Chris Hamilton . January 30, 2023 . All Feature Vehicles
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A High-Performance Crate Engine Experience
So, you want to buy a crate engine for your next proJECT? Not sure where to order or who to trust? Those are some of the most common concerns we hear over and over again. We decided to throw our opinion out there for you to consider so you’re a little more educated before dropping some cash. Based on our experiences, we can offer some words of advice and tips for a positive engine-buying experience. We’ve ordered them, installed them, rebuilt them and even destroyed them. So, learn from our past to make the right decision in the future.
Norris marshall started blueprint engines out of his garage by building engines for local racers in 1982. From there, the company expanded to a facility that could house three football fields in just the production area alone.
Since its founding, BluePrint Engines has grown to be one of the largest crate engine manufacturers in the world. BluePrint builds Chevy, GM, Ford and Chrysler crate engines.
BluePrint Engines was started 20 years ago in a small garage in central Nebraska. What started as a passion for speed turned into a hobby, then a job and finally a career. The founder, Norris Marshall, built one engine at a time for his friends and neighbors while his business and reputation grew bit by bit. Drag racers, circle track racers and street rodders all got some of the first engines produced by BluePrint Engines, and they performed like no other.
Most of us can relate to what happened next. In the early 2000s, mortgages, children and a need for financial security changed the way people shop. Everyday cars, or “grocery-getters,” were easier for dealerships to sell. So, a focus on crate engines for everyday buyers became an important part of their success strategy. This shift pushed Norris into the mainstream, and his success in that endeavor is legendary.
These crate engines are high-performance drop-in engines, sometimes called stroker engines or stroker motors. In all cases, these engines offer substantially more horsepower.
Today, BluePrint Engines has produced more than 300,000 engines for cars and light trucks. The company’s tremendous staff of qualified technicians has a passion for performance both on the job and in the street. Their experience means that BluePrint is the best choice for reliable horsepower that you can drive every day. And you know it’s coming from a solid, reputable company that does the job right and stands behind it.
Keep in mind that most crate engines on the market do not come as complete as their premium lines of engines. BluePrint’s premium crate engines come complete with fuel system, ignition system, plugs, wires, and the water and fuel pumps. Also, know that you can opt for either forged or cast components on most models. Every BluePrint Engine is dyno-tested and balanced, and most engines are backed by a 30-month/50,000-mile warranty.
Crate engines or crate motors from BluePrint Engines offer a custom builder, hot rodder or kit car builder an engine that is ready to drop into the vehicle.
Ready to order? Whether you’re building a 4×4 off-road machine, street-driven kit car or frame-off restoration, we recommend you contact BluePrint Engines direct for any engine purchases or questions. BluePrint Engines makes a powerplant to fit your budget needs, and these guys can break it down perfectly. Choose from a huge selection of short and long blocks for Chevy, Ford and Chrysler applications or get maximum value with the most complete crate motors on the market.
BluePrint Engines was started 20 years ago in a small garage in central Nebraska. What started as a passion for speed turned into a hobby, then a job and finally a career.
BluePrint crate engines come complete with all the components that will be needed to start and run the engine very quickly. In addition, crate engines are dyno-tested and are shipped with a documentation of their high-performance power curve. Forged cranks and pistons are also available on all models. BluePrint Engines has produced more than 300,000 engines.
Each BluePrint bare-block engine is perfectly cast and precision machined. Our engine blocks are the perfect foundation for your high performance and heavy-duty applications!
SHORTBLOCK (SB)
Block With Internal Components
Each BluePrint shortblock engine assembly includes the block assembled with crank, rods, pistons, freeze plugs, oil galley plugs, and installed cam bearings and features internal components. The rotating assemblies’ crank, rod and pistons are balanced to within 2 grams by only the finest true-blue craftsmen. This option is perfect if you have already invested in a good set of heads, camshaft and intake that you wish to utilize.
SHORTBLOCK PLUS Block With Internal and External Components
BluePrint Engine’s Shortblock Plus option features internal and external components along with crank, rods, pistons, freeze plugs, oil galley plugs and installed cam bearings. The company’s Shortblock Plus engines are designed for you to customize to fit your build.
COMPLETE ENGINE NO FUEL DELIVERY
You can get most versions built up to the intake manifold. BluePrint’s base units come complete with oil pans, valve covers and front timing covers. They’ll let you finish the engine out with your fuel and ignition systems. Base models are balanced, blueprinted and dyno tested. If you have good “top end” components, use them on a BluePrint base model.
COMPLETE ENGINE
FULLY DRESSED WITH CARBURETOR
Complete and ready to install, BluePrint’s dressed engines come complete with ignition, carburetor, water pump and even spark plugs. More complete than almost any other crate engine out there, the company’s dressed models provide fast, easy installation. And because they are dyno tested, you can be sure all the components are working perfectly.
COMPLETE ENGINE FULLY DRESSED WITH FUEL INJECTION
The ultimate in smooth crate engine operation, BluePrint’s fuel-injected engines are complete and ready to install. Experience all that a BluePrint fuel injected engine has to offer…excellent throttle response throughout the rpm range, better fuel economy and improved cold starting. There’s just nothing like bringing your engine to an instant roar with a simple turn of the ignition key.
Chris Hamilton
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January 30, 2023
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All Feature Vehicles
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