CIMTEX RODS SUPER CAMEO: PART 1
February 16, 2024
THE AUTO BUILDER
Featured
WHAT A CONCEPT
After recently purchasing a ’62 Thunderbird, it became obvious very quickly that the car needed a new engine. Our plan was to turn the car into a daily driver, and so, as long as we needed a new engine, we figured we’d add air conditioning to the car while we were at it. And if you really know your Ford history, you also know that the ’62 was the last model T-bird to come with a generator rather than an alternator—one more reason to consider an upgrade.
CIMTEX RODS SUPER CAMEO: PART 10
In part nine of our Cimtex Rods Super Cameo Buildup Series, we covered the installation of the Classic Industries Parts and Accessories reproduction ’55-’59 Chevrolet/GMC lower door hinge panels, doorsill rocker panels, upper and lower door hinges, new right- and left-side front floor pans, inner and outer lower cab patch panels, and right- and left-side truck cab supports. To put it in a nutshell, the crew at Cimtex Rods in Jarrell, Texas, basically rebuilt the whole bottom end of our Super Cameo ’56 Chevrolet big window truck cab from stem to stern. Now, with a rock-solid truck cab firmly bolted onto our Cameo’s highly modified C4 Corvette-suspended truck chassis, we closed with the promise that we would be installing a new set of Dynacorn International Inc. ’55-’59 Chevrolet/GMC reproduction truck doors, followed by angle-chopping the top on our ’56 big-window a total of 3-1/2 inches in the front and 3 inches in the rear. Unfortunately, things didn’t exactly go according to plan.
Spotlighter
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: Smeding Performance’s 408″ LS3
A Complete, Ready to Drop In, 500HP Turnkey LS Engine Package
For the hot rodder who demands usability and performance, Smeding Performance’s 408” LS3 engines are designed to take your project to the next level. These aren’t your typical cookie-cutter kits—they’re full-fledged, turnkey engine packages built to drop into your classic chassis and turn it into a road-ready rocket. Whether you’re chasing street-friendly power or show-stopping performance, Smeding has you covered with engines dialed in for hot rod perfection.
Author
The Auto Builder Staff
Photography Courtesy of Smeding Performance
One Block, Two Personalities
The foundation of both options is the same: a rock-solid 408 cubic-inch LS3, crafted with Smeding’s heavy-duty 6-bolt main block and forged internals. This isn’t just an LS with extra cubes—it’s a precision-built masterpiece ready to take abuse and deliver power mile after mile. From there, it’s your call:
- 500HP Hot Rod Version: Perfect for street cruisers who want big horsepower without sacrificing smooth drivability. It’s balanced, efficient, and tuned for builders who demand power without giving up daily-driver manners.
- 560HP Extreme Version: Crank it up to 11. This version brings a rowdier camshaft and aggressive tuning to pump out 560 horsepower. It’s the engine for hot rodders who want to dominate the boulevard and be the showstopper that leaves everyone talking.
Built Tough, Built Right
Both the Hot Rod and Extreme versions share the same bulletproof base: a 408-cubic-inch stroker built for punishment. Inside, the 4340 forged crankshaft, H-beam rods, and Icon forged pistons form a fully forged rotating assembly designed to handle all the abuse you can throw at it. Smeding’s CNC-ported 11° LS3 heads top it off, featuring 255cc intake runners and high-flow 2.165” valves for maximum airflow.
The 500HP Hot Rod version gets a custom hydraulic roller cam for smooth, street-friendly power, while the Extreme cranks it up with a rowdier grind to wring out every bit of performance. It’s the same sturdy foundation, just tuned to your style.
Modern Power with Classic DNA
Smeding’s 408 LS3 engines don’t just pack power—they bring hot rods into the 21st century. Both versions feature Edelbrock’s Pro-Flo 4 EFI system: a sequential port injection setup that’s dyno-tuned and ready to go out of the box. Say goodbye to fiddling with carbs or throttle-body systems. With Pro-Flo 4, you get modern drivability and efficiency in a system even first-time builders can install.
Fully Turnkey, Hassle-Free Installation
Smeding delivers more than an engine—they deliver a complete solution. Every 408 LS3 comes pre-fitted with the Holley Mid-Mount serpentine system, including an LT1-style water pump, 1-wire alternator, SD7 A/C compressor, and Type II power steering. No custom brackets. No guesswork. Just drop it in, bolt it up, and fire it.
Power and Peace of Mind
These engines don’t just make dyno numbers—they’re built to last. Backed by a 3-year, unlimited-mile warranty, Smeding’s 408 LS3 packages give you the confidence that comes with unmatched engineering and testing.
Which One Fits Your Build?
The 408” LS3 Hot Rod offers 500 horsepower with smooth drivability, ideal for builders who want muscle without compromises. The 408” LS3 Extreme adds an extra 60 ponies and plenty of attitude for those who demand more power and performance.
Your Hot Rod Deserves This Engine
Why settle for almost right? The 408” LS3 from Smeding Performance is a turnkey solution that takes your build from good to legendary. Whether you go for the 500HP Hot Rod version or the 560HP Extreme, this is the engine to make your hot rod unforgettable.
Don’t just build a car. Build a legacy. Drop in a Smeding 408 LS3 and let the horsepower do the talking.
Tech Specs
• Block: Smeding Heavy Duty 6 Bolt Mains, 9.240″ Deck Height, 4.000″ Bore
• Crankshaft: Smeding 4340 Forged Steel, Internal Balance, 4.000” Stroke
• Rods: Smeding 4340 Forged Steel H-Beam with 7/16″ Bolts, 6.125″ Length
• Pistons: Icon 4032 Forged Aluminum, 11.0:1 Compression
• Rings: Plasma Moly Top, Low Friction Oil, 1.5/1.5/3.0mm
• Camshaft: Smeding Hydraulic Roller
.615”/.610” Lift, 229°/232° Duration @ .050” (Hot Rod)
.615”/.610” Lift, 229°/232° Duration @ .050” (Hot Rod)
.618”/.615” Lift, 233°/250° Duration @ .050” (Extreme)
• Rocker Arms: Smeding LS3 1.7 Ratio, Upgraded Trunnions
• Cylinder Heads: Smeding 11° LS3, 255cc Intake Port, 2.165″/1.60″ Valves
• EFI System: Edelbrock Pro-Flo 4, 4150 Style, Tuned
• Warranty: 3 Year, Unlimited Miles
• Serpentine Kit: Holley Mid-Mount w/ A/C – Installed
• Serpentine Kit: Holley Mid-Mount w/ A/C – Installed
• Torque Converter:
1,800-2,200rpm Stall Recommended (Hot Rod)
2,200-2,600rpm Stall Recommended (Extreme)
Ready to take your hot rod to the next level?
Don’t wait any longer—head over to the Smeding Performance website now and explore the full lineup of 408” LS3 engines. Whether you’re after a reliable 500HP cruiser or a wild 560HP Extreme, Smeding has the perfect turnkey solution for your build. With unbeatable performance, reliability, a hassle-free installation, and a 3-year, unlimited mile warranty, you can trust that your engine will perform at its best for the long haul. It’s time to make your engine swap easier and more powerful than ever. Visit SmedingPerformance.com today and start building your legend!
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