I'm looking at a 383 EFI, air cleaner to oil pan for my 66. They offer a nice one with Fi-tech but I think I prefer Holly Sniper from what I've read. I called and they said they could do that. Add the in tank fuel pump for a returnless system from them would be ideal. However they also offer a 400 EFI engine in the same price range. They start with Blueprint engines and build on them. Thoughts and ideas?

 

You can thank me later.


https://www.chevrolet.com/performanc...383-efi-deluxe

 

I'm looking for something with permiter mount valve covers instead of center bolts. I want a vintage look with the spendy PML covers. Thanks for the reply, I'm still looking at all options and will look into this.

 

Those heads have provisions for center mount and traditional valve covers.

Here’s mine:




Good luck!

 

Wow, beautiful engine. I didn't know that, thanks to both for the replies.

 

Found a better picture:

 

I installed the Blueprint 383/430 roller two years ago. It made 330 rwhp right after installation with a 650 AED carb, ported exhaust manifolds, a/c, p/s and a 5 speed. There’s probably another 25 hp with headers and a 750 carb. Frankly you can’t use it with small tires. I can get 21 mpg on the road and the engine uses zero oil. Check them out.

 

A second vote for Blueprint. They built my 427 SBC with a Sniper and dynoed it before shipping. It made 541hp on their dyno and looks great (in my opinion of course).

 

So I looked for the Pace 383 EFI and found a 430hp unit showing BluePrint heads on it. It doesn't look very complete to me so it might be special order for a completely dressed 383 EFI crate motor and your still making 20 less HP than the GMPP 383 EFI motor which looks more complete to me. I don't see any 400" motors on the Pace w/s but some 396" crate motors that are again BluePrint creations which means they used a stock used block and something like a 3.85" stroke crankshaft instead of the 3.75" stroke in the 383" motor.

So GM does not provide any information about their EFI but from the pictures it looks much more like the Edelbrock EFI than the Holley. I can only say I have heard the Holley EFI is used quite a bit while I haven't heard anything about or of anyone using the Edelbrock. But thats just me - take that for what it's worth.

As you can see there are so many options with the sbc it's definitely hard to decide. But you have'nt provided how your going to install and use this engine so it's difficult to suggest what would be a good match. You only say you want the vintage look. If you don't use headers then a lot of cubic inches is gonna choke using stock exhaust manifolds. What kind of drive line are you going to use with this motor. Your profile says you'll add a 5 speed with 3.36 gearing (from 4.11). But when is the $10,000 question here? Any racing? What type of racing?

You'll probably be happy with any of those motors but some will compliment not only your driveline and type of driving/racing but your budget also. 5 speed with 3.36 kind'a tells me your looking at more cruising than with the 4.11 gears. You don't need a lot of camshaft or cubic inches for cruising so consider that when you do choose.

Well I hope this helps and good luck with whatever you choose.

 

Thanks for the reply cardo0. I didn't know how to link the engine to my post so it was more of a general question and also am looking for feedback about the company. The engine is numbered BP38313CT1-1FX $6768.71 The 400 engine is numbered BP4001CT1-1FX $6873.47. The in tank pump kit is PAC-12231 $666.79. I went with 3:55 rear gears. The 5-speed has a 2.87 first and I went with the .82 5th. It has a little less HP but a little more torque. Exhaust is stock side exhaust so I will be looking into something else there too. My brother has a 70 with a 454 and calls my L79 a "beginner motor", I'll show him!!

 

Ok, I’ll give you my two cent worth. Pace Chevrolet is a GMPP dealer who over the last decade has been expanding their products. The problem I have is their mark up on non-GM products is significant. They try to leverage their business as a one stop shop, but if you shop around, you will find better deals. For example, the Holley in tank fuel pump module is $349.95 at Summit Racing vs your quoted $666.79 price. Unless they are including a bunch of additional parts that I can’t see as necessary, that is ridiculous.

Here is the part number from the Holley site 12-310:

https://www.holley.com/products/fuel...s/parts/12-310

Here it is on Summit Racing:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/hly-12-310

Buyer beware or at least do some research.

 

Factoid,
Looking at BP's site, they don't seem to have the accessory drives on their engines.
Did they add them for you or did you have to add them yourself ?

 

While it came with a distributor, wires, balancer and water pump, I had to add pulleys and brackets. I went with an Eddie’s bracket and pulley set up that came with the correct PS pump for my Borgeson PS box and Sanden ac compressor for my VA set up.