Crate Engine source recommendations

[Nick D.]

For my C2

Update
Hopefully this will be useful for others wanting a crate engine but never having done that before. I've learned a lot about engine replacement options through my initital research here and finally, two recommendations from Blueprint (New, Manufactured) Engines, which I've finalized on as the vendor. I started our looking at Jasper (Remanufactured) Engines, then looked at Summit Racing who sells Blueprint and finally looked at Blueprint who sells direct. Long Block, Short Block, fully dressed, carb to oil pan.

The first option belowlists out several options in detail that just about complete the engine. Both indicate recommended options. Build time is 60-75 days. Not all "low profle" engines fit in C2's without hood modification or replacement, per their notes. I'll update this when I finalize.


341 hp, $4069

https://blueprintengines.com/products/blueprint-engines-350ci-crate-engine-new-cast-iron-longblock-aluminum-heads-roller-cam

390 hp, $4289

https://blueprintengines.com/products/new-block-casting-350ci-crate-engine-longblock-aluminum-heads-roller-cam

Hey guys!
I'm looking for a 350 to replace a '70 Chevelle one in my '64. Here's a summary of what I've learned so far.

Jasper re-manufactured engines. 3 yr. 100k miles warranty, parts and labor.
Huge factory, sophisticated website with lots of spec sheets and videos. Your shop buys at wholesale. Retail is $4650. Among available performance options, the have one particular 350 available because its so popular for Corvettes and Camaros. Spec sheet attached. Does not include intake and carb.

Jasper "Panther" engine is separate from their individual performance level options, I guess because the 350 is so popular "for Corvettes and Camaros". 330 hp. $4650 Retail incl freight The Jasper facility is huge, likely does lots of volume in all kinds of remanufactured engines. They make it easy to ship to Maui and I return the core in the same crate. This has One piece rear seal, requires 8 bolt intake $4650 Retail, including shipping. 3 year, 100k parts and labor warranty. .pdf attached

https://qms.jasperengines.com/showdo...51c854b196.pdf

Heads are After-Market 64cc Chamber - Vortec "style"
Requires purchase of this intake - has the oil fill in it

https://www.edelbrock.com/performer-...tube-2703.html

Valve Covers
Bolts are on the edge
My existing 350 block accessories do bolt on

Summit Racing - sells new engines made by "Blueprint. 3 yr., 50k Miles warranty, parts only, at their discretion.
Several Options, Long and short block (not for me), "fully dressed" with carb, intake, distributor, etc. "Fully dressed" means carb, timing, all that has been adjusted already, dynotune specs provided. I assume my shop needs to add their markup to the cost. Their crate engine video overview.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/HPE-HP98#overviewvideo

3 Options I looked at - Note; Chevy performance option has flat tappet cam..

https://www.summitracing.com/compare

not a great url, word doc attached

All 350's

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/mll-bp350ct?rrec=true#overview

[Leif A.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

Spend a few dollars more and get yourself a Blue Print engine...complete from carb to oil pan. This one is designed to fit under the hood of your Corvette.

https://blueprintengines.com/products/blueprint-engines-383-ci-stroker-crate-engine-small-block-gm-style-dressed-longblock-with-carburetor-aluminum-heads-roller-cam

[Nick D.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

These are Blueprint from Summit. Didn't have time to see if they sell direct by the time I got done looking at their options on Summit. Thanks for the link!

[Terry D.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

Blueprint sells direct

[Mark E.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

Spend a few dollars more and get yourself a Blue Print engine...complete from carb to oil pan. This one is designed to fit under the hood of your Corvette.

https://blueprintengines.com/product...ads-roller-cam

This looks like a good turnkey option. If your carburetor and ignition are in good shape, ask them for the long block version of this (sans intake, carburetor, ignition). This would look more original, cost less, but requires some assembly and tuning. With this said, the advantage of the complete engine is it's tested before shipment so there's evidence it works when it arrives, and requires labor/skill during R/R.

[Nick D.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

That engine is a bit too much for Maui where the speed limit is 45 on the main highway (people go 60) except the road up the volcano is 55, (people go 70).

This looks more reasonable for me

https://blueprintengines.com/product...cam-carbureted. $5189

No, I’m gonna end up with two near new Edelbrock 607 50 carbs and a couple of rebuilt double hump heads… Maui is great unless you need a mechanic or body shop..

Thanks for the input guys!

[Leif A.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

That engine is a bit too much for Maui where the speed limit is 45 on the main highway (people go 60) except the road up the volcano is 55, (people go 70).

This looks more reasonable for me

https://blueprintengines.com/product...cam-carbureted. $5189

No, I’m gonna end up with two near new Edelbrock 607 50 carbs and a couple of rebuilt double hump heads… Maui is great unless you need a mechanic or body shop..

Thanks for the input guys!

