66RBS

[QUOTE=Black_Magic;1597865740]I’m in the process of installing Blueprint Engines 383 stroker (430/450) in my ’66. Did a lots of researching and lots of good companies out there but they seem to be on top. They have built more than 200,000 engines. They dyno each engine and send results with shipments mine came out to be 448/483. I talked to other that were happy with them also. Warranty 30 months/50,000 miles

George

BTW…I installed crate GM ZZ4 with no problems in my ’65 10 years ago and it was manufactured in Mexico.


/QUOTE]

My ZZ4 with 15,000 miles recently failed so I am in the market for crate engine also. Installed 18 years ago so no warranty.

The current generation of GM crates have Vortec heads which could cause hood clearance issues because the Vortec manifolds sit up higher.
Blueprint sounds like a good alternative if I can get traditional heads

Randy

DZAUTO

I realize that not everyone has the time, expertise, or space to build an engine. But for over 50yrs, I've always built all my own engines (as well as for other people), and I just CANNOT bring myself to take an (unknown) engine out of a box and install it in one of my cars.
I attempt to start with a good, rebuildable core, tear it down, clean it up with my power washer, inspect it (as best as I can). I load up the parts that will be machined and used again (such as block, crank, heads, etc), take it to the machine shop for thorough cleaning, inspection and determining what has to be done. Then I order all the replacement parts from aftermarket sources (such as pistons, rings, bearings, cam/lifters, gaskets, etc). Once the machining has been done, pistons installed on the rods, cam bearings and freeze plugs installed, I bring it home and paint and do final assembly. When it's finished, I know EXACTLY what's inside and what kind of clearances it has.
Again, I fully realize that not everyone can do their own engine building, but there is the satisfaction of building it as well as knowing what's inside.
All my sons (3) are car guys, but one has never touched an engine for rebuilding. He recently bought a decent factory air, 73 Vette with with a tired L48 and worn out Turbo 400. I recommended that for a replacement engine he round up a SB400. He did. EVERYTHING on the 400 was usable (but we went with longer 350 rods instead of 400 rods) . I SHOWED him how to do everything (I installed the first set of rings/pistons/rods) and looked over his shoulder as he did the rest of the rebuild. The Turbo 400 was taken to a hi-school class mate of mine who has been building auto trannys for 55yrs. My son now has a GREAT running, cold air cond car that he can honestly tell his buddies that he built the engine.
We also converted it to 2 1/2in manifolds and a FULL 2 1/2in ex system with off road mufflers. I had a 69 Z28/LT1 intake/Holley/valve covers in the attic which I donated.

Black_Magic

Blueprint uses Aluminum heads (H8002k) on lots of there engines and

Will Accept Either An Early 12 Bolt Intake Manifold Or Late "Vortec" 8 Bolt Manifold
Straight Spark Plug Holes Use A .750" Reach Gasket Style Plug
Perimeter or Center Bolt Valve Cover Bolt Holes
Accessory Bolt Holes Machined On Ends Of Heads

I'm using a "461" intake originally on my '65 365hp and Valve covers from LT1 and 2 1/2 Ramhorn manifolds.

Randy G.

Just an addendum to my post above, I thought about rebuilding the NOM 350 that was in my '62 when I got it as I have always built my own engines. But the price of the Blueprint engine was very close to my cost to rebuild it. And Blueprint has a warranty, plus it's already been run on a dyno and checked for problems/leaks, meaning there is almost no chance I'll have to mess with it once I drop it in.

63 340HP

Crate engines have improved greatly over the past ten years, but I am always reminded of a quote on the wall of my favorite Machine Shop:



YMMV

Dreaming60’s

Local shop says the only issues they've had with Blueprint is leaking gaskets. Pan gaskets and valve cover gaskets. Frustrating, buy not a deal breaker.

BH

cardo0

I've read good of Blueprint engines and ATK has a high performance crate engine also with good reports.

Randy G.

Here's where I parked mine in the garage with a Blueprint engine in it.

Dreaming60’s

Good to know. My shop does seem to have some prejudices on anyone they don't use. It's getting a little old.

BH

Robert61

njfl

I am looking at Lingenfelter 550hp LS3. From my conversation with them, they buy a stock 430hp LS3 crate motor and put their heads and cam package on it. Having them rework gives me some confidence. They also offer a Dyno service. I know that this isn't for everyone, but their heads and cam combo makes the best overall performing LS3 that I've seen.
https://www.lingenfelter.com/product/L130215306.html

Vette5311

njfl

A new LS3 crate motor is about $7k. This, from Lingenfelter, is about $10k. You get the added insurance of them going through it. As I said, it's not for everyone, but if you're looking for a LS3 crate motor, but want a little more usable power, it's a pretty good deal. More drivability than GM's LS3 525hp offering.

Black_Magic

Here is example of what you get along with BluePrint Engine.
My engine BP38313CT1 advertised as 430/450
Here is Dyno Sheets --- Serial # 330639 stamped on block.
This is not about GOOD or BAD numbers but you can see that engine was tested up to 6000 RPM.
The GMPP ZZ4 I install in a previous Vette had never been turned over.....Just a brand new engine
Both have about the same warranty

GTOguy

That's the motor, but figure a lot more for the needed components for the install to run it: fuel system, fuel pump, tank, lines, computer(s), wiring, mounts, etc. Not cheap, and not 'plug and play'.

njfl

Yes, it is a bit more than what the op's goal seems to be (I just went back and realized that we aren't really talking about an LS swap).

JohnZ

Back in '94 I had two Cobra replicas in process with Yates Windsors in addition to building my tube-frame Grand Sport, and didn't have time to build the 383 engine for the GS - I farmed it out to the NASCAR division of Jasper, and they did an outstanding job building it exactly to my specs. Ran like gangbusters, never leaked a drop, and had zero issues for the two years I drove the car. That was 23 years ago, but they didn't need everything explained to them - they knew exactly what I wanted, and delivered.

karkrafter

I always wonder why Smedling engines never get any mentions, ALL new parts including the block, priced along with Blueprint....been around a long time...

1snake

A buddy has one of their 427 Windsor engines in his Cobra. 560HP/560TQ and it's an animal. He's never had a single issue in the last 10 years with that engine.

tjpgi

Need some advice. 61 Corvette ( ***9069) non matching numbers "average appearance", recreational driver has 1963 GM engine, appearance in engine bay essentially C1 stock.
Needs engine rebuild for spun rod bearing, rear oil seal leaking, some oil burning. I purchased a short block #3756519 with date code F 2 1 about 30 years ago. It was machined by someone I did not know and would need to be torn down and checked out. Has a high lift cam 0.06 pistons and I was told it had 11:1 compression. No other information was given to me. I want a dependable driver but would like to have the engine bay look like it should even without matching numbers. Current 327 runs good except for current engine problems. What would you do:

Pull 327 and rebuild or have 283 ( may cost more to rebuild then the 327 because of piston and cam replacement and possibly additional work) rebuilt (would have to do some research to find a reliable automotive machine shop) or buy a Blue Print engine and sell the other 2?
Budget preferably under $4000.
The 283 block pad is F01 07 DK ...no idea what it came out of.
Thanks