The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post - Smeding Performance 383 crate motor review

**MikeB** · 02-19-2015, 11:27 AM

Sounds like a nice affordable engine for your truck. Torque is king on the street, and I'm sure you have plenty to spare!

I once had a 383 in a 69 C10. It used a smaller 210/210 Crane cam and Dart Iron Eagle 180 heads. It made tons of torque right off idle, and would still rev past 5,000 RPM, although I rarely did it. Very hard on tires, though.

Regarding Smedling's use of a flat tappet cam in a roller cam block, I'm sure it's all about the money. OEM roller cam choices are somewhat limited, and aftermarket rollers can cost $250 or more just for the cam.

Just be sure to use an oil with elevated levels of ZDDP, like DRIVEN Hot Rod oil. It's worth every penny of the $9.00/QT price, compared to wiping a cam lobe.

Worst case, use some Valvoline Racing oil (but not the "Not Street Legal" version).

02-19-2015, 11:27 AM	#51
MikeB Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: North Texas Posts: 3,430	Re: Smeding Performance 383 crate motor review Sounds like a nice affordable engine for your truck. Torque is king on the street, and I'm sure you have plenty to spare! I once had a 383 in a 69 C10. It used a smaller 210/210 Crane cam and Dart Iron Eagle 180 heads. It made tons of torque right off idle, and would still rev past 5,000 RPM, although I rarely did it. Very hard on tires, though. Regarding Smedling's use of a flat tappet cam in a roller cam block, I'm sure it's all about the money. OEM roller cam choices are somewhat limited, and aftermarket rollers can cost $250 or more just for the cam. Just be sure to use an oil with elevated levels of ZDDP, like DRIVEN Hot Rod oil. It's worth every penny of the $9.00/QT price, compared to wiping a cam lobe. Worst case, use some Valvoline Racing oil (but not the "Not Street Legal" version). __________________ Mike 1969 C10 LWB -- owned for 34 years. 350/TH350, 3.08 posi, 1st Gen Vintage Air, AAW wiring harness, 5-lug conversion, 1985 spindles and brakes. 1982 C10 SWB -- sold 1981 C10 Silverado LWB -- sold, but wish I still had it! 1969 C10 (not the current one) that I bought in the early 1980s. Paid $1200; sold for $1500 a few years later. Just a hint at the appreciation that was coming. Retired as a factory automation products salesman. Worked part-time over the years for an engine builder and a classic car repair shop. Member here for 23 years! This is the very first car/truck Internet forum I joined. I still used a dial-up modem back then!