My Engine Swap
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 3,237
Likes: 31
Your "antifreeze sending unit" is the power steering pump. Clean up looks like a real PIA! But it will be worth it in the end. Ordered mine from Summit about an hour ago! Got to wait for it to get all the way to Alaska so I am looking at 2 weeks before I get to start the job! Blueprint is making quite a name for themselves in the forum.
Lookin good, keep up the pics and progress reports.
Lookin good, keep up the pics and progress reports.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 3,237
Likes: 31
MrScott25,
You are right the intake manifold that we use on our fully dressed engines will not work with a stock Corvette hood. The measurements on the intake we use are, 4 3/8" on the front, 5 1/2" in the rear, & 5 1/8" on the center carb pad. Thank you everyone for using BluePrint Enignes and if you have any specific questions about our engines please feel free to shoot me a PM and let me know. Also we love seeing updates of where & what applications our engines go into, keep them coming!
Thanks,
Andrew Obermeier
BluePrint Engines
Product Specialist
You are right the intake manifold that we use on our fully dressed engines will not work with a stock Corvette hood. The measurements on the intake we use are, 4 3/8" on the front, 5 1/2" in the rear, & 5 1/8" on the center carb pad. Thank you everyone for using BluePrint Enignes and if you have any specific questions about our engines please feel free to shoot me a PM and let me know. Also we love seeing updates of where & what applications our engines go into, keep them coming!
Thanks,
Andrew Obermeier
BluePrint Engines
Product Specialist
Andrew:
This is the very definition of customer service! Good on ya for following the forums and taking some time to jump in and help even when "it isn't your job." Tell the boss I said you get a raise!
BTW - I ordered my BP motor about one hour ago. And the purchase was based in no small part due to your customer service!
------END HIJACK ALERT------
Racer
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 262
Likes: 1
From: New South Wales
CaseyJones that is great to hear man, that's the most miles I've heard of anyone reporting on one of those engines, makes me feel that much more confident! 
cue487023 That is a great looking engine
! Looks like you've done a LOT of work with your vette looks amazing. I love the l88 hood, in the next year or so when I do a paintjob I plan on buying one from eklers. Where are you getting yours? Do you have a thread going somewhere 
?
Jeff, I have not bought one yet, still waiting till I'm a littler closer to the install. Don't want it sitting around in my garage losing days off of the warranty! Haha
Blueprint rep- that's for your response, I called and spoke with a tech rep and they told me that there is a shorter manifold that can be added to my 383 for ~100$ that will fit under the stock hood. I was told the dyno results & warrenty will be the same. After seeing Cue's setup though I may just go with the base and add some shiney things....
Time for my update. I spent about 4 hours working on vette parts today. I got most of my brackets cleaned and painted, Drive shaft cleaned and painted, a sending unit of some sort... Maybe cooling? Not sure take a look and let me know, and broke down my engine a little more. I got ahold of some wax/grease remover from Orileys that has helped ALOT put it on a sponge and went to work. I suggest anyone trying to clean old parts give it a try, it has literally changed my world hahaha.
Crossarm ready for paint
Dirty old driveshaft and brackets
Crossarm and brackets drying out
Driveshaft nearly ready for paint
By the way it looks like I lost one of my Ujoint caps... Does anyone know where you can buy them individually?
Dirty XXX Sending unit - what is this? smells like it is an antifreeze sending unit?
Unidentified sending unit ready for paint
Everything all painted up
Gods gift to engine/parts cleaning...
Pulled the intake and pretty much everything else off of the old block. Learning ALOT pulling this thing apart. Not sure what to do with it once I've broken it down and cleaned it though....
The Vette collecting dust while it waits for its new heart
And that's a wrap for today, hopefully I'll be able to get the rest of my brackets, water sending unit, and oil sending units cleaned and painted tomorrow. I've also got a buddy coming over to help me get the hood off so I can start working on the bay, pretty damn excited.
