Written by Ad OpsIntroduction
Motorbreath x Sour Face is a mostly sativa hybrid bred by the Barcelona-based team at Ripper Seeds, combining two of modern cannabis’ most influential fuel-forward lines. On one side is Motorbreath from Pisces Genetics, a Chem D and SFV OG descendant renowned for high-octane potency and gassy depth. On the other is Sour Face from Archive Seed Bank, an Archive staple celebrated for sour-citrus diesel notes wrapped in classic OG heft and resin.
The result is a cultivar with bracing aromatics, striking bag appeal, and performance traits that appeal to both enthusiasts and commercial growers. Ripper Seeds is known for curating elite, terpene-rich crosses, and this pairing leans into that reputation with layered fuel, lemon, and chem expressions. Given its lineage, this selection is typically fast to energize but carries the unmistakable heavy-hitting undertow of OG-derived cannabinoids.
According to SeedFinder’s cataloging, “Motorbreath x Sour Face (Ripper Seeds)” is explicitly listed as Motorbreath (Pisces Genetics) crossed to Sour Face (Archive Seed Bank). This documents a clean pedigree and aligns with reports from European growers who prioritize gas-dominant profiles with modern resin coverage. The cultivar’s mostly sativa heritage shows in growth habit and early effects, while its OG roots supply density and finish.
History and Breeding Background
Ripper Seeds emerged from the Spanish underground scene during the 2010s, developing a following for stable, terpene-forward hybrids that thrive in Mediterranean and controlled indoor climates. By pairing American elite clones and seedlines with European craft standards, they created a catalog known for loud nose, color, and impressive resin. Motorbreath x Sour Face continues that strategy, building on North American fuel chemistries that took dispensaries by storm in the past decade.
Motorbreath, bred by Pisces Genetics, has an established reputation as a Chem D × SFV OG derivative with a potent, no-nonsense profile. It often tests at high THC levels and is prized for both raw potency and dense, greasy trichomes. Sour Face, from Archive Seed Bank, leans into the Archive ethos of Face Off OG-based terroir blended with sour-diesel-style aggression, delivering a clean, acrid topnote that cuts through crowded menus.
Ripper’s decision to combine these two was rooted in market demand for unmistakably “gassy” cultivars with modern bag appeal. Parent lines like Chem D, SFV OG, and Face Off OG have repeatedly anchored award winners, and Sour Diesel-type profiles remain among the most recognizable in retail. The intention appears to have been a sativa-leaning effect arc coupled with OG structure and resin outputs suited for both flower and solventless extraction.
Genetic Lineage and Ancestry
The cross is explicitly Motorbreath (Pisces Genetics) × Sour Face (Archive Seed Bank), as documented by SeedFinder. Motorbreath traces to Chem D and SFV OG genetics, which are associated with high THC and a dominant gas/chem aroma. Sour Face is an Archive selection built around a sour lineage blended with Face Off OG-based stock, bringing sour-citrus diesel, pine, and OG funk.
From a trait-inheritance perspective, the Chem/OG side is known for dense, golf-ball to spear-shaped buds and above-average resin gland size. The sour-diesel-leaning side typically contributes elongation in flower and sharper lime/citrus top notes. Combined, growers can expect a plant that stretches 1.5–2× in early bloom and drops compact calyx clusters that stack into long, conical colas.
Ripper Seeds lists the variety as mostly sativa in heritage, which tracks with the sour-diesel influence and reported effect onset. That said, the OG backbone tempers the racey edge, often yielding a two-stage experience: a quick, bright lift followed by a deeper, body-centered calm. Phenotypes vary; some lean pungently chem-heavy, while others advertise louder lemon-diesel zest.
Appearance and Morphology
Motorbreath x Sour Face tends to produce medium-tall frames with a pronounced central cola and strong apical dominance unless topped. Internodal spacing is moderate, opening up with training to prevent microclimates in late flower. Fans are long-lobed, mid-green, and can darken with elevated magnesium feeding; late bloom may reveal anthocyanin streaks on sugar leaves in cool nights.
Buds develop in elongated spears with tight bract stacking, reflective of OG lineage but with an airy sativa trim around the edges. Expect heavy resin coverage by week 5, with trichome heads giving a greasy, almost wet sheen under light. Mature flowers show lime-to-olive hues with orange-to-amber pistils; some phenos express subtle lavender undertones when night temps drop 6–8°C below day temps.
Under strong LED intensity (900–1,100 μmol m−2 s−1 in flower), calyx inflation is pronounced and foxtailing is uncommon if environmental heat is controlled. In high-heat, high-PPFD rooms, slight fox tails can occur on the most sativa-leaning phenos, but airflow and VPD management minimize this. The finished bag appeal is striking: frosted exterior, minimal leafy protrusions, and “grease stains” on grinder teeth from abundant trichome lipids.
Aroma and Flavor
Aromatically, the cross lands squarely in the gas-diesel lane with complex layers. Top notes include sour citrus, lemon rind, and faint lime, quickly followed by sharp petrol, kerosene, and chem. Base notes provide earthy pine, warm pepper, and a whisper of garlic/onion from sulfurous volatiles, echoing Motorbreath’s savory backbone.
