Blueprint 383
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Blueprint 383
Guys and Gals,
I'm going to be purchasing a chevy 383 from Blueprint #BP38313CTC1 soon for my 78 which currently has a l48 and need some help. Can anyone recommend headers, clutch, fuel pump, pullies, and anything else that may not come on this dressed crate motor? Want to have all the pieces in hand. Any help would be grateful. Someone who has gone thru this process and maybe even with this motor would be great to get feedback from. Obviously I'm a first timer doing an engine swap.
I'm going to be purchasing a chevy 383 from Blueprint #BP38313CTC1 soon for my 78 which currently has a l48 and need some help. Can anyone recommend headers, clutch, fuel pump, pullies, and anything else that may not come on this dressed crate motor? Want to have all the pieces in hand. Any help would be grateful. Someone who has gone thru this process and maybe even with this motor would be great to get feedback from. Obviously I'm a first timer doing an engine swap.
Last edited by solwyt; Jun 8, 2016 at 05:45 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 109
From: Las Vegas NV
Do you have a budget in mind? Are you planning on just replacing everything that touches the engine, or reusing your old components? Everything you mentioned should unbolt from your original engine and bolt onto the 383.
I see that the part number you mentioned is a roller cam engine, and it has a 1 piece rear main seal. I would make sure that the timing cover they are using will clear your original water pump. It should, but it might not. Also note that since you're going from a 2 piece rear main seal block to a 1 piece, your original flywheel won't bolt up IIRC. In this case you should treat your new flywheel to a new clutch kit. Which clutch makes the most sense depends on the kind of driving you'll be doing, which transmission you have, and what your rear end gear ratio is.
Check with Blueprint about whether or not that engine is internally or externally balanced. If it is externally balanced, the flywheel and harmonic damper may come with the engine and be different than your L48 units.
I see that the part number you mentioned is a roller cam engine, and it has a 1 piece rear main seal. I would make sure that the timing cover they are using will clear your original water pump. It should, but it might not. Also note that since you're going from a 2 piece rear main seal block to a 1 piece, your original flywheel won't bolt up IIRC. In this case you should treat your new flywheel to a new clutch kit. Which clutch makes the most sense depends on the kind of driving you'll be doing, which transmission you have, and what your rear end gear ratio is.
Check with Blueprint about whether or not that engine is internally or externally balanced. If it is externally balanced, the flywheel and harmonic damper may come with the engine and be different than your L48 units.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,444
Likes: 970
From: Tennessee/Rhode Island
Nice motor with 10 compression, roller cam .528/.536 lift, aluminum heads, etc...should be nice with 430 GROSS HP (about 365 NET HP) versus the L-48 with 180 NET HP. I found many answers to your questions on their website:
What harmonic balancer should I use for my 383?
The harmonic balancer that we recommend for our BP38313CTC1 is a 400 ci weighted, 8" diameter
What flexplate / flywheel should I use for my 383?
The flexplate / flywheel that we recommend for our BP38313CTC1 is a late 350 Weighted (1 pc Rear Main Seal, Externally balanced)
For our 383 Crate engines we recommend the additional parts:
Spark Plug: Champion 792
Spark Plug Gap: .045"
Stall Converter: 2000-2400 rpm
What harmonic balancer should I use for my 383?
The harmonic balancer that we recommend for our BP38313CTC1 is a 400 ci weighted, 8" diameter
What flexplate / flywheel should I use for my 383?
The flexplate / flywheel that we recommend for our BP38313CTC1 is a late 350 Weighted (1 pc Rear Main Seal, Externally balanced)
For our 383 Crate engines we recommend the additional parts:
Spark Plug: Champion 792
Spark Plug Gap: .045"
Stall Converter: 2000-2400 rpm
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,194
Likes: 109
From: Las Vegas NV
Oh well there you go.
That 8" balancer should have no problem clearing anything. I think the L48 had the 8" balancer which I guess means you can probably use your original timing tab if there isn't one on the BP engine.
If you end up running this engine, definitely let us know how it goes! The heads that come on that engine are the same heads I bought for my 355. Haven't driven with them yet, car is still going back together. I CAN fire it up, though!
That 8" balancer should have no problem clearing anything. I think the L48 had the 8" balancer which I guess means you can probably use your original timing tab if there isn't one on the BP engine.
If you end up running this engine, definitely let us know how it goes! The heads that come on that engine are the same heads I bought for my 355. Haven't driven with them yet, car is still going back together. I CAN fire it up, though!