Thanks for the information and support gentlemen!
cue487023 That is a great looking engine
! Looks like you've done a LOT of work with your vette looks amazing. I love the l88 hood, in the next year or so when I do a paintjob I plan on buying one from eklers. Where are you getting yours? Do you have a thread going somewhere ?Jeff, I have not bought one yet, still waiting till I'm a littler closer to the install. Don't want it sitting around in my garage losing days off of the warranty! Haha
Blueprint rep- that's for your response, I called and spoke with a tech rep and they told me that there is a shorter manifold that can be added to my 383 for ~100$ that will fit under the stock hood. I was told the dyno results & warrenty will be the same. After seeing Cue's setup though I may just go with the base and add some shiney things....
Time for my update. I spent about 4 hours working on vette parts today. I got most of my brackets cleaned and painted, Drive shaft cleaned and painted, a sending unit of some sort... Maybe cooling? Not sure take a look and let me know, and broke down my engine a little more. I got ahold of some wax/grease remover from Orileys that has helped ALOT put it on a sponge and went to work. I suggest anyone trying to clean old parts give it a try, it has literally changed my world hahaha.
Crossarm ready for paint
Dirty old driveshaft and brackets
Crossarm and brackets drying out
Driveshaft nearly ready for paint
By the way it looks like I lost one of my Ujoint caps... Does anyone know where you can buy them individually?Dirty XXX Sending unit - what is this? smells like it is an antifreeze sending unit?
Unidentified sending unit ready for paint
Everything all painted up
Gods gift to engine/parts cleaning...
Pulled the intake and pretty much everything else off of the old block. Learning ALOT pulling this thing apart. Not sure what to do with it once I've broken it down and cleaned it though....
The Vette collecting dust while it waits for its new heart
And that's a wrap for today, hopefully I'll be able to get the rest of my brackets, water sending unit, and oil sending units cleaned and painted tomorrow. I've also got a buddy coming over to help me get the hood off so I can start working on the bay, pretty damn excited.
Thanks for the information and support gentlemen!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Lake Jackson (South of Houston) Texas
Haha a little. I've made a few purchases. 
Ecklers - Purchased: Shop manual https://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corv...1966-1982.html and Front end rebuild https://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corv...1963-1982.html
Summit - Cart full ready to pull the trigger on the following - Mounts http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ens-3-1114g/overview/ , headers http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ho...1hkr/overview/ , New alternator http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-141-657/overview/ , starter http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-829000/overview/, flex plate http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g104sfi/overview/ , harmonic dampers http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-161400/overview/ , and torque converter http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g2702-1/overview/.
Waiting to buy those till I buy the engine. Which will be after everything is cleaned, and the front end suspension is rebuilt. In the mean time if anyone has any advice on the parts I've picked to go with this engine let me know. I'm still trying to decide if I should throw down on these http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ho...1hkr/overview/ or just have a muffler shop fab something up. Looking forward to any feedback you all may have.
Here are some progress pics from this weekend / this evening.
old rusted belt system
Drying out -
Water pump painted
Painted part compilation
Left side under progress
Left side close up
Right side close up
That's about it. I will most likely move to one post per week so I don't blow this thing up with my painstakingly slow progress haha!
Ecklers - Purchased: Shop manual https://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corv...1966-1982.html and Front end rebuild https://www.ecklerscorvette.com/corv...1963-1982.html
Summit - Cart full ready to pull the trigger on the following
- Mounts http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ens-3-1114g/overview/ , headers http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ho...1hkr/overview/ , New alternator http://www.summitracing.com/parts/pro-141-657/overview/ , starter http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-829000/overview/, flex plate http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g104sfi/overview/ , harmonic dampers http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-161400/overview/ , and torque converter http://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-g2702-1/overview/. Waiting to buy those till I buy the engine. Which will be after everything is cleaned, and the front end suspension is rebuilt. In the mean time if anyone has any advice on the parts I've picked to go with this engine let me know. I'm still trying to decide if I should throw down on these http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ho...1hkr/overview/ or just have a muffler shop fab something up. Looking forward to any feedback you all may have.