On the palate, the inhale is lemon-diesel with a clean, acrid snap, while the exhale resolves to OG pine and pepper. Some phenotypes add a sweet, almost Sprite-like citrus candy edge that persists on the tongue for 30–60 seconds. The aftertaste is unmistakably fuel: a bitter-zest pith with lingering chem-tinged resin.
During curing, the profile deepens notably between weeks 3 and 6 in jar. When dried at 60°F (15.6°C) and 60% RH for 10–14 days, testers consistently report a brighter lemon topnote and stronger “garage” gas mid-band. Disruption of curing conditions, especially RH swings below 52%, dulls the citrus and pushes earthy tones to the forefront.
Cannabinoid Profile and Potency
While lab data for this specific cross varies by phenotype and grow conditions, parent-line benchmarks suggest high potency. Motorbreath selections frequently test in the 22–28% THC range in licensed labs, with total cannabinoids often exceeding 25%. Sour Face lines from Archive-adjacent projects commonly land in the 20–26% THC window, delivering robust totals and minimal CBD.
Reasonably, Motorbreath x Sour Face is expected to produce THC in the 21–29% range, with total cannabinoids between 24–32% in dialed-in rooms. CBD typically remains below 0.5%, while minor cannabinoids like CBG often fall in the 0.5–1.5% range. THCV, if present, is generally trace (<0.2%), consistent with OG/diesel chemistries rather than African landrace derivations.
Potency spans depend on cultivation variables including PPFD, DLI, nutrient balance, and harvest timing. When harvested at 70–80% cloudy trichomes with 10–15% amber, many growers report a stronger body presence without sacrificing the sativa lift. A shorter harvest window (mostly cloudy with minimal amber) favors a clearer head and lighter body load but may slightly reduce perceived depth.
Terpene Profile and Chemistry
Dominant terpenes typically include β-myrcene, limonene, and β-caryophyllene, reflecting both the OG and diesel heritage. In well-grown samples, total terpene content often ranges from 1.5–3.0% by dry weight, with standout phenotypes pushing 3.5–4.0%. Linalool, α-humulene, and α/β-pinene are common supporting actors that shape pine, herbal, and floral layers.
Limonene contributes the lemon-zest zip, often quantifying at 0.3–0.8% in terp-rich batches. β-Myrcene supplies depth and earth, typically 0.4–1.0%, while β-caryophyllene adds pepper and “warm spice” around 0.2–0.6%. Pinenes (0.1–0.4%) lift the nose with forested brightness, and linalool (0.05–0.2%) smooths edges with a soft floral undertone.
Beyond terpenes, volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) play a decisive role in the “fuel” perception. Research has identified low-ppb thiols like 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol as key drivers of skunk/gas character, which dovetails with the chem/OG side of this cross. Although VSCs are seldom quantified on standard COAs, their presence is clear in phenos that open like a mechanic’s shop—sharp, sulfurous, and unforgettable.
Experiential Effects and Consumer Reports
Consumers consistently describe a fast-onset head lift within 2–5 minutes when inhaled, matching the mostly sativa heritage described by Ripper Seeds. The early phase is clear, euphoric, and focused, often paired with mild eye and cheek pressure typical of OGs. As the session progresses, a warm body float arrives, smoothing anxiety and anchoring the energy to a calm center.
At moderate doses (e.g., 1–2 small bong rip equivalents or a half-gram joint shared), users report enhanced task engagement, mood elevation, and sensory brightness. At higher doses, Motorbreath influence begins to dominate, deepening relaxation and, in some cases, ushering in couch-lock after 60–90 minutes. Newer consumers should note that the strain’s high cannabinoid density can feel more intense than fruity hybrids at the same weight.
Commonly noted side effects include dry mouth and dry eyes, with occasional reports of transient headrush in the first few minutes. Sensitive users may experience racey undertones at peak, particularly on phenos that lean sour-diesel in terp profile; pacing and hydration generally mitigate this. Overall duration spans 2–3 hours for inhaled use, with a heavier tail if consumption is aggressive.
Potential Medical Applications
While individual responses vary, the strain’s fast-onset uplift and strong body follow-through suggest utility for mood and stress modulation. The National Academies (2017) reported substantial evidence supporting cannabis for chronic pain, and more recent reviews indicate modest improvements in pain intensity compared to placebo. In practice, users often cite relief of tension-type discomfort and stress-related somatic tightness.
The limonene-forward sativa lift may be attractive for daytime use where motivation and mood are priorities. For some, this translates to short-term relief from low mood or apathy, though clinical evidence in depression is mixed and individualized. The deeper OG body notes can help settle agitation in the late phase, potentially aiding evening wind-down routines.
Appetite stimulation is frequently observed in chem/OG-rich cultivars, which some patients leverage for appetite loss. Nausea mitigation is anecdotal but commonly reported in fuel-dominant varieties with rapid onset. As always, medical use should be discussed with a qualified clinician, and dosing should start low, especially with high-THC strains like this one.