That engine may not fit under your hood, as equipped. That's why I posted the other Blue Print engine for you. Specially designed to fit under the hood of a Corvette...just sayin'

[Nick D.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

Yes, I know that something I need to check. I wasn't doubting you. No idea what I'm going to do with 436 hp. on Maui. This is a small island. Suffice to say, there's bit more to it than that, one of which is that when I'm done with this, I'll be pushing $65k on this #3 driver and haven't even installed about $2500 of other stuff I have... etc. I can spend the money no problem but it's wise to find a moderate solution.

Happy to hear if you have another suggestion.

Thanks for your quailfied input.
Nick

[Paul D.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

I have been following your thread and understand that you have a much different set of requirements than the average car enthusiast would. I suggest you contact Blueprint directly for a recommendation. Tell them you need a standard, small block 350 with 4 bolt perimeter bolted valve covers to help maintain an original look. Tell them you would like to have a 1 piece rear main seal that will be less likely to develop a leak. Be aware that going to a 1 piece seal block will necessitate replacing the flywheel with external balancing. Also, I would mention that aluminum heads and higher compression would not be a priority to you since you are looking for an original look and the availability of premium fuel may not be as easy to find on the island. I would suggest going with a hydraulic, roller cam so as to decrease the chance of another cam wipeout upon initial start up. I assume when they provide dyno sheets, this means they have done the initial start up and broken in the cam. I don't remember if you stated whether your car is auto or manual trans. If manual, now is the time to replace the clutch, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing. Make sure the new crank has a bronze pilot bushing installed. Complete your installation with new hoses and belts and you should have a very enjoyable and dependable toy for years to come. Chip.

[Nick D.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

I appreciate the advice. Blueprint recommended two options which I've edited my original post to include for easy info retrieval by others. Yes, I guess living on a beautiful island like Maui does make "my requirements different than than the average car enthusiast", but I think most would be happy with the options provided.

Onward and upward!
Aloha,
Nick

I have been following your thread and understand that you have a much different set of requirements than the average car enthusiast would. I suggest you contact Blueprint directly for a recommendation. Tell them you need a standard, small block 350 with 4 bolt perimeter bolted valve covers to help maintain an original look. Tell them you would like to have a 1 piece rear main seal that will be less likely to develop a leak. Be aware that going to a 1 piece seal block will necessitate replacing the flywheel with external balancing. Also, I would mention that aluminum heads and higher compression would not be a priority to you since you are looking for an original look and the availability of premium fuel may not be as easy to find on the island. I would suggest going with a hydraulic, roller cam so as to decrease the chance of another cam wipeout upon initial start up. I assume when they provide dyno sheets, this means they have done the initial start up and broken in the cam. I don't remember if you stated whether your car is auto or manual trans. If manual, now is the time to replace the clutch, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing. Make sure the new crank has a bronze pilot bushing installed. Complete your installation with new hoses and belts and you should have a very enjoyable and dependable toy for years to come. Chip.

[Nick D.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

Not sure that replacing my 300 hp engine with original stock drivetrain from the block back with 436 hp is a good idea, not to mention, I live on Maui and we don't have big interstate roads. I'll contact Blueprint. Thanks.

[Nick D.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

Thanks. Notes for that engine indicate modification or replacement of hoods on C2s but they did have other recommendatios which I will post.

Spend a few dollars more and get yourself a Blue Print engine...complete from carb to oil pan. This one is designed to fit under the hood of your Corvette.

https://blueprintengines.com/product...ads-roller-cam

[Nick D.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

Hey Leif. Thought I'd touch bases with you on this. I put together and order for this and the other stuff required, I'll ask Blueprint to check the order and have the drop ship to Mikes Corvette in Anaheim for the install.. and a couple other things... Thanks for the advice!

[Leif A.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

Hey Leif. Thought I'd touch bases with you on this. I put together and order for this and the other stuff required, I'll ask Blueprint to check the order and have the drop ship to Mikes Corvette in Anaheim for the install.. and a couple other things... Thanks for the advice!

Nick,
Thanks for the follow up. I feel confident you'll be satisfied with your engine choice. Please follow up, once again, after install and you've had a chance to drive your car with the new engine. Aloha!!

[Nick D.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

Hey Leif!
Will you do me a favor and confirm which rear main seal I should get? Here is my shopping list. Everything besides the 350 block I have, is stock orginal, I assume including the bell housing.

My recently rebuilt heads are serial number 3927186 Small double hump, A23 0 (January 23, ’70). I think these heads would match something on a '70 Corvette 350. No idea what can be done with that, new alternator, not old power steering pump, two almost new 600 and 750 Edelbrocks. I have the original intake to that engine, Ser #3965577, exhaust 3932461. Do you think anyone woujd want any of that? I don't see anyone wanting to save a few hundred bucks on the carbs, maybe someone wants the heads...not sure they belong in orphan parts. Mike’s Corvette is a multi location, professional Corvette, restoration company, I’m probably better off just leaving it with them…

Attached is what's in my cart for my final order. I'll get with their recommended header vendor, Husler.


I appreciate your help.

Thanks,
Nick