82 Engine Swap
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 1,525
From: Poplar Bluff MO
82 Engine Swap
I thought I'd start a new thread on this... I'm changing the engine in my C3 to a 350 Vortec engine I think! The 82 350 is out of the car.
FedEx Freight just called and wanted to deliver the Blueprint 350/390HP engine and I refused delivery so it will get sent back.
My friend of a friend works a couple of towns over at the Chevrolet dealer was on the phone today with him and they have a lot of engines to choose from so once I get my refund from Blueprint I'll take a ride over there and see what they can do for me. He was talking to the parts manager and they seems to have a lot of 350 Vortec engine choices for High Output like 330HP, any suggestions on what to look for?
JT
FedEx Freight just called and wanted to deliver the Blueprint 350/390HP engine and I refused delivery so it will get sent back.
My friend of a friend works a couple of towns over at the Chevrolet dealer was on the phone today with him and they have a lot of engines to choose from so once I get my refund from Blueprint I'll take a ride over there and see what they can do for me. He was talking to the parts manager and they seems to have a lot of 350 Vortec engine choices for High Output like 330HP, any suggestions on what to look for?
JT
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,273
Likes: 1,278
From: Phoenix, AZ to Quakertown, PA.
C6 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/p...-mtps7WO5Dv5j-
This was installed in my 82 when I purchased it. Very responsive and pulls great.
This was installed in my 82 when I purchased it. Very responsive and pulls great.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 1,525
From: Poplar Bluff MO
https://www.gmperformancemotor.com/p...-mtps7WO5Dv5j-
This was installed in my 82 when I purchased it. Very responsive and pulls great.
This was installed in my 82 when I purchased it. Very responsive and pulls great.
Or maybe this one SP350/357 Base Part Number: 19433032
JT
Last edited by jthornton; Feb 24, 2026 at 05:21 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,212
Likes: 1,267
From: Fleming Island, FL
The HO 330HP Vortec has a flat tapped cam. If you're spending that kind of money definitely get one with a roller camshaft. Not all Vortec blocks have fuel pump provisions and camshaft may not have an eccentric to run a fuel pump ether. That's not really a issue for your car because 82 can use a in tank electric fuel pump. Lastly the Vortec heads and block doesn't have internal coolant bypass so you need to run an external bypass from the intake manifold to water pump. Some guys just drill holes to thermostat and that seems to work too. For your purpose a stock Vortec replacement engine would suit your needs. Add the electric fuel pump if needed , coolant bypass, Vortec intake manifold, and a set of headers and you're good to go. A stock Vortec engine ain't no slug either.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 1,525
From: Poplar Bluff MO
The HO 330HP Vortec has a flat tapped cam. If you're spending that kind of money definitely get one with a roller camshaft. Not all Vortec blocks have fuel pump provisions and camshaft may not have an eccentric to run a fuel pump ether. That's not really a issue for your car because 82 can use a in tank electric fuel pump. Lastly the Vortec heads and block doesn't have internal coolant bypass so you need to run an external bypass from the intake manifold to water pump. Some guys just drill holes to thermostat and that seems to work too. For your purpose a stock Vortec replacement engine would suit your needs. Add the electric fuel pump if needed , coolant bypass, Vortec intake manifold, and a set of headers and you're good to go. A stock Vortec engine ain't no slug either.
JT
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 887
Likes: 550
From: Central NJ
Run a small hose from the top of the water pump to the intake near the thermostat, Vortecs don't have an internal bypass. I just drilled some holes in the thermostat. I recently learned about this, mine was getting temperature fluctuations that I did not like, not over heating just not consistent.
Those engines you are looking at have Iron heads if that matters to you. I remember you can get a deal on these but right now I think the dressed BP is a better price.. didn't check just going by memory... and definitely get a roller cam..
60
Those engines you are looking at have Iron heads if that matters to you. I remember you can get a deal on these but right now I think the dressed BP is a better price.. didn't check just going by memory... and definitely get a roller cam..