Cultivation Guide: Environment and Training
Motorbreath x Sour Face performs best in stable, high-light indoor environments or warm, low-humidity outdoor climates. Recommended flower PPFD is 800–1,050 μmol m−2 s−1, with a Daily Light Integral (DLI) target of 45–60 mol m−2 d−1. Maintain day/night temperatures around 77–82°F (25–28°C) day and 68–72°F (20–22°C) night in bloom, tapering to 72–76°F (22–24°C) in the final two weeks to protect terpenes.
Relative humidity should track VPD: aim for 0.8–1.2 kPa in veg (RH ~60–70% at 78°F/25.5°C) and 1.2–1.6 kPa in flower (RH ~45–55%). In late bloom, reduce RH to 40–45% to minimize botrytis risk on dense OG-influenced colas. Strong, even, laminar airflow above and under the canopy is essential—two to three canopy fans per 4×4 ft (1.2×1.2 m) area is a good baseline.
Training responds well to topping once at the 5th–6th node and again before flip for a flat canopy. Employ a SCROG net 6–8 inches above the canopy to support long colas through weeks 6–9. Expect a 1.5–2× stretch in early flower; flip when plants are 50–60% of the final desired height in confined spaces.
CO2 enrichment at 800–1,200 ppm can significantly increase biomass and cannabinoid totals when light and nutrients are non-limiting. In enriched rooms, ensure adequate dehumidification capacity—roughly 0.5–0.7 pints per hour per lighted square foot, depending on plant size and irrigation frequency. Keep leaf surface temperatures in check; use infrared thermometers to maintain 82–85°F (27.8–29.4°C) leaf temp at peak PPFD in CO2 systems.
Cultivation Guide: Nutrition, Irrigation, and Growth Stages
This cross behaves like a moderate-to-heavy feeder with pronounced calcium and magnesium demands typical of OG/Chem heritage. In coco or hydro, target pH 5.7–6.0; in soil, maintain 6.2–6.7. Electrical conductivity (EC) can run 1.2–1.6 in mid-veg, 1.8–2.2 in early flower, peaking at 2.2–2.4 in mid bloom if plants show robust uptake without tip burn.
A sensible NPK progression is 3-1-2 in veg, shifting to 1-2-2 as pistils set, and 0-3-3 through bulk. Boost calcium (150–200 ppm) and magnesium (50–70 ppm) in weeks 3–6 of bloom to prevent mid-leaf chlorosis and margin necrosis. Sulfur at 60–80 ppm supports terpene biosynthesis; silica supplements (50–100 ppm monosilicic acid equivalent) strengthen stems and reduce lodging.
Irrigation should be frequent and light in coco, targeting 10–15% runoff per day to prevent salt buildup. In living soil, use larger container volumes (7–15 gallons) with well-aerated mixes (30–35% perlite or pumice equivalent) and top-dress with balanced organics around week 3 of bloom. Drip systems benefit from 1–2 gph emitters with pulse irrigation to keep media in the optimal oxygenation zone.
Vegetative growth of 21–28 days from rooted clone produces ideal canopy density for 8–9-week bloom cycles. Flowering typically completes in 63–70 days; some phenos finish as early as 60 days with a brighter, racier profile, while resin-swelled, OG-leaning phenos prefer 70–73 days for full flavor depth. A 7–10 day taper on EC and removal of heavy nitrogen late bloom improves burn quality and ash texture.
Harvest, Drying, Curing, and Post-Harvest Handling
Harvest timing is best guided by trichome maturity rather than calendar alone. Peak balance for this cross is commonly 10–15% amber, 70–80% cloudy, and the remainder clear. Pistils will have largely receded, and calyxes appear inflated; aromas intensify and shift from citrus-bright to deeper fuel and pine.
Execute a whole-plant or large-branch hang at 60°F (15.6°C) and 60% RH with steady airflow but no direct fan on flowers. A 10–14 day dry preserves terpenes and stabilizes moisture to 10–12% by weight. Stems should snap with some flex, and small buds should feel dry to the touch but not brittle.
Cure in airtight glass at 58–62% RH for at least 3–4 weeks, burping daily for the first 7–10 days and then weekly thereafter. Water activity in the 0.55–0.62 range is ideal for long-term storage while reducing mold risk. Properly cured batches consistently test higher for perceived flavor intensity and report smoother smoke.
For extraction, solventless yields are moderate: 90–120 μm bags often capture the best melt. Expect 3–5% from fresh frozen bubble on average phenos, with standout plants surpassing 5%. Rosin squish returns typically range 18–25% from quality flower and 60–75% from premium hash, with fuel-citrus flavor translating well to live preparations.
Phenotype Hunting, Stability, and Selections
As with most two-way crosses built on elite parents, phenotypic spread is present but manageable. Expect a 40–30–30 split across three broad expressions: diesel-leaning, OG-leaning, and balanced. The diesel-leaning group tends to run a bit taller with sharper citrus and earlier finish, while the OG-leaning cuts are bulkier and later, with heavier pepper-pine.
Selection criteria for production should prioritize internodal stacking, resin head size, and
