Chevrolet Piles on Torque With New Small Block “Crate”

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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4th November 2019

The tuning shop of Chevrolet has pumped up the torque available on its latest Small Block “crate” engine for car builders, the new SP383 EFI gasoline V8.

Building on 65 years tuning this range of engines, Chevrolet Performance has unveiled the new motor at this year’s SEMA Show. Claiming a contemporary twist on the classic 383 Small Block “stroker”, the new powerplant combines big torque of a long-stroke cylinder block with the fueling response of electronic fuel injection.

The engine is based on the ZZ6 EFI crate engine, including its high-flow, fast burn-type cylinder heads with modern valvetrain technology, but also features a longer, 3.800-inch stroke to help build more torque. Like the ZZ6 EFI, the SP383 EFI features a port-style injection system, with the injectors plumbed in the carburetor-style intake manifold. The throttle body is mounted in the conventional position of the carburetor giving a classic appearance that would appeal to vintage car modifiers insisting on good looks under the hood. Chevrolet rates output for the new SP383 EFI at 448bhp and 436ft-lbs of torque.

Two kit versions are offered as Deluxe and Turn Key with the former including the throttle body, distributor, damper and flexplate, while the Turn Key assembly takes the content of the Deluxe and adds an air cleaner, front-end accessory drive, breather, PCV valve and starter. Both crate engine kits include a “plug and play” engine controller and harness.

Additionally, Chevrolet Performance offers a dozen performance four-, six- and eight-speed automatic transmission systems, as well as six-speed manual gearboxes, torque converters, installation and adaption kits, and the electronic controllers to match every offering in the crate engine portfolio.

Kris Mayer, general director for Chevrolet Performance, said: “It also expands our unmatched crate engine portfolio, offering customers opportunities to build the project vehicle of their dreams.”

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_