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Hi Guys.....I have a '64 with a lazy older Summit 355 crate motor that might make 275HP with a 4 speed Muncie. I'm looking at Blueprint crate engines who sell their basic line to both Jegs & Summit both of which report no complaints. Crazy at it seems my budget is limited but my eyeballs keep getting bigger !
This car will not be raced but I do enjoy some power. Either way these are exciting times for me. My C2 has the CA flared look and has no matching #'s so an SBC crate motor fits the bill. I started with the 383 stroker at 430HP. Then.....the darn 427 (too much to handle?) 540HP came calling! http://www.blueprintengines.com/inde...ssed-ps4272ctc
Both are more than enough power for me . I'm leaning towards the 396 for $6100 at $2400 less than the 427. I'm already planning on the Tremec 600 conversion. Neither makes a big resale difference but it would be nice to say " 396"...or..."427". Besides...all of a sudden the very reasonable $4600 430HP 383 seems meek !
Can I ask if anyone is running one of these Blueprint crate engines ?
Am I overpowered at 485 or the extreme 540HP engines ?
I have/had a 396 in my 64. WOW ! It's bored 30 over and was pushing almost 400hp on the dyno. Pop the clutch in 4th and it took off. Spun the tires, without a break, most of the way through 4th with 3 people in it. The only problem was it ran hot. Going to go a little larger when I'm putting the car back together. Hopefully 496. Oh, and with the Rochester carb, I got 17mpg. (Not with the Holley though)
Enjoy your BB. There's no substitute for cubes. And torque !
When you go from a small block to a big block you have different pulleys, headers, hoses, possibly clutch, possibly radiator, bell housing etc to address. It just means even though the 396 is less money, you have the addl parts cost associated with going from a SB to a BB.
Second, a 396 with 485hp is ok but remember you are adding a lot of weight with the BB...going with a 406 or 427 SB will get you north of 500hp and keep the weight at or below what you have now. It will out perform the 396 and your car handle much better with less weight in the front.
Last thing...be careful with "cheap" when it comes to engines...especially crate engines...Blueprint has some motors that are priced cheap but they are made with cheap parts...at the same time, Blueprint has a few pieces that are made with decent parts but they cost more. When it comes to engines, you get what you pay for and "cheap" isn't always a good thing. Another builder to consider is Skip White perf...they have some nice stuff...one of the forum members "Gonzo_65_L76" just posted a vid of his 406 in his 65...its about three posts above yours...runs strong...its a good piece...
I have not bought a blueprint engine yet but I'm strongly considering it after paint and getting mine back on the road here shortly, and mothball my L75. I have read overwhelmingly positive things about the company here in the forum (mostly the c3 side) and elsewhere. I have also heard customer service is good.
As far as cheap parts go, think about what you intend to do with the car. Their roller cam 383 specs out nicely for my needs I think. More power is great but there is a diminishing return in my mind when you go to a big block- both in feel, cost per gain, and aggravation
When you go from a small block to a big block you have different pulleys, headers, hoses, possibly clutch, possibly radiator, bell housing etc to address. It just means even though the 396 is less money, you have the addl parts cost associated with going from a SB to a BB.
Second, a 396 with 485hp is ok but remember you are adding a lot of weight with the BB...going with a 406 or 427 SB will get you north of 500hp and keep the weight at or below what you have now. It will out perform the 396 and your car handle much better with less weight in the front.
Last thing...be careful with "cheap" when it comes to engines...especially crate engines...Blueprint has some motors that are priced cheap but they are made with cheap parts...at the same time, Blueprint has a few pieces that are made with decent parts but they cost more. When it comes to engines, you get what you pay for and "cheap" isn't always a good thing. Another builder to consider is Skip White perf...they have some nice stuff...one of the forum members "Gonzo_65_L76" just posted a vid of his 406 in his 65...its about three posts above yours...runs strong...its a good piece...
Good luck and have fun!!
Disregard the big block discussion....didn't realize the 396 you were talking about was a small block version...id still go with the 427 SB over the 396 SB...just saying
For a fun weekend car I would stay around 400hp. The higher you go the more stuff your going to break.
OP has stated he's on a budget, so without plowing even more money into chassis and drivetrain upgrades there's only so much power the stock setup will adequately handle. With a convertible, chassis flex will be noticeable north of 400.
Midyear cars were not designed to be dragsters, despite many folks using them as such; Zora was not a huge fan of the big block.
IMHO the sweet spot for these cars is just around 400 HP and 400 ft/lbs of torque. Find an engine that approaches these numbers with a redline at or under 6500, and you'll be in Midyear Heaven.
Neither makes a big resale difference but it would be nice to say " 396"...or..."427".
Prolly not. Tell 'em a 427 then open the hood and watch their faces drop...'that's not a 427'....then you get to explain...1000 times.
I like that 383...if you plan on **** pounding it ask them to upgrade it to all forged stuff but I'll guess you don't drive it hard enough to need the better parts......seems like the dressed engine wasn't such a great deal for the upcharge in price considering what you got...
OP has stated he's on a budget, so without plowing even more money into chassis and drivetrain upgrades there's only so much power the stock setup will adequately handle. With a convertible, chassis flex will be noticeable north of 400.
Midyear cars were not designed to be dragsters, despite many folks using them as such; Zora was not a huge fan of the big block.
IMHO the sweet spot for these cars is just around 400 HP and 400 ft/lbs of torque. Find an engine that approaches these numbers with a redline at or under 6500, and you'll be in Midyear Heaven.
Plus he said he had flared fenders. That means wider tires. That means more hook up with sticky tires. That means more twisted U-Joints And other drive line parts
Plus he said he had flared fenders. That means wider tires. That means more hook up with sticky tires. That means more twisted U-Joints And other drive line parts
Good brakes come in handy every once in a while, like when you see a black and white.
The flared fenders allow for 295x50x15 rear tires which would spin, even with a long 2.97 1st gear from the Tremec, but should provide stability under power. My front end is tight, has a neat rack/pinion,does not really drift under "normal" driving but all that is questionable when you get to big power ranges. I've had fast 10 second cars but they were equipped to handle the straight line and were safe(:->) to steer . I'd rather not be changing suspensions !
As stated above all the Blueprint engines are SBC strokers. And I don’t intend to drag race this beauty ....but would like a spirited stomp once in a while + the pleasure of feeling the torque coming in as I enter a highway. The 383 Blueprint crate motors are 350 seasoned blocks that are rebuilt . All the others are NEW Blueprint engine blocks. Blueprint also makes their own intakes based on the Weaind Street Warrior( for the C2) or V-Jr. When I did the Long Block math there were savings but buying the intake, carb, felpro gaskets, bolts etc added up.....then there's the dyno tuning which is already done on the complete engine by Blueprint. That's when even the $800+ gap seems to close. The only component I'd have to swap out is the distributor as mine has a cable driven Tach.
Thanks guys. I think you talked me out of the 396/427 strokers. I was attracted to the big #’s but you guys are right....then comes the series of curious questions by those commenting it's not matching. I don’t need that as the car has survived time and it is what it is. I used to get that with my FFR Cobra replica. I'd just smile and tell them it’s a 2300# 10 sec car that might make them P--s their pants on a
2-3 power shift (:->) !
Based on the advice from this forum advice I'm thinking more about the $4600 430HP 383 stroker with roller cam or the new 400 block for $5700 both dressed and dynode. Both make more than enough power. The 400 makes 460HP/470TQ with a custom built 4 bolt main Blueprint 400 block. Or..should I not be worrying about the history of a properly tested 350 block used to build the 383 stroker. Either way anything between 420-460HP is probably more than enough for these beautiful Stingrays to stand up and be noticed !! The car will only hold it’s value for what it is. If it was a matching #’s car I’d not have the money for other things . I’ve been a Ford guy all my life. But this C2 for me is a most awesome childhood dream come true . As you guys know these cars get lotsa thumbs up wherever they go ! Thanks Fellas ..........
Hi Guys.....I have a '64 with a lazy older Summit 355 crate motor that might make 275HP with a 4 speed Muncie. I'm looking at Blueprint crate engines who sell their basic line to both Jegs & Summit both of which report no complaints. Crazy at it seems my budget is limited but my eyeballs keep getting bigger !
