383 stroker crate engine for sale

383 Stroker Chevy Crate Engine, 518 HP Turnkey SBC Roller Motor for Sale

Key Features

• 518 horsepower fully assembled turnkey configuration
• 383 cubic inch Chevy small block stroker build
• Hydraulic roller camshaft setup
• Forged rotating assembly for strength and longevity
• Aluminum performance cylinder heads
• Carbureted induction setup, ready to run
• Assembled and inspected before shipping
• Ships fully crated on a freight pallet from Cleveland, Ohio

A 383 Stroker That Is Ready to Work

Few engine combinations in the American performance world have held their ground as long as the 383 small block stroker. Muscle car builders, hot rod fabricators, and restomod shops keep coming back to it because the formula works. Strong torque from low RPM, a power band that suits street driving, and parts compatibility that is second to none in the V8 world.

When someone wants a small block Chevy that pulls hard without needing to be wound out past 5,000 RPM, a 383 stroker is almost always the answer.

At McClain Auto Part we supply performance engines to builders, shops, and restomod projects across the country. This 518 HP turnkey 383 stroker arrives completely assembled and ready for installation. Turnkey means exactly that. The engine ships with intake, carburetor, valve covers, timing cover, and everything needed to drop it in and connect it to your fuel system, cooling system, and transmission. Rather than buying a long block that requires another round of sourcing and assembly, you are buying a finished engine.

Why Builders Choose the 383 Stroker

The logic behind the 383 combination starts with displacement. A standard 350 small block carries a 3.48 inch stroke. By dropping in a 400 small block crankshaft with its 3.75 inch stroke and boring the cylinders to match, you reach 383 cubic inches. More stroke produces more torque at lower RPM without exotic cylinder heads or extreme camshaft profiles.

Because of that design, the result is an engine that makes serious torque across a wide RPM range. The 518 HP configuration achieves that output with a camshaft and cylinder head selection calibrated for street usability. Strong pull from low RPM, solid mid-range output, and good top-end carry make this a genuinely satisfying engine on the street.

For street driving and mild strip use, that power delivery beats a peaky high-RPM engine that needs to be flogged before it performs. Beyond performance, the SBC architecture offers the widest parts compatibility of any American V8 platform. Every transmission adapter, motor mount, header, and accessory drive ever produced for a small block Chevy works with this engine.

Technical Specifications

383 Stroker SBC, Build Specifications

• Engine Type: Chevrolet Small Block V8
• Displacement: 383 cubic inches, 6.3L
• Horsepower: Approximately 518 HP at peak
• Torque: Approximately 490 to 510 lb-ft
• Camshaft Type: Hydraulic roller
• Cylinder Heads: Aluminum performance, rectangular port
• Compression Ratio: Approximately 10.5:1 to 11.0:1
• Induction: Carbureted, single four-barrel carburetor
• Ignition: HEI style distributor
• Crankshaft: Forged steel, 3.75 inch stroke
• Connecting Rods: Forged steel
• Pistons: Forged or hypereutectic depending on build spec
• Valvetrain: Roller lifters, pushrods, roller tip rocker arms
• Block: Cast iron SBC, 4-bolt main on select builds

Specifications reflect the standard 518 HP configuration. Minor variations may exist depending on component availability at time of assembly. Contact us to confirm the current build spec before ordering.

Build Quality and Components

Any experienced builder knows the rotating assembly is where corner-cutting creates long-term problems. To address that directly, this engine uses a forged steel crankshaft and forged connecting rods throughout to handle the increased stroke and cylinder pressure at this compression ratio.

The hydraulic roller camshaft is one of the most important specifications on a street performance build. Roller lifters reduce friction, allow more aggressive lobe profiles, and eliminate the break-in concerns associated with flat tappet designs. A properly spec’d hydraulic roller cam on a 383 delivers strong low and mid-range torque with a power band that works in real driving conditions rather than just on a dyno.

Regarding cylinder heads, the aluminum units on this build flow enough air to support 518 HP without requiring exotic port work. In addition to flow capacity, aluminum heads keep the front-end weight of the engine lower and shed heat more efficiently than cast iron alternatives.

Assembly quality matters as much as component selection. For that reason, this engine goes together to proper torque specifications with correct clearances on the rotating assembly. Main bearing clearance, rod bearing clearance, and piston-to-wall clearance all fall within appropriate specs for a street performance application at this power level.

Applications and Use Cases

Classic Muscle Cars

First and second generation Camaros, Chevelles, Novas, El Caminos, and other A-body and F-body GM vehicles are the most natural home for this engine. Because the SBC motor mount pattern, transmission bolt pattern, and accessory drive configuration match these platforms directly, installation is straightforward without custom fabrication.

Hot Rods and Restomods

Tri-five Chevys, early pickup trucks, and custom hot rods built around the SBC platform are equally well-suited. The engine delivers modern performance in a package that respects the original character of these builds.