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Do you have a budget in mind? Are you planning on just replacing everything that touches the engine, or reusing your old components? Everything you mentioned should unbolt from your original engine and bolt onto the 383.
I see that the part number you mentioned is a roller cam engine, and it has a 1 piece rear main seal. I would make sure that the timing cover they are using will clear your original water pump. It should, but it might not. Also note that since you're going from a 2 piece rear main seal block to a 1 piece, your original flywheel won't bolt up IIRC. In this case you should treat your new flywheel to a new clutch kit. Which clutch makes the most sense depends on the kind of driving you'll be doing, which transmission you have, and what your rear end gear ratio is.
Check with Blueprint about whether or not that engine is internally or externally balanced. If it is externally balanced, the flywheel and harmonic damper may come with the engine and be different than your L48 units.
I see that the part number you mentioned is a roller cam engine, and it has a 1 piece rear main seal. I would make sure that the timing cover they are using will clear your original water pump. It should, but it might not. Also note that since you're going from a 2 piece rear main seal block to a 1 piece, your original flywheel won't bolt up IIRC. In this case you should treat your new flywheel to a new clutch kit. Which clutch makes the most sense depends on the kind of driving you'll be doing, which transmission you have, and what your rear end gear ratio is.
Check with Blueprint about whether or not that engine is internally or externally balanced. If it is externally balanced, the flywheel and harmonic damper may come with the engine and be different than your L48 units.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 145
Likes: 13
Hello SOLWYT
We saw your post and wanted to say 'Hi!'
We are available for any questions you have on our engines.
AboveTheLogic's point on whether our 383's are externally balanced or internally. Our part number you brought up, BP38313CTC1, is an externally balanced engine. It uses a 1970-1980 sbc 400. These are externally balanced. We sell these too. It also needs a 1986 or newer 350 flywheel. These are externally balanced for a one piece rear main seal. The rest of your accessories, trans, bell housing, starter, etc can be reused.
Let us know if you have other questions.
Scott Liggett
BluePrint Engines
1(800)483-4263
info@blueprintengines.com
www.blueprintengines.com
We saw your post and wanted to say 'Hi!'
We are available for any questions you have on our engines.
AboveTheLogic's point on whether our 383's are externally balanced or internally. Our part number you brought up, BP38313CTC1, is an externally balanced engine. It uses a 1970-1980 sbc 400. These are externally balanced. We sell these too. It also needs a 1986 or newer 350 flywheel. These are externally balanced for a one piece rear main seal. The rest of your accessories, trans, bell housing, starter, etc can be reused.
Let us know if you have other questions.
Scott Liggett
BluePrint Engines
1(800)483-4263
info@blueprintengines.com
www.blueprintengines.com
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 598
Guys and Gals,
I'm going to be purchasing a chevy 383 from Blueprint #BP38313CTC1 soon for my 78 which currently has a l48 and need some help. Can anyone recommend headers, clutch, fuel pump, pullies, and anything else that may not come on this dressed crate motor? Want to have all the pieces in hand. Any help would be grateful. Someone who has gone thru this process and maybe even with this motor would be great to get feedback from. Obviously I'm a first timer doing an engine swap.
I'm going to be purchasing a chevy 383 from Blueprint #BP38313CTC1 soon for my 78 which currently has a l48 and need some help. Can anyone recommend headers, clutch, fuel pump, pullies, and anything else that may not come on this dressed crate motor? Want to have all the pieces in hand. Any help would be grateful. Someone who has gone thru this process and maybe even with this motor would be great to get feedback from. Obviously I'm a first timer doing an engine swap.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...n-my-78-a.html
And then the T56 Magnum install
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 216
Likes: 16
From: Tanunda South Australia
wheels
I added a GM Serpentine Kit on my ZZ383 install. With Aluminum Rad and electric Fans.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...n-my-78-a.html
And then the T56 Magnum install
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...n-my-78-a.html
And then the T56 Magnum install
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 598
18x8 4" BS Perfect Match to the stock YJ8 Aluminum 78 Wheels.
This is where I got them.
http://www.etmags.com/lt_iii.html
This is where I got them.
http://www.etmags.com/lt_iii.html
Racer
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 487
Likes: 160
From: Two Lane Black Top
Regarding headers with a 383 I would go 1 3/4 primary. I have Hooker long tubes that are 1 3/4 primary and 3 inch collector. They were very good with the old 383 and work well with the current 400. I'm sure there are equal or better headers than the Hookers.