The SP383 Continues The 65-Year Legacy Of The Small Block Chevy V8

These days, new products are built with what is called “planned obsolescence” designed into them. Even without P.O. built-in, not much in the world is expected to have a lifespan of six-plus decades.  However, every now and then, a winner is developed for both engineering and design to the point where there is little to no reason for change. The small-block Chevy (SBC) is just one of those exceptional designs, and 2020 marks the 65th year of life for this compact V8 engine architecture, and it’s still available as a crate engine from Chevrolet Performance.

Powering everything from family sedans, muscle cars, pickups, boats, and even motor homes since 1955, there is a new twist on the classic SBC. The SP383 EFI stroker motor comes with not only more cubes than the standard 350, but has been modernized with electronic fuel injection as well. The combinations adds a dose of torque to the everyday reliability of a SBC, creating a powerful, modern fuelie.

The SP383 Turn Key variant pictured (P/N: 19419199) comes with everything needed to make 450 horsepower with 436 lb-ft of torque right out of the crate.

 

Inside the crate is an engine based on the existing ZZ6 EFI 350 cubic-inch engine. The wholly modern SP383 introduces updated high-flow heads and modern valvetrain technology while adding a port-style fuel injection system. A carb-style manifold with a four-bore throttle body gives that classic carbureted SBC look but with modern technology. 

Inside the block are heavy-duty pistons and a stroker crank, that bump the displacement up to 383 cubic inches. The hypereutectic alloy aluminum pistons bring static compression to 9.72:1, and are connected to forged steel 5.700-inch connecting rods and a forged-steel 3.800-inch crankshaft. Combined with the 4.00-inch bore, gives you 383 cubic inches of displacement. (Ed. Note: the engine actually displaces 382.02 ci, since there are probably sticklers out there.)  

The SP383 Deluxe (PN: 19418640), includes components like throttle body, distributor, flexplate, damper, engine controller, and harness, but still needs some final application-specific accessories to be ready to rock.

Just how much power and torque are we talkin’? Well, try 450 horsepower with 436 lb-ft of torque. All that instant-on, naturally aspirated power in a compact, proven, and turn-key package? Sign us up.

There are two part-numbers available for the SP383. The first is the SP383 EFI Deluxe (P/N: 19418640), which includes components like throttle body, distributor, flexplate, damper, engine controller, and harness. The SP383 EFI Turn Key (P/N: 19419199) includes all of the Deluxe gear, plus the accessory drive, starter, PCV system and even an old school air cleaner to cap it all off.

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Dave Pankew

Dave has been a gearhead forever and bought his first car at only 15. Since then he has owned, built and raced over 60 cars, turning his obsession into a career becoming Editor-in-Chief of a tuner magazine nearly 20 years ago.
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