Here are some progress pics from this weekend / this evening.
old rusted belt system
Drying out -
Water pump painted
Painted part compilation
Left side under progress
Left side close up
Right side close up
That's about it. I will most likely move to one post per week so I don't blow this thing up with my painstakingly slow progress haha!
Last edited by 79VetteNoob; Apr 21, 2014 at 10:41 PM.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Lake Jackson (South of Houston) Texas
Status update (pictures will be posted this weekend) - I am planning on painting my engine bay this weekend. The guys at orileys suggested I use an acrylic latex spray paint but Im thinking I might need to use some sort of heat resistant paint? Bought a couple bottles of Rustoleum heat resistant grill paint butttttt I'm not sure if I like the finish on it (tested on a piece of cardboard). Also planning to start the front end rebuild. Spoke with a guy who knows ALOT more about cars than I do and he suggested I wait to do the front end until I get the engine and tranny back in. But I'm a slow learner and tend to also learn the hard way so I'm going to start on it this weekend as well. I've done some research and it looks like I need to suppress the front springs.. Suggestions? Taking all I can get right now. Currently I am planning on using a combination of tips from Lars, the shop manual and this thred http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...d.php?t=146221 . Like I said I'm open to any and all suggestions. Also my Vette will most likely be up on jack stands for awhile after this weekend... I've read a lot of conflicting stories on how to support a C3 for an extended period of time. Currently I am planning on jacking it up using the front cross member and supporting it from the sides with jack stands, good or bad idea? Looking forward to suggestions!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 3,237
Likes: 31
Status update (pictures will be posted this weekend) - I am planning on painting my engine bay this weekend. The guys at orileys suggested I use an acrylic latex spray paint but Im thinking I might need to use some sort of heat resistant paint? Bought a couple bottles of Rustoleum heat resistant grill paint butttttt I'm not sure if I like the finish on it (tested on a piece of cardboard). Also planning to start the front end rebuild. Spoke with a guy who knows ALOT more about cars than I do and he suggested I wait to do the front end until I get the engine and tranny back in. But I'm a slow learner and tend to also learn the hard way so I'm going to start on it this weekend as well. I've done some research and it looks like I need to suppress the front springs.. Suggestions? Taking all I can get right now. Currently I am planning on using a combination of tips from Lars, the shop manual and this thred http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...d.php?t=146221 . Like I said I'm open to any and all suggestions. Also my Vette will most likely be up on jack stands for awhile after this weekend... I've read a lot of conflicting stories on how to support a C3 for an extended period of time. Currently I am planning on jacking it up using the front cross member and supporting it from the sides with jack stands, good or bad idea? Looking forward to suggestions!
There is a ton of info on the forums for helping you along the front end work. Just a heads up. If you are going to pull those springs out for any of the work it is ABSOLUTLEY critical that you use a quality spring compressor and some safety chains for when you compress them. They may not seem like it but there is a tremendous amount of energy stored up in those critters. Lots of people have been killed and countless more seriously injured by springs. If you can, see if a buddy with some experience will help you pull them out the first time. Once you have learned the safe way to remove them you will be all set to work on them alone next time.
One other thought, lots of stuff on the front it will probably have rusty and frozen bolts. You might consider holding off on painting the engine bay since you will likely be using a bunch of penetrating oil trying to free up stuck bolts. Any accidental overspray of the oil or a slip of a wrench and you will ruin your brand new paint in a millisecond.
Have fun and take your time...you will have an awesome car and a ton of pride when you get her all back together and go for that first cruise!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Lake Jackson (South of Houston) Texas
Scott,
Unfortunately I had painted the engine bay before I saw your post
! Oh well, Ill repaint if I have to 
. Thanks for the advice though, I think that is exactly what I am going to do. I called a buddy of mine earlier and he is going to stop by next week and get me pointed in the right direction. I appreciate the heads up.
In the mean time here are some progress pictures from today.
