408 blueprint motor 445 hp

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Invader 52

Invader 52

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Yreka ca.
I'm thinking about buying a408 blueprints motor with445 hp and500 pounds tongue has anyone used one and how does it run?
 
Are you talking about the actual "Blueprint" brand? If so, word on the street is they suck.
 
Invader 52 said:
I'm thinking about buying a408 blueprints motor with445 hp and500 pounds tongue has anyone used one and how does it run?
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I am no expert when it comes to these stroker motors, but earlier this year I did quite a bit of research into where to get one myself. The largest amount of positive things that I was hearing were about MRL. I decided to have Mike over there build me a 408. I don't have it here yet but he dynod it at 520 HP and it's a pump gas motor. It doesn't cost a dime to give him a call and chat. He won't pressure you into buying from him or anything like that. If you look through various threads on FABO you'll see a lot of happy people that have dealt with him.

http://www.mrlperformance.com/ (his website)

989-845-1547 (his phone #)
 
You get what you pay for. Google blueