What's the max horsepower a 383 small block can push?
There is no "one" answer to that question because there are simply too many variables to consider, from fuel type, to the type of power you are intending to make (horsepower vs. torque), RPM range, the intended usage, etc. It can range from 300 HP to over 1,500 HP or more, but the cost can also range from about $5,000 to over $45,000. Just because an engine "can" make a lot of power doesn't mean it'll run with the type of vehicle it's going in. Gearing, the intended usage, longevity, etc, all dictate whether a given amount of power is useable or not in the vehicle, and for the intended usage. Naturally aspirated on pump gas, in a "reasonable" combination to run on the street, probably in the 450 - 500+ HP area as an absolute max. Forced induction (or nitrous) on pump gas, in a "typical" set-up probably in the 600+ HP area. Something like the image in this post you can get into the 1,000+ HP area, but now you're talking about an all aluminum, suplercharged (and intercooled), nitrous oxide assisted, fuel injected engine costing in the $30,000+ range. When you start getting into race gas or alcohol, you step away from the street and get into the serious power area, but you also get into the serious amount of money area and far away from the "general use usage" area, AND every bit as importantly - a serious amount of money is needed to go into the vehicle as well - or the engine (and the vehicle) simply won't perform, plus the fact that an engine making a serious amount of power HAS to be in its power making RPM range TO make its power. In other words; you cannot expect a 900 HP, naturally aspirate 383 race engine to run well around town, sit in traffic idling, and perform "at all" below 5,000 RPM. It will simply fall on its face. The vehicle will require the gearing and the stall converter (on automatics) to get, and keep, that engine into its power making RPM, and it'll have to stay in that RPM range in order for it to run the way it's designed to run. A NASCAR 355 cubic inch engine makes around 800 HP and runs in the 9,000 RPM range, not because they think it's fun or because they like to hear the engines winding-up at high RPM, but because they HAVE TO because those engines only make the kind of power they make in the 5,000 - 9,000+ RPM range in order to make that kind of power. It's also an extremely expensive engine! A NASCAR engine in any typical street car with regular street gears would literally fall on its face. A lady with 3 kids in an X5 BMW would literally blow your doors off from 0-80 MPH ,which is where 90% of street acceleration and racing happens. Never forget; there's a huge difference between "horsepower" and torque. In a street car, "torque" is what gets the car to perform at lower, more usable RPMs and with "streetable" gearing and driving. I never like to see anyone go for the max amount of power in ANY engine. I'd much rather see them go for a "usable" amount of power, especially "torque" that will work best with the car's gearing and intended usage. Less is more in many situations.