This car will not be raced but I do enjoy some power. Either way these are exciting times for me. My C2 has the CA flared look and has no matching #'s so an SBC crate motor fits the bill. I started with the 383 stroker at 430HP. Then.....the darn 427 (too much to handle?) 540HP came calling! http://www.blueprintengines.com/inde...ssed-ps4272ctc
Both are more than enough power for me . I'm leaning towards the 396 for $6100 at $2400 less than the 427. I'm already planning on the Tremec 600 conversion. Neither makes a big resale difference but it would be nice to say " 396"...or..."427". Besides...all of a sudden the very reasonable $4600 430HP 383 seems meek !
Can I ask if anyone is running one of these Blueprint crate engines ?
Am I overpowered at 485 or the extreme 540HP engines ?
Hi Jam421
We saw your post and would like to thank you for your interest in BluePrint Engines.
Our 430 HP 383 is celebrating its 5th birthday since its release and it is now our most popular engine. To celebrate, we are giving a birthday gift with each of these engines purchased in the month of January, either the BP38313CT1 or the BP38313CTC1.
Our 485 hp 396 and our 540 hp 427 will definitely move the fun factor up a notch, or two! Some of the other posters have mentioned changing to a big block. These are actually small blocks, just like the old 350's. So, you can replace your current 350 without having to redo your exhaust and buying a new accessory drive and have the big power of legendary 396 or 427’s.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions on any of our engines!! Have a great New Year everyone!
This car will not be raced but I do enjoy some power. Either way these are exciting times for me. My C2 has the CA flared look and has no matching #'s so an SBC crate motor fits the bill. I started with the 383 stroker at 430HP. Then.....the darn 427 (too much to handle?) 540HP came calling! http://www.blueprintengines.com/inde...ssed-ps4272ctc
Both are more than enough power for me . I'm leaning towards the 396 for $6100 at $2400 less than the 427. I'm already planning on the Tremec 600 conversion. Neither makes a big resale difference but it would be nice to say " 396"...or..."427". Besides...all of a sudden the very reasonable $4600 430HP 383 seems meek !
Can I ask if anyone is running one of these Blueprint crate engines ?
Am I overpowered at 485 or the extreme 540HP engines ?
I have a blue print 383-420 hp & highly recommend it Strong & even power curve from idle all the way up. Cruises great at 2,000 rpm . I love it
If you've followed any of my posts about my '62 a few months ago I installed a BluePrint 383 roller cam long block along with a 700R4. As it approaches 500 miles it's just getting stronger.
I don't know about cheap parts. I popped a valve cover off and it had Comp Cams roller rockers on it.
I did the Tour d'Orange with it New Years Day and did some "spirited" driving in the canyons of Orange County, where we had the opportunity to *air it out* a few times. The only thing lacking was a good set of brakes as I ended up boiling the brake fluid with the original drum brakes while I kept pace with the Z06's, Lambo's and turbo charged ricers. The dyno sheets say 438 HP at 465 ft/lbs of torque. As it breaks in it feels like it's increasing. I would guess it's a mid 12 second car right now.
This is the one I got through Summit, but I missed the birthday present...
OSSMITH & RANDY G....thanks for your comments regarding the 383. For what it's worth...a conversation with a very reputable Chevy race engine builder in my Long Island NY area I was further advised the 383...specifically on a seasoned 350SBC is the sweet spot and perhaps the limit for the between cylinder thickness on the SBC's.
At that point I was very close to dropping the Visa on the 430/450TW Blueprint but I'm now reviewing the 383 builds by a smaller company called TRISTARENGINES in WI.
The engines come with wire, plugs, balancer & electric choke carb all of which compare price-wise dollar for dollar( including warranty) except these add ons are as dynode...complete & delivered with no need for me to order and install. Delivery might cost an additional $250 but these are big decisions.
I discovered much more to share however...especially as it pertains to power upgrades for the next level & blocks but without dragging this thread along much I owe it to myself to further discover the history of this new company as well.
After so many years of being so lucky to pursue these things I can keep you guys posted on what happens next if so desired. In the meantime thanks so much to all of you......including the guys from Blueprint for your advice and input. Bottom line is by Monday I will clock in and be counted on exactly what I chose & why. In the end we are ALL lucky guys....Ooh especially those of us owning a piece of C2 1960's history. (:->) !
This is my last step but my inquiries today were quite revealing so ....I remain...once again ...in suspense for a day or two.
01-05-2016, 12:50 PM
1964 Crate Engine Upgrade
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