Okay….good to know….Yea, alternator mounts to the pax side exh manifold. Side pipes beyond that. Don’t want to alter that connection if can be avoided.

 

Here is what I have decided to use…….383/436HP. SKU: BP38318CTCV. Anyone have this in their C2? SKU: BP38318CTCV

 

I do, 7 years old, see my earlier post.

 

My brain is melting trying to make sure I pick the right engine.

 

Don,
I think you've made a wise choice. That's the low profile, carbureted engine that Blueprint recommends for the Corvette. The BP38318CTFV is the same low profile engine with fuel injection. Keep us in the loop as this transformation evolves.

 

That motor has a cast crank which should be OK unless you are going to really lean in it.

 

Thanks guys……Placing the order now. I’ll keep you posted. Found a dished lifter in my stock engine that would have caused me trouble soon. Thinking about selling the L76……Don’t really want it sitting around.

 

Engine ordered……Here we go!

 

Don - That Blueprint engine looks very nice. I'd imagine your L76 must have some decent rear gears like 3.70s or 4.11s?
You will be using their intake, yes? I think early on you mentioned wanting to keep the old original intake setup for looks purposes but
I just looked at the BP listing and their intake has the later Vortec 8-bolt intake to match their BP aluminum heads and your old Gen I intake would not have worked.
At the bottom of their website page, they list Notes and in the middle of the notes they mention clearance issues on C2's. Did you talk to them about that comment?

Notes:

• This engine features a true 4-inch bore, which mathematically yields 377 CID with a 3.75-inch stroke.
• Not for use in pollution-controlled vehicles.
• For C2 Corvette, modification, or replacement of factory hood and/or motor mounts will be required.
• Air cleaner has a maximum height of 11.5 inches when measured from block end rail (Horizontal sealing surface under the intake manifold.)
• The Aftermarket intake manifold installed on this engine may not be compatible with OEM accessory brackets that use intake mounted bosses.
• The performance aluminum cylinder heads on this engine feature a .500 raised port vs OEM.

Mike T - Prescott AZ

 

The BP heads to have a taller port but it is rectangular unlike the Vortec/Fast Burn trapezoid narrower at the top. I have one of their similar 383s I put in my 97 Vortec truck, milder cam that that one and almost stock sound.I did have an issue with the "self locating" rockers on mine making a lot of valve train noise and swapped on Harlan Sharp roller rockers.
Seems to run decent. Took normal headers. Fast Burn GM heads take a raised D port exhaust flange regular SB headers do not mate to well.

 

Yes…..I asked them why you say the engine is a match for the original in terms of dimensions in the first part of the ad and then they have the notes that you mention. I was told that concern was for a later (not C2) model. Not happy with that explanation I measured my stock setup from China wall to top of stock air cleaner and found measurements of 10 7/8 to rear of air cleaner to 11 1/4 from front China wall to top. BP says new engine is 11 inches to top of air cleaner. I seem to be in the ballpark. I made chunks of strip caulk and placed on top of my air cleaner and closed the hood to measure clearance. There is approx 1 1/4 inches of clearance so I have some extra clearance to work with. I am going to TRY and see if stock air cleaner fits the new rig. The inability to use stock intake is no big deal. It’s so old that I am concerned about it’s ability to seal so it would be foolish to break the intake seal on the new engine. I would have liked to see a 6 qt oil pan on that engine but I’m not going to change it. Going to paint the heads orange for stock look. BP always uses those chrome timing covers which is fine for custom look but I would prefer orange…..not sure I could get paint to stick. I’ll see if I can scuff it up and start with etching primer then orange. Like it or not that engine seems to be the best option for the C2. We shall see……..! Standard 3:36 gears.

 

I agree, their 'answers' don't exactly match up to the website Notes but on the other hand, their website mentions they've been building engines since the early 80s
and you'd think they wouldn't be around long if they were misrepresenting their products. Been a while but I'm sure I saw something on TV a couple years ago that showcased their
manufacturing facilities and my take-away was that it was a very clean operation. Do keep us posted on your progress.
Mike T - Prescott AZ

 

They have me convinced………This is going to be a nice winter project for me……..Will provide updates as they occur…..

 

I know the guys on Engine Masters and David Freiburger on Roadkill like BP engines.

 

Well here’s what I have learned so far…….My plan to mix/match original parts on the new engine won’t work. Can’t use original air cleaner on the new carb. Dipstick on pax side is right in the way of factory exh manifolds. Going to have to bend or change dipstick. That looks to be biggest problem so far. Other big problem is the heater hoses……..factory setup has hoses attaching on front of intake manifold….New engine has plugs for hoses on top of intake which means I have to come up with right angle fittings to attach hoses. Royal pain….MARKC, got your ears on? I would very much like to see some pics of some of your connections as we have the same engine…….Don

 

Looks like a beast. Bolt it in and see how you like it.

 

Blueprint Engines is Marshall Engines. They have been around a very long time and were a strong customer for Federal Mogul. A good friend of mine was the Rep for Federal Mogul calling on Marshall. They are not fly by night, it is a quality shop doing good work. When the engine rebuilding world slowed way down and rebuilding every engine for every car was no longer profitable they focused on the Crate motor market and did it better than everyone else. Good marketing, good product, good shop. The large rebuilders I knew all used similar equipment and had the same opportunity but Marshall recognized where things were going and did it better. Many of the other shops are now out of business even though they were equally equipped to do the same work., Marshall had a plan and it is still working today.

 

Don, I got your PM and sent you my cell number. I used my Z/28 intake which I had on the 327. The heater hose set up was about like the original. I do not remember a dipstick stick issued so they may have changed it. I ended up using a Stewart water pump which has been trouble free. I am also using an AED carb with my original air cleaner. I did put a chrome dipstick on it that I found at Pep Boys. As soon as you push down on the gas pedal you will love this engine.

Also, Black Magic put a BP 383 in a 66 coupe about the same time I did mine. He is a pro with documentation. You may want to search his posts. He used the L79 intake which eliminated a lot of problems.