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Hi’Yall…..For reasons that I don’t want to get into here and now I am contemplating a crate engine swap into my 64 L76. Anyone have any suggestions? I’m thinking a 350 of some sort with hydraulic rollers as I still want to rev the **** out of the thing once in a while. I want a bolt in product with no surprises. Will run stock 2818 and exhaust manifolds. Summit is probably going to be my go to place I imagine. Let’s hear those suggestions…….I’m sure this has been done before many times over. V/R Capt D
Blueprint makes a really nice 327/350 hp with aluminium heads, manifold, carb, hyd roller, all dressed, and ready to drop in for like $7k. Even comes with cool old school finned valve covers, not the newer 4 piece center bolt pattern either.
Don't go much over 450 hp is my advice or you'll need to do driveline mods. The GM crate engines are much more and IMHO not as much value for money.
Last edited by Nikolai122; Dec 17, 2024 at 06:35 PM.
Wow….That’s a good looking engine…..Light weight too. Only problem is I don’t want to go less HP than my stocker……..Want just a little more oomph…...
Then, give Blueprint Engines a call and discuss with them what you're wanting to accomplish. They make a low rise engine that will allow clearance for your small block hood.
I’ve purchased three BPE engines over the years. They are top notch with many to choose from, plus each engine goes on the dyno to ensure proper operation and performance. They then send you the dyno results with the engine. Here is mine for my 1964 L76 which has the rest of the drivetrain beefed up.
Then, give Blueprint Engines a call and discuss with them what you're wanting to accomplish. They make a low rise engine that will allow clearance for your small block hood.
I’ve purchased three BPE engines over the years. They are top notch with many to choose from, plus each engine goes on the dyno to ensure proper operation and performance. They then send you the dyno results with the engine. Here is mine for my 1964 L76 which has the rest of the drivetrain beefed up.
Unfortunately, GM stopped making them a few years ago but I have two vehicles that we built with a brand new GM 350 four bolt main 260 hp rated crate. Built in Mexico, great for new builds or replacements where a super high power motor is not needed. The best part of all, you could get them DELIVERED for less than $1,500 from Jegs (excluding intake, carb, exhaust manifolds, etc. of course). Have served me well in my '34 Ford and '51 Chevy. Have fun selecting the right motor for your application.
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10, '14-'15
These guys have been around for a while... Big Choices. If I remember right there warranty goes something like this, If you take your car to the drag strip and blow up the motor you just bought they'll replace it. They use all the top parts available.
They make some big HP out of SB's..Just select SB then scroll down to pump gas..the click on the motor you want and they give you all the specs including the parts they use. Hers a Nice one... mouse down an look at the parts used.
Prestige motorsports and Tristar engines are 2 more crate engine builders. Keep in mind that not all crate engines are created equal. If 2 similar sounding builds are 4k apart price wise, chances are the the higher priced build uses better parts. As much as possible, look for name brands on key parts or made in USA where applicable. I've had mixed successes with crate engines but I've purchased 2 small block 427's from them and no issues. I bought a 427 small block Ford for my mustang and it was a nightmare. Over the course of 3 years , I had to pull the motor twice , crate it and ship its back for warranty work. My issues were a roller cam that went flat ( not hardened properly from comp cams ) and on the 2nd occasion I had a lifter retainer ( dog bone ) break, causing the lifter / lefter wheel to rotate and tear up the cam lobe. I also had a roller rocker trunnion clip break in half and only found 1/2 of it in the oil pan. After these incidents , I upgraded to tie bar lifters and upgraded to scorpion roller rockers. Lesson learned was spend more for a better build. Once you select a builde that uses " quality " parts , ask them if they would recommend any upgrades and consider doing that. Also make sure you get a turn key motor that's been dyno'd . If you are going lower horsepower and not spinning the motor up as high, then the heavier duty / higher quality parts are not as critical.
For sure-Blue Print is the way to go! The hard part is selecting which one to get. I went with the BP3505CTC. They advertised it at 390 HP I believe and mine turned out 410HP on their Dyno. It's in my '66 Coupe with "flat" hood. Order a drop base air cleaner. All from Summit.
As you probably already know, when you go to install that new crate engine, be sure to index the bell housing. If you don't you could ruin your transmission input shaft and bearings at a minimum.
I was looking into Blueprint engines also not long ago but have not decided yet.. They make a small block from 327 ci to 454 ci. It seemed to me on this forum that many people really liked the 383 extra power for their C2. But also, the opinion was that the 396 had better parts for not much more money (for example: cast crank for 383 and steel crank for 396). The 396 engine has 491HP and 509 torque which might require some beefing to the vehicle. . That HP and torque is more than a standard C8! Not a suggestion, but just sharing info.
Last edited by rockettc; Dec 19, 2024 at 12:51 AM.
Hi’Yall…..For reasons that I don’t want to get into here and now I am contemplating a crate engine swap into my 64 L76. Anyone have any suggestions? I’m thinking a 350 of some sort with hydraulic rollers as I still want to rev the **** out of the thing once in a while. I want a bolt in product with no surprises. Will run stock 2818 and exhaust manifolds. Summit is probably going to be my go to place I imagine. Let’s hear those suggestions…….I’m sure this has been done before many times over. V/R Capt D
Curious as to what you end up selecting & how your project ends up. Looked on the link for Blueprint & the options out there are unbelievable.
I lost my L79 to a cracked block 7 years ago. I didn’t want to go the rebuild route. I called BP on Thursday, the next Friday my 383/430 was here. My car was back on the street Tuesday. I now have 20,000 trouble free miles on it. I can get 19mpg and the engine burns zero oil. The big difference is the torque, the 383 is like having a big block with less weight.
Crate Engine Recommendations