60
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 1,525
From: Poplar Bluff MO
Ok this video keeps saying "production" engines need the bypass but GM performance engines have the 3rd hole for internal bypass.
I will do a lot of checking before I pull the trigger this time!
JT
I will do a lot of checking before I pull the trigger this time!
JT
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 1,525
From: Poplar Bluff MO
The SP350/357 Base Part Number: 19433032 does have a roller cam.
In any case I assume it will take a bit to get my credit back from BluePrint so I have some time to ponder.
JT
In any case I assume it will take a bit to get my credit back from BluePrint so I have some time to ponder.
JT
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,212
Likes: 1,267
From: Fleming Island, FL
Basically it's connecting the intake manifold coolant to the water pump using a few fittings and a length of hose to allow coolant to circulate around the engine while the thermostat is closed avoiding hot spots in the engine. Stock big block Chevy engines use the external coolant bypass.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 473
INSTEAD,
Strongly suggest 350/ 357 P/N 19433032
BECAUSE it has a very nice steel billet roller cam sporting a grind profile you'll probably like a lot; and best warranty in the biz.both x434 and x032 are essentially L31 Vortec, but with different cams. Both motors REQUIRE a a New Vortec-Specific intake manifold, AND because their One-Piece Rear Main Seal cranks' have a smaller bolt circle for flexplate, Both REQUIRE a new, '87-up flexplate,
FWIW, that 350HO also has essentially same bones (including same HFT cam) as does Wildly popular x602 Circle Track race crate; although x602 has different tin and different Left-turn only pan-windage tray.
Yup, get that base 350/357 long block ! No 'special' oil(s), Nor oil wearpak additive(s) needed for break-in, nor for long-term routine ops.Dunno, but willin' to bet dollars to donuts that either of the two GM pieces have better, thinner, more modern ringpaks than either of the two prior BPE pieces might have.
Also, safe bet your new GM crate's shipping label(s) will indicate it originated at Springfield MO USA.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 1,525
From: Poplar Bluff MO
The 350 HO is a very good motor BUT it has flat tappet lifters; NOT roller.
INSTEAD,
Strongly suggest 350/ 357 P/N 19433032 BECAUSE it has a very nice steel billet roller cam sporting a grind profile you'll probably like a lot; and best warranty in the biz.
both x434 and x032 are essentially L31 Vortec, but with different cams. Both motors REQUIRE a a New Vortec-Specific intake manifold, AND because their One-Piece Rear Main Seal cranks' have a smaller bolt circle for flexplate, Both REQUIRE a new, '87-up flexplate,
FWIW, that 350HO also has essentially same bones (including same HFT cam) as does Wildly popular x602 Circle Track race crate; although x602 has different tin and different Left-turn only pan-windage tray.
Yup, get that base 350/357 long block ! No 'special' oil(s), Nor oil wearpak additive(s) needed for break-in, nor for long-term routine ops.
Dunno, but willin' to bet dollars to donuts that either of the two GM pieces have better, thinner, more modern ringpaks than either of the two prior BPE pieces might have.
Also, safe bet your new GM crate's shipping label(s) will indicate it originated at Springfield MO USA.
INSTEAD,
Strongly suggest 350/ 357 P/N 19433032
BECAUSE it has a very nice steel billet roller cam sporting a grind profile you'll probably like a lot; and best warranty in the biz.both x434 and x032 are essentially L31 Vortec, but with different cams. Both motors REQUIRE a a New Vortec-Specific intake manifold, AND because their One-Piece Rear Main Seal cranks' have a smaller bolt circle for flexplate, Both REQUIRE a new, '87-up flexplate,
FWIW, that 350HO also has essentially same bones (including same HFT cam) as does Wildly popular x602 Circle Track race crate; although x602 has different tin and different Left-turn only pan-windage tray.
