1953 Chevy Pickup Engine Swap - 283 to a Blueprint 350
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- čas přidán 4. 09. 2024
- The old (late 1960s) 283 engine that we originally put in our 1953 Chevy pickup was an unknown. We didn't know how many miles were on it, and we didn't know what had been done to it, other than the obvious installation of a mild cam. It ran great for a few years, and about 4000 miles, in the truck, and then something happened. It started rapping and losing power on the highway. Just pulling the valve covers off didn't show anything, so we knew we had to pull the motor, and that was our crossroads - do we pull and rebuild it, or do we swap it out. Well, as much as we loved that small block, we really wanted something with a bit more pep. This is where Blueprint Engines comes in.
We met some of the guys from Blueprint at SEMA, and after talking with them, and looking over the specs for their new BP3505CT 350 small block, we decided to do the swap. This new BP350CT is rated at 390 HP / 410 FT. LBS, has a roller cam and aluminum heads. You can see the full specs and pricing here - blueprintengin...
It look us about two days to do the swap, but man it was worth it. This engine sounds, and feels, healthy. Mating this up with the 700R4 is perfect. It has lots of get up and go pep, and highway cruising is awesome. If you're working on a build, or thinking about a small block engine swap, I would highly recommend checking this engine out.
I’ve been contemplating putting a LS in my 53 but I do know the 350 I have in it now. I think I’ll rebuild it. Used motor with very high miles but was taking care of by my friend who gave it to me. Keep them coming. I’ve watched this truck grow. It’s been very inspiring.
Full disclosure I usually build my own engines. I'm now disabled but owned a machine shop for engine machining and so on. Well a buddy needed a 350 in a hurry and I was laid up sick. We chose blueprint for warranty and availabilities. Went with a simple 375 hp 350 chevy. Also had 400 torque. Mild roller Cam, etc. And I'm good with it. My buddy is happy with it. Uses no oil. Makes no noises like valvetrain, piston slap, etc. Very stable oil pressure. And no vibrations at any rpm. It's a good, solid piece. And peak hp is 5100rpm but carries nice and flat out to 5700 before starting to slowly taper off. Peak torque was at 3900 with 399 lbs. Down at 2500 area it showed 350 lbs. A nice responsive street engine with a bit of hotrod lope.
Love my blueprint 350
Love the music coming out of the tail pipes. What suspension are you running on the truck? Looks great.
Heidt's mustang II with 2" drop spindles in the front, and a TCI replacement leaf spring setup in the back. Thanks
Really nice looking installation, please post an update once you have gotten through the break-in period and have a few mile on the engine. I have a BP350CTC, about a year old with
Will do. That doesn't sound right about your situation, though.
Did you have to any break in on the engine before taking it out on the road?
There's a 500 mile break-in once installed, but nothing else prior to installation.
Nice. About to do this with my 81 Camaro. 1. What exhaust setup did you go with? 2. What torque converter is in it?
We built the exhaust using 2 1/2" pipe. It has a stock converter in it since that's what we were originally running with the 283. I think Blueprint recommended a 2200, so I'd consider that (or whatever they recommend) if you're going to buy one.
I cant stand all their branding on everything.
Agreed. I don't know who would want valve covers that say Blueprint across the top. I replaced those, and I also sanded and painted the oil dipstick handle black, as it was blue and said blueprint. The engine is great, though.