Id like to start with a re-post picture to for a from and to effect.
To
And the rest
I did the best I could without pulling anything out I couldn't put back! I wish I could have done a frame off but I don't have the experience or time for that right now. I used about three coats of a semi gloss black acrylic lacquer from Orileys for the frame and about three coats of Rustoleum BBQ black high heat for the engine bay. I was not sure what to expect but I think it turned out pretty good. Only need to get the front suspension rebuilt and then I'll be ready to make my engine/components purchase!
Unfortunately I had painted the engine bay before I saw your post
! Oh well, Ill repaint if I have to . Thanks for the advice though, I think that is exactly what I am going to do. I called a buddy of mine earlier and he is going to stop by next week and get me pointed in the right direction. I appreciate the heads up. In the mean time here are some progress pictures from today.
Id like to start with a re-post picture to for a from and to effect.
To
And the rest
I did the best I could without pulling anything out I couldn't put back! I wish I could have done a frame off but I don't have the experience or time for that right now. I used about three coats of a semi gloss black acrylic lacquer from Orileys for the frame and about three coats of Rustoleum BBQ black high heat for the engine bay. I was not sure what to expect but I think it turned out pretty good. Only need to get the front suspension rebuilt and then I'll be ready to make my engine/components purchase
!
Last edited by 79VetteNoob; Apr 26, 2014 at 08:46 PM.
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
Likes: 19
From: Chino CA
Looking real REAL GOOD!!!!!!!
Bet yer getting excited to purchase your engine now?!!!
I'll say, I've owned my Vette 13 years. And for 12 3/4 of those years it had the L48
Have some nice hp now and a C3 that ISN'T slow is awesome!
Keep up the good work!
Bet yer getting excited to purchase your engine now?!!!
I'll say, I've owned my Vette 13 years. And for 12 3/4 of those years it had the L48
Have some nice hp now and a C3 that ISN'T slow is awesome!
Keep up the good work!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Lake Jackson (South of Houston) Texas
I can't wait! I called BP and they said it would take about a month to build my engine. Total cost with the manifold to fit under the stock hood will come out to ~4600, not bad at all. I tried shopping around with local engine builders and its 6k+ for a similar engine (without the warranty). Anyway I'm planning on ordering my engine in the next week or two. I'm still on the fence about my headers. I'm thinking the hooker comp long tubes but cant decide if I want to go with the nickel ceramics or save ~200 and go with the painted and spend the money saved plus a little extra for dual electric fans. Do they make the much of a difference over the stock fan? I saw a post earlier today where someone found duel eclectics for under 500.. Decisions decisions. Cant wait to pull the trigger! Thanks for the compliments
, been working my *** off hand cleaning everything.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 249
Likes: 4
From: Eastern Ky
Thanks for sharing. Great pictures. When I put my 350 / 330 in my 78 I had a shift kit. Promptly twisted both rear spindles. Sure was fun when it shifted ..... for a while.
That sure is scary bringing the engine over the fender on the hoist. Gave me nightmares.
That sure is scary bringing the engine over the fender on the hoist. Gave me nightmares.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Lake Jackson (South of Houston) Texas
Thanks for the feedback gentlemen! I'm looking forward to finishing it up and enjoying it. Its been 80degrees and sunny the last week and looks like that's going to be the reg for the foreseeable forecast so I'm chomping at the bit to finish this project up!
As far as the dyno/tune goes.. The engine should come dyno'd and tuned from the manufacturer, I'd like to get a rear wheel dyno when funds are back up but its going to take me awhile to recoop after I finish this project. As long as its running strong and pulling I'm going to be happy! Sure wont be hard to beat that 35year old 190horse 350 with all the emissions S#*T on it!