Yup, get that base 350/357 long block ! No 'special' oil(s), Nor oil wearpak additive(s) needed for break-in, nor for long-term routine ops.Dunno, but willin' to bet dollars to donuts that either of the two GM pieces have better, thinner, more modern ringpaks than either of the two prior BPE pieces might have.
Also, safe bet your new GM crate's shipping label(s) will indicate it originated at Springfield MO USA.
It says balanced external is that only for the flexplate?
I don't see a timing tab... does it use an 8" harmonic balancer?
Springfield is not far from me...
JT
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 473
In OE L31, the OE lower intake actually has 'seat' cast into lower intake, immediately below t'stat. The OE L31 t'stat has an integral disc that fit's that 'seat'--- unlike any BBC or earlier sbc. On OE L31, that 'seat' is ported to top of OE L31 water pump.
Rather familiar w/ L31 and its variants; I've yet to recognize an aftermarket intake that actually has a 'seat' for disc t'stat cast-in.to those Non-OE intakes. Seen (and handled) dozens & dozens & dozens of x602 race crates. Don't recall anyone running an L31 bypass hose. That disc t'stat is very common, but it's a different animal than prior sbc t'stats. Me thinks later Gen III LS platforms utilize same t'stat but mounted to water pump and 'sideways' to boot.
Yes, I know the GM/Chev Performance Vortec intake do have a coolant port for elbow; but do not recall those intakes having any 'seat' for a disc t'stat.
A poor pic grabbed from fleabay, but you cn resolve the seat in bottom of t'stat housing hole.
Rather familiar w/ L31 and its variants; I've yet to recognize an aftermarket intake that actually has a 'seat' for disc t'stat cast-in.to those Non-OE intakes. Seen (and handled) dozens & dozens & dozens of x602 race crates. Don't recall anyone running an L31 bypass hose. That disc t'stat is very common, but it's a different animal than prior sbc t'stats. Me thinks later Gen III LS platforms utilize same t'stat but mounted to water pump and 'sideways' to boot.
Yes, I know the GM/Chev Performance Vortec intake do have a coolant port for elbow; but do not recall those intakes having any 'seat' for a disc t'stat.
A poor pic grabbed from fleabay, but you cn resolve the seat in bottom of t'stat housing hole.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2025
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 473
Yup the 19433032 looks like a better engine with the roller cam. And the dealer will give me the BIL price for it. I know the vortec has a different flex plate and intake manifold than my 82 350, is the exhaust the same as my 82?
It says balanced external is that only for the flexplate?
I don't see a timing tab... does it use an 8" harmonic balancer?
Springfield is not far from me...
JT
It says balanced external is that only for the flexplate?
I don't see a timing tab... does it use an 8" harmonic balancer?
Springfield is not far from me...
JT
You can use any size neutral damper that floats your boat. GM are good, as are Pioneer brand. Unless you're truly racing, SFI-rated is overkill $$$.
GM's long-time partner at Springfield is SRC (it's a big company)
https://www.srcholdings.com/about
**** If you're asking if Your OE 82 tubular ex manifolds will bolt up to OE Vortec heads ? I won't swear to that But I believe they should.
FWIW, at teeny Van Buren MO, is gorgeous huge natural spring, Big Spring National Park been there twice and overnited once Lovely!
https://www.nps.gov/ozar/planyourvisit/big-spring.htm
Last edited by Rebelyell; Feb 24, 2026 at 08:23 PM.
Old Pro Solo Guy
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 7,871
Likes: 4,264
From: Marlton NJ
Both have a similar duration
Coupled with those vortec heads and a roller cam no wonder it makes 357HP. Similar HP to an L46 but a milder cam that will drive better.
- Duration at .050" Lift: 212° Int / 222° Exh
Coupled with those vortec heads and a roller cam no wonder it makes 357HP. Similar HP to an L46 but a milder cam that will drive better.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 1,525
From: Poplar Bluff MO
Both have a similar duration
Coupled with those vortec heads and a roller cam no wonder it makes 357HP. Similar HP to an L46 but a milder cam that will drive better.