Street Performance

Thanks to the hydraulic roller cam profile and street-oriented compression ratio, this engine is genuinely drivable as a daily driver in the right application. Rather than the surging and rough idle that comes with overly aggressive cam profiles, this build pulls cleanly from low RPM and settles into a pleasant idle.

Mild Drag Racing

At 518 HP, this engine competes well in bracket racing and street class drag events. The torque curve suits quarter mile acceleration and the build quality handles track stress at this power level without requiring exotic supporting modifications.

Installation and Fitment Notes

Any vehicle built around the Chevrolet small block platform accepts this engine. Motor mount adapters, transmission adapters, and header flanges all follow the standard SBC pattern so compatibility across applications is broad.

Transmission Pairing

• TH350: Handles this power level in street applications with appropriate upgrades
• TH400: Stronger automatic choice for higher stress use
• Tremec TKX or T56: Popular manual pairings for street builds
• Muncie M21 or M22: Period-correct manual options for classic builds

Before pairing a transmission, confirm its torque capacity rating against the output of this engine.

Cooling and Fuel

A four-row aluminum radiator sized appropriately for 383 cubic inches handles cooling demands well. For fuel delivery, a carburetor-compatible pump producing correct pressure and volume for the four-barrel setup is required. Fuel pressure regulation is important and worth addressing before the first startup.

Professional installation is strongly recommended. Decisions around cooling, fuel delivery, ignition timing, and the initial startup procedure directly affect how this engine performs and how long it lasts.

Inspection Before Shipping

Before every 383 stroker leaves our Cleveland facility, our team runs through a structured pre-ship inspection process.

What We Check Before Every Engine Ships

• Full assembly verification against build specification
• Rotating assembly confirmed installed and torqued correctly
• Valve train clearances verified
• All external components confirmed installed and secure
• Visual inspection for assembly issues or cosmetic damage
• Crating reviewed to confirm the engine is properly secured for freight transit

Rather than dyno testing every crate engine individually, we verify the assembly against the build spec and inspect every component and torque-critical fastener before crating. After installation, a proper break-in procedure is recommended before the engine sees full throttle use.

Shipping

From our Cleveland, Ohio warehouse we ship to all 50 states. The 383 stroker goes out fully crated on a freight pallet, secured inside to prevent movement during transit. Most orders are processed and ready to ship within 3 to 5 business days. As soon as the shipment leaves our facility you receive a tracking number.

Why Buyers Choose McClain Auto Part

Over 15 years in business. More than 10,000 engines and performance components shipped to builders, mechanics, and shops across the country. Rated 4.9 out of 5 stars across 800+ verified Google reviews. Founded by James McClain in Cleveland, Ohio in 2009.

At McClain we supply both OEM replacement engines and performance crate engines. Because those two buyer types have very different needs, we approach each conversation differently and give accurate information in both cases.

A customer who ordered from us said: “Arrived well crated, assembly looked clean, fired up on the first attempt. Made exactly the power we expected and has run without issues for 5,000 miles of street use. Would order from McClain again.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Is This a Complete Turnkey Engine?

Yes. This engine ships fully assembled with intake manifold, carburetor, valve covers, timing cover, harmonic balancer, and distributor. Rather than a bare long block, you are receiving a finished, ready-to-install engine.

Does It Come Ready to Install?

Yes, with one important note. After installation a break-in procedure is recommended before the engine sees full throttle operation. During the first 500 miles, varied RPM driving without sustained high load allows the engine to seat correctly. After break-in, full use is appropriate.

What Vehicles Does It Fit?

Any vehicle designed around the Chevrolet small block platform is compatible. Classic Camaros, Chevelles, Novas, Tri-five Chevys, hot rods, and custom builds using SBC motor mounts and drivetrain components all work with this engine.

Is It Carbureted or Fuel Injected?

This build runs a single four-barrel carburetor. For buyers who need an EFI configuration, contact us to discuss available options.

What Transmission Works Best With It?

TH350 and TH400 automatics are the most common pairings. For manual builds, the Tremec TKX and T56 are popular choices. Before committing to a transmission, confirm its torque rating against the output of this engine.

Is It Dyno Tested?

Rather than individual dyno testing, every engine goes through assembly inspection and component verification before shipping. The 518 HP specification reflects the documented output of this build combination. After installation, a proper break-in procedure before performance use is recommended.

What Is Included With the Engine?

The package includes a complete assembled long block, intake manifold, carburetor, valve covers, timing cover, harmonic balancer, distributor, and water pump. Specific component brands vary by build configuration. Contact us to confirm exact components on the current available build before ordering.

Order Your 383 Stroker Today

A finished 518 HP turnkey 383 stroker at this specification does not sit in inventory long. If you have been planning a muscle car build, a restomod project, or a hot rod that deserves a proper small block, this engine is ready to go.

Contact us to confirm current availability, ask about specific build components, or get a shipping quote for your location.

McClain Auto Part. Cleveland, Ohio. In business since 2009. 10,000+ engines shipped. 4.9 stars on Google. 6-month warranty on every engine we sell.