Small Block Crate Engine Advice

[typerr]

Originally Posted by dagnabbitt

That's why I went with Blueprint, when I spoke to them they said they had them on the shelf ready to go. Everyone else said 8 week wait minimum and even then no guarantees.

I'm also going with Blueprint. My 396 stroker will take 30-45 days however. I can't wait...

[AcampoDave]

I'm not surprised, I can't even get half the things I need to run my business. Unfortunately, they tell me it's simply a matter of logistics, not enough people working the supply chains these days to get the products to where they need to go. One chemical company straight up told me they can't find enough people who can pass a drug test and come to work in order to get the trucks out. I hear it's happening with gasoline in some places too.

[biketopia]

I have a 427 SBC from blue print, very happy with it, runs like a champ in my camaro. With some terrible track conditions, and mediocre tuning at best I'm in the low 11's, and it does great on the street. The guys at blueprint are also super friendly and helpful with any questions you might have, and what exact parts might be in your engine as well!

[The Rocknrod]

I have had great customer service with Blueprint Engine Co. Weird.

[dagnabbitt]

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

I have had great customer service with Blueprint Engine Co. Weird.

Yeah, I understand that my experience may have not been typical, I am not by any means slamming them; and I do plan to buy from them again. It's possible that they were working from home or something due to the world events and that is why communication was poor.

[typerr]

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

I have had great customer service with Blueprint Engine Co. Weird.

As have I. My 396 small block stroker was delivered right on time Friday afternoon. They were great about answering my frequent emails regarding schedule and delivery. They answered a couple of technical questions within a couple hours. I've been very happy with both the sales department and technical support.

[BASE]

I'm guessing the crate engine business has probably gotten pretty crazy as of late. Guys like me calling all the time and asking when they will be available probably did not help

I gave up and have starting collecting the parts to built it myself, so maybe they can get back to answering the phones without fear of it being that jackass from MO again. I can refocus my effort on posting dumb engine building question here.

[geezer#99]

Maybe it’s because you’re from Canada dagnabbit!
Wouldn’t be the first time people have been treated as such.

[dagnabbitt]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Maybe it’s because you’re from Canada dagnabbit!
Wouldn’t be the first time people have been treated as such.

Haha! I wasn't going to play that card but you never know. They probably thought it was for my Skidoo.

[AcampoDave]

Give Vibrant Exhaust a call about your resonance... Both Rocknrod and I really like their resonators...Heck, they're even Canadians too!

[geezer#99]

Originally Posted by AcampoDave

Give Vibrant Exhaust a call about your resonance... Both Rocknrod and I really like their resonators...Heck, they're even Canadians too!

You mean these guys!
They’re kinda Canadians.
People in Ontario are borderline canucks.



https://vibrantperformance.com/catalog/index.php

[AcampoDave]

Yep, those guys.....and I don't know what a canuck is. But I have heard of a hoser before

[geezer#99]

A Canuck is a Canadian.
Just a slang name.

[AcampoDave]

BTW I saved a lot by buying thru Amazon and Summit ( as opposed to off the Vibrant website.) But I dont know if that works for you Notherners though.

[dagnabbitt]

I will check out Vibrant, for sure, thank you!

I know that many people have had great service from them, but Blueprint is presently taking about 3-4 days to respond to each email, and to make things even more annoying they have confused me with another person who is complaining about a timing issue, so I am done.

I have decided that I will not be buying a second engine from them for my other project this winter: buying the first one was a bit of an ordeal and I really hate being ignored and I will actually pay more to buy from someone else. Anyone who has read this thread from the beginning will see that I paid double with Blueprint what I intended to spend with GM Performance.

I guess I will just have to pay even more from the next builder: I am not a rich man but this stuff is important to me and I don't look back. I am excited to see how the next builder compares. I really appreciate all the feedback here thanks!

[biketopia]

Calling them always worked for me.

[dagnabbitt]

Originally Posted by biketopia

Calling them always worked for me.

Unfortunately they do not answer the phone when I call. I get transferred and leave a voicemail and of course they do not call back. I assume that there has been some sort of change in management: or like I said, a difference in how they operate due to world events. Or maybe there is just a different level of service for international customers, it happens... or maybe it is because I bought from them directly instead of from Jegs or Summit, who knows.

I run a business too so I am not taking it personally, I am just disappointed. Oddly enough you do see this sometimes with companies that have great products and are growing fast, they just do not add people to the structure of the organization quickly enough and if they lose a few customers along the way, big deal, it is called attrition, those customers will be replaced with other ones.

I would still recommend their engines to anyone with the patience to deal with them, but I will move on to a different builder. Just for the record I am not that upset or bitter with them at all, it has actually crossed into that territory where the poor service is actually kind of amusing. You'd have to know the business I am in to understand, but I always find poor service kind of funny. Like a clumsy waiter. How did he get that job, and why is he still here? Its all good.

[Ghetto Fireman]

350 HO Vortec Heads, bought mine from Scoggins Dickey. Added Edelbrock Pro Flow 4, love it.

[dagnabbitt]

Ok one last question, I am past the break-in period for the engine and need to do its first oil change.

I was planning on using 15/40 T4 Rotella. Engine is a roller cam (not flat tappet), so I think a good quality oil with no additives would be fine. But should I use a 10/30 instead?

I asked Blueprint this question last week, but - you guessed it - no response from them, just crickets.

[dagnabbitt]

I went with regular old Shell 10w30 for my first change. I expected my oil pressure to drop a bit with the straight 30 weight out of it, but its at 80 all the time. That high volume oil pump is sure doing its job.

[Rickysnickers]

Considering your climate, 5w30

[AcampoDave]

Why desil engine oil?

[dagnabbitt]

Originally Posted by AcampoDave

Why desil engine oil?

Blueprint recommends T4 for their flat tappet engines - not sure why, probably it has some sort of ingredient that usually appears only in additives - just not sure if it the correct application for a roller or not. Just generally speaking, I am wondering if a 400 hp 355 with a roller should get 10/30. And if answer is yes, what is the best brand of oil. I have never had an engine that didn't burn or leak so my preferred oil in the past has always just been whatever was on sale.

As to the climate here, that is relevant of course, but I will be parking it for the winter soon, this is a summer ride only.

[MySons68C20]

VR1 10W-30 I believe would be best. We have to order it online here because the local shop only carries the 20W-50 in stock.

https://sharena21.springcm.com/Publi...2-ac162d889bd1

[burnin oil]

Since you are willing to run diesel oil why not just pick up a lighter wieght. Both Walmart and the farm supply stores stock it down here. I personally run diesel oil in my flat tappet motors without issue. I maintain way more diesels so I have it by the bucket. Its light years better than standard gas oil but probably not as good as the high doller race oils. Been keeping my 400sb with a solid cam going for 6 years now and I am far from nice to it.