Weekend Cruiser - L48 to Blueprint 355 or 383?
05-30-2017, 08:53 AM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Weekend Cruiser - L48 to Blueprint 355 or 383?
Hey all!
I've had parts from a 1982 Corvette lying around (interior, suspension, 700r4). Body was not salvageable, so I just picked up a running 1980 L48 locally to build a weekend cruiser for nostalgic reasons. The 1980 will be the base, as everything is intact and functional (for the most part).
Plans:
Build the 700r4
Order new blueprint engine
Prep/paint body black
Keep the car forever as a fun, weekend cruiser. Short highway trips, around town, etc. No track or auto-x, nothing crazy.
I am about to pull the trigger on this BP35513CT1 from Blueprint:
http://blueprintengines.com/index.ph...ase-bp35513ct1
I think it will be PLENTY powerful for the intended purpose.
However, it looks like for <$500 I could upgrade to the 383, which 99% of the guys here seem to go with based on search results.
Is it worth it to go for a 383?
My main goals are longevity, reliability, and fun.
Or is the difference negligible?
I've had parts from a 1982 Corvette lying around (interior, suspension, 700r4). Body was not salvageable, so I just picked up a running 1980 L48 locally to build a weekend cruiser for nostalgic reasons. The 1980 will be the base, as everything is intact and functional (for the most part).
Plans:
Build the 700r4
Order new blueprint engine
Prep/paint body black
Keep the car forever as a fun, weekend cruiser. Short highway trips, around town, etc. No track or auto-x, nothing crazy.
I am about to pull the trigger on this BP35513CT1 from Blueprint:
http://blueprintengines.com/index.ph...ase-bp35513ct1
I think it will be PLENTY powerful for the intended purpose.
However, it looks like for <$500 I could upgrade to the 383, which 99% of the guys here seem to go with based on search results.
Is it worth it to go for a 383?
My main goals are longevity, reliability, and fun.
Or is the difference negligible?
05-30-2017, 11:03 AM
#4
Le Mans Master
The low end torque will be significantly better on the 383 vs the 355. For fun factor at only $500 more I'd go with the 383.
That being said it looks as though the 383 is externally balanced vs the 355 is internally balanced. So for the 383 you need to get an appropriate flywheel/flexplate and a 400CI weighted balancer. Blueprint also recommends a 2000 to 2400 stall torque converter in an auto.
For me the cam duration looks small on the 383, the valve lift looks low and the LSA is too wide. The same could be said of the 355 as well. Just my taste. But they've been doing this for a while and it works.
That being said it looks as though the 383 is externally balanced vs the 355 is internally balanced. So for the 383 you need to get an appropriate flywheel/flexplate and a 400CI weighted balancer. Blueprint also recommends a 2000 to 2400 stall torque converter in an auto.
For me the cam duration looks small on the 383, the valve lift looks low and the LSA is too wide. The same could be said of the 355 as well. Just my taste. But they've been doing this for a while and it works.
05-30-2017, 11:39 AM
#5
If you're going purely crate and no rebuild, I would also opt for the 383. I've built and owned both, and the 383 will provide nice torque for the street. BUT, as noted, make sure you are prepared to spend the extra for a couple of additional parts like the 400 balancer and flexplate (or weight for 350 plate) - which begs the question: How are they providing a balanced assembly without those two items? If this is a balanced assembly they would need to balance with those two parts. Read the fine print, as balancing may require additional $$ or something.
That said, the 355 is no slouch. More power than any of the SB C3's came from the factory.
I agree with REELAV8R that the cams are on the conservative side. They obviously make power, but if you want the chop in your idle these will sound pretty conservative. The stock L46 350/350 cam (albeit not a roller) was 222/222 @ 050 and pretty tame.
That said, the 355 is no slouch. More power than any of the SB C3's came from the factory.
I agree with REELAV8R that the cams are on the conservative side. They obviously make power, but if you want the chop in your idle these will sound pretty conservative. The stock L46 350/350 cam (albeit not a roller) was 222/222 @ 050 and pretty tame.