383 Red Line

A 383 is a big bore/short stroke, big block, but will rev fast like a small block due to their short 3.38 stroke. In comparison, the 273-340 smallblocks run 3.31 strokes. Like the guys here have mentioned, the stamped steel rockers and low pressure valve springs that come on the engine limit it`s capabilities. I`ve had a lot of 383`s and the 4 barrel versions seem to be good to about 6000 rpm without much ado. With an upgraded valvetrain the 383`s can rev in the upper 6000 range without doing much to the bottom end. If you plan on having your 383 redline on a regular basis it would behoove you to upgrade the valvetrain.