Crate Engine source recommendations

[Leif A.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

Nick,
You don't need to purchase a rear main seal...the long block you're buying is fully assembled and already has a rear main seal installed.
I may be misinterpreting the SBC front accessory drive info, but it appears that it includes a water pump...no need for a second one. I would call and speak with the good folks at Blue Print and go over, with them, what they think of your "grocery list". They are a far better source of accurate information than I.

[Mark E.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

Nick,
You don't need to purchase a rear main seal...the long block you're buying is fully assembled and already has a rear main seal installed.
I may be misinterpreting the SBC front accessory drive info, but it appears that it includes a water pump...no need for a second one. I would call and speak with the good folks at Blue Print and go over, with them, what they think of your "grocery list". They are a far better source of accurate information than I.

I would also engage your mechanic in this conversation to get their buy in that all of this will work and what else should be considered.

Other thoughts:

- Is the distributor that comes with this engine a tach drive? If not, ask if your original will fit (probably does with a melonized gear).

- Why are you adding a complete serpentine drive with accessories? I understand if that's what you want, but if your existing alternator, PS pump are serviceable ask if the engine has mounting provisions for the original brackets. Using these would be considerably less expensive, look more original and may avoid interference surprises during installation.

- Ditto with your intake and carburetor. If they are serviceable, ask if the new engine's heads are compatible (may not be if Vortec). This would also save $, make it look more original and reduce installation hacks (new fuel lines, new air cleaner housing, choke connection, vacuum connections, PCV, ...)

- Your list includes a long-style water pump; I believe C2 uses a short-style (I know C3 does). Be sure to choose a pump with a hub bolt pattern that fits your fan. Or maybe you're going electric (which opens up a whole other set of issues and considerations)?

- If the car has a MT, confirm the block has the mounting boss and threaded hole for the clutch cross shaft ball (some don't).

The above highlights the need to get the mechanic's input... there are many small but project-stopping considerations that are best identified before work begins.

[Nick D.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

Thank you. Yes, I remember now I noticed that a while back and forgot.

[Mark E.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

Note the specs for this engine say:

"For C2 Corvette, modification or replacement of factory hood and/or motor mounts will be required."

Maybe ask the vendor if they have an engine that can use the stock intake and carburetor to avoid this issue.

[Nick D.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

Three and a half months later, here is a status report. The car arrived on the mainland the same week as the engine was received. They quickly removed the '70 Chevelle 350 as seen here. Reportedly, because of the paint blister on the hood, the car will be there for months, not weeks. Together with the interior work I did here (restuffed the seats, replaced carpet, installed new upgraded reproduction radio) my Stingray should be pretty nice. I didn't necessarily want or need 436 hp. but all together, when it's done, it will be a sweet ride. (Sorry about the sideways pics. They're oriented properly on my end.

[Leif A.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

Progress is always good. Hope you get her back shortly. Keep the updated pictures coming. BTW, have them put a rubber brake pad on the brake pedal while it's there

[Nick D.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

Well.... here is the latest update. I got a long list of recommended things to replace that don't need to be replaced.. Working on it

[Chris H.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

It’s ok to say no thank you. Just have them do what you originally hired them to do.

[Nick D.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

That sounds easy. Got it

[Nick D.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

Actually, after flying in to meet the guy in person, I'm still having trouble convincing him that installing the Blueprint engine that was recommended here, is not a one off custom that requires a new cooling system ($7,000) (mine is reproduction stock), rebuilt 4 spd (tight, no throwout bearing noise..I do wonder why I have orange block paint on it there, however) and new clutch (tight, no slipping. Looks shiny in the pic but it isn't), new front suspension, etc. $47k worth of stuff, none prioritzed. So far, telling the guy that I don't want those things seems to have no effect.

The guy said that when he spoke to Blueprint, the guy didn't now what he was talking about. They pulled the engine almost 6 weeks ago and no progress since. Odd that this is comig from a Corvette restoration place. I think the discoloration on the clutch plate just means that it's not new. It works fine. Radiator is not smaller than stock and did not use extra sheet metal to fit in. ll. I measured the radiator on the car next to mine, same dims then the guy said that the radiator core was smaller than spec lol.

I was happy to see that the frame under my engine was nice and clean as a whistle. Someday, when it's done, it's going to be an incredible driver for sure LOL. I very much appreciate the expert info you guys have provided along the way. Anxious to show it when its's finished!

[Terry D.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

Just curious, you couldn't find a mechanic on any of the islands that could swap engines? It's not rocket science. Sounds like the restoration shop needs reminded who is in charge here. That engine doesn't need any fancy new cooling system. I have one in a 62 with original cooling system for over 50,000 miles and no problems. Runs 180 most of the time, on hot summer days in traffic it will climb to 210-220 but never boils over.

[Nick D.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

I wanted a professional place to do the swap..there is no need for a place that can do an engine swap here, the need doesn't come up. It's a small island. By the time an engine goes, the car was already a beater. There are guys who work out of their garage but thats not what I wanted. Reputable shops here don't trust guys on this island or Honolulu. It's just that way

[E B.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

Nick, please remove that red grease from the pilot bearing input shaft as the grease will sling all over the flywheel and disc. Ed

[Nick D.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

Thanks Ed! The car is at a restoration/dealer in Orange County. They put that grease on. Sounds like the mechanic should know better. I'm really in a jam with these guys. I'm wrestling with how to deal with a situation where the guy says rebuild $47k of other stuff that works fine, before they even consider the engine install. It's Corvette Mike for crying out loud!

I shipped this car 2500 miles across the Pacific to get things done right, no penny pinching. I thought that Corvette Mike was the best place on the West Coast for Corvettes. Somethings wrong over there. I am really struggling with this. I don't penny pinch, especially on my Corvette. If I mention this, they'll say they didn't want it to rust while the engine was out of the car.
Thanks for letting me know. Much appreciated.

[Mark E.]

Re: Crate Engine source recommendations

Well, you might share with them this is a highly visible way for them to demonstrate to hundreds of Corvette owners their workmanship, service, and honesty.

Some shops may consider a remote customer as an opportunity to hold the car hostage for unneeded work with little risk of it coming back for warranty work. Hopefully that's not the case here.