- Duration at .050" Lift: 212° Int / 222° Exh
Coupled with those vortec heads and a roller cam no wonder it makes 357HP. Similar HP to an L46 but a milder cam that will drive better.
TECH SPECS
Part Number: 12677167 / 19367080
Engine Type: Chevy Small-Block V-8
Displacement (cu in): 350
Bore x Stroke (in): 4.000 x 3.480
Block (P/N 10105123): Cast iron with 4-bolt main caps
Crankshaft (P/N ): Forged Steel
Connecting Rods (P/N 10108688): Powdered metal
Pistons (P/N 88894280): Cast aluminum
Camshaft Type (P/N 12677151): Hydraulic roller
Camshaft Lift (in): 0.473" intake / 0.473" exhaust
Camshaft Duration (@.050 in): 215° intake / 223° exhaust
Cylinder Heads (P/N 12558060): Cast iron; as cast with 64cc chambers
Valve Size (in): 1.940 intake / 1.500 exhaust
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1 nominal
Rocker Arms (P/N 10089648): Stamped steel
Rocker Arm Ratio: 1.5:1
Recommended Fuel: Premium pump
Ignition Timing: 32º Total @ 4,000 rpm
Maximum Recommended rpm: 5,600
Balanced: External
I wonder why it has two part numbers?
JT
Old Pro Solo Guy
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 7,871
Likes: 4,264
From: Marlton NJ
I guess I pulled the flat tappet spec, and you pulled the roller tappet spec.
No matter there is only 3* difference.
That won't make the "driving feel" any different.
But the Hydraulic Roller version will make more power because of what happens at .200 & .300 valve lift.
And the H.Roller has much better lobe life.
I would definately go with that H.R. cam.
I believe the different part numbers are related to a long block version, or a fully dressed version, etc.
They may offer it 2 or even 3 ways.
Base engine - no intake.
Deluxe crate - intake, carb, air cleaner, plug wires
Turn Key - all the above plus water pump, pulleys, alternator, etc.
Those "generic" accessories may not fit a corvette. So you would likely want to re-use as many of yours as possible.
There is a "height" limit on intakes in C3s, etc.
C3s run a "short" water pump, etc. etc.
No matter there is only 3* difference.
That won't make the "driving feel" any different.
But the Hydraulic Roller version will make more power because of what happens at .200 & .300 valve lift.
And the H.Roller has much better lobe life.
I would definately go with that H.R. cam.
I believe the different part numbers are related to a long block version, or a fully dressed version, etc.
They may offer it 2 or even 3 ways.
Base engine - no intake.
Deluxe crate - intake, carb, air cleaner, plug wires
Turn Key - all the above plus water pump, pulleys, alternator, etc.
Those "generic" accessories may not fit a corvette. So you would likely want to re-use as many of yours as possible.
There is a "height" limit on intakes in C3s, etc.
C3s run a "short" water pump, etc. etc.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 1,525
From: Poplar Bluff MO
I guess another option would be to get a bare block like SPC Small Block Chevy 350 Engine Block SUM-150203 which is roller cam ready but needs honing out and just build what I want?
JT
JT
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,212
Likes: 1,267
From: Fleming Island, FL
JT, what was reason you decided to go with a crate engine then freshening up your original engine? Was it just your cam bearings that broke the camel's back. Cam bearings are easy to replace.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 2,465
Likes: 1,525
From: Poplar Bluff MO
I refused delivery on the Blueprint so I'm back to wide open or will be when they credit my account
Edit: Might have been a bit of frustration just finding more bad stuff the deeper I went...
JT
Last edited by jthornton; Feb 25, 2026 at 03:26 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 2,212
Likes: 1,267
From: Fleming Island, FL