which is functional as an intake for the fan that helps cool the already liquid-cooled electronics. It also takes any straight-pattern valve covers, and unlike your traditional Chevy V8, this time, there’s nothing in there that can leak out. It will accept any exhaust manifold or header as well, and there’s no combustion, so the chrome won’t discolour from heat. The only downside I see is the possible size of the battery pack(s) and the lack of that V8 sound. Rather than direct drive, it will bolt to any transmission with a GM bell housing. I’d recommend the TH350, so at least you still have one puddle under the vehicle. Chris Webb specializes in making fake engine covers and an electric car motor. Two things I didn’t think I would ever be a fan of, yet I’m a huge fan of what he’s doing.
Have a question or comment for Kelly? Post it at lmtimes.ca/kirk
