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I'm looking into getting a crate engine for my 75 with a TH350 transmission. I want as much of a drop in replacement as possible and
ideally around 400hp with a roller cam on a 383 small block.
Blueprint's BP38313CTC1 seems to tick all the boxes but wanted advice on other brands that might be worth considering.
Hard to beat that for the money
That should have outstanding manners and make great torque everywhere. Note it is externally balanced when selecting FW/flexplate etc.
read the fine print of their warranty regarding "installs". Important
Doesnt pay to build motors anymore although really enjoyed it to try and do it for profit forget it.
Personally a little squeamish about some parts sources but if its survived the dyno and been tuned oughta be Ok.
Besides I dont believe gm sells Gen1 and 2 bare blocks anymore? Thier aluminum blocks? always lusted after one of those.
What a shame, still a good market for them. They should start mfg their good FT lifters they used to have too. Think I paid 5-600 for a new GM block back in the late 90s, hecho in mexico. It actually measured out pretty good. If they did a 400 with stronger mains and a change or two they could sell a bazillion of them. Not everyone wants China cast stuff.
Some stuff checks out Ok out outside hardness but past that pure junk found that out the hard way with some imposter "Manley" pushrods yrs ago. Hardness ck was Ok put them in a vise, with just the slightest amount of pressure they bent or snapped. Metal inside just crumbled like a dirt clod couldnt believe it. Got the real ones in there now
Thanks, P.A.W.
I bought a 383 touring from Smeding in Texas. Great engine, excellent warranty. I've been running it for a year and a half. Only 5000 miles but it is great. All new parts including the block. Costs more but the build is excellent.
Note it is externally balanced when selecting FW/flexplate etc.
Mmm.. on the web, in the Rotating Assembly section it says "Balanced rotating assembly". I assumed it was internally balanced. Do you think that is not the case?
Originally Posted by stumpshot
I bought a 383 touring from Smeding in Texas. Great engine, excellent warranty. I've been running it for a year and a half. Only 5000 miles but it is great. All new parts including the block. Costs more but the build is excellent.
The harmonic balancer that we recommend for our BP38313CTC1 is a 400 ci weighted, 8" diameter. Part number BPP400
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)
I wouldn't think twice about running a blueprint engine. Seems like the best bang for the buck and I really like their aluminum heads on my 355...same heads that are on that 383. Scott from BPE might even see this post and chime in.
Last edited by AboveTheLogic; Nov 9, 2016 at 11:51 PM.
I bought a 383 touring from Smeding in Texas. Great engine, excellent warranty. I've been running it for a year and a half. Only 5000 miles but it is great. All new parts including the block. Costs more but the build is excellent.
How do you like your Smeding engine? I'm considering one of their 383s for my '76. Curious if you're happy with the "Touring" model, if it provides enough power, what the street manners are like, etc. I can't decide between the "Touring" or possibly going with one of the more high performance models. Thanks for your feedback.
370hp/430tq it probably acts very close to stock, if you think you may need more power just go for it now. Nothing worse than the 1st romp and wishing you had more. Sure it pulls real nice...at a point you trade off tq for hp have to regear, tuning issues etc that rabbit hole pops up.
You will have to add balancer, flexplate and a stall converter to the price. I would recommend a 2800 stall with that engine. Add a external transmission cooler also.
The harmonic balancer that we recommend for our BP38313CTC1 is a 400 ci weighted, 8" diameter. Part number BPP400 The flexplate / flywheel that we recommend for our BP38313CTC1 is a late 350 Weighted (1 pc Rear Main Seal, Externally balanced) Recommended Stall Converter: 2000 to 2400 RPM.
I have heard good things about ATK although I have no personal experience with them. I think summit and Jegs sell them. We have used Blueprint with positive results.
Last edited by Vette5311; May 1, 2019 at 07:53 PM.
Like that pkg, everythign probably fits just right!! Complete with accessories hard to go wrong.
Need more just take the grinder to the heads, rockers, massage the intake and youre set!
I have been running Blueprint's BP38313CTC1 for a couple years and a few thousand miles. The engine has been running great without any issues.
Dyno chart that shipped with the engine.
Crate engine brand recommendation?