Thanks again for checking out my progress
As far as the dyno/tune goes.. The engine should come dyno'd and tuned from the manufacturer, I'd like to get a rear wheel dyno when funds are back up but its going to take me awhile to recoop after I finish this project. As long as its running strong and pulling I'm going to be happy! Sure wont be hard to beat that 35year old 190horse 350 with all the emissions S#*T on it
! Thanks again for checking out my progress
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 3,237
Likes: 31
Thanks for the feedback gentlemen! I'm looking forward to finishing it up and enjoying it. Its been 80degrees and sunny the last week and looks like that's going to be the reg for the foreseeable forecast so I'm chomping at the bit to finish this project up!
As far as the dyno/tune goes.. The engine should come dyno'd and tuned from the manufacturer, I'd like to get a rear wheel dyno when funds are back up but its going to take me awhile to recoop after I finish this project. As long as its running strong and pulling I'm going to be happy! Sure wont be hard to beat that 35year old 190horse 350 with all the emissions S#*T on it!
Thanks again for checking out my progress
As far as the dyno/tune goes.. The engine should come dyno'd and tuned from the manufacturer, I'd like to get a rear wheel dyno when funds are back up but its going to take me awhile to recoop after I finish this project. As long as its running strong and pulling I'm going to be happy! Sure wont be hard to beat that 35year old 190horse 350 with all the emissions S#*T on it
! Thanks again for checking out my progress
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Lake Jackson (South of Houston) Texas
Slow!
I've been out of town for the last two weeks or so training, and I'm headed back out of town again all next week. Thus I have not had a lot of updates. I picked up my tranny (complete rebuild) with B&M shift kit about two days ago and I've got everything else I'll need with the exception of the exhaust and engine.
Still have not had a chance to start on the front end rebuild, as soon as I get a chance to get that going I'm going to order the engine. Engine will be ~1month from build to my door. I'm planning on taking it to a local shop for 2.5" X pipe exhaust then I'll be rolling. T - 2 maybe 3 months to completion. I'll post more progress pictures when I get back in town after next week.
I've been out of town for the last two weeks or so training, and I'm headed back out of town again all next week. Thus I have not had a lot of updates. I picked up my tranny (complete rebuild) with B&M shift kit about two days ago and I've got everything else I'll need with the exception of the exhaust and engine.
Still have not had a chance to start on the front end rebuild, as soon as I get a chance to get that going I'm going to order the engine. Engine will be ~1month from build to my door. I'm planning on taking it to a local shop for 2.5" X pipe exhaust then I'll be rolling. T - 2 maybe 3 months to completion. I'll post more progress pictures when I get back in town after next week.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Lake Jackson (South of Houston) Texas
Man about the same as the previous post 
I'm having a hell of a time getting anyone to help me start the front end rebuild, and I'm hesitant to get into it by myself! On top of that I've been in an out of town for training, fixing to head out of town for ~3weeks of military training after tomorrow
Hopefully I'll be able to tie someone down for a few hours to get me started on the front end rebuild when I get back the second week of July. Been chomping at the bit to get this engine ordered, but I don’t want to jump the gun and lose warranty time with it just chillen in my garage. No new progress to report.
Thanks for checking in though!
I'm having a hell of a time getting anyone to help me start the front end rebuild, and I'm hesitant to get into it by myself! On top of that I've been in an out of town for training, fixing to head out of town for ~3weeks of military training after tomorrow
Hopefully I'll be able to tie someone down for a few hours to get me started on the front end rebuild when I get back the second week of July. Been chomping at the bit to get this engine ordered, but I don’t want to jump the gun and lose warranty time with it just chillen in my garage. No new progress to report.
Thanks for checking in though!
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
Just a few suggestions: An air gap manifold will easily fit under your stock hood if you use a drop base air cleaner. I have a 2inch dropped base with a 3 inch open element filter that fits under my stock 77 hood. As for the electric fans, you don't need them. I have the stock clutch fan on my 383, a low flow water pump and a good, 4 row, copper brass radiator with ALL the proper seals, and no cooling problems. Lastly, get ceramic coated headers. The painted ones will look like rusted crap in a week.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 3,237
Likes: 31
http://www.blueprintengines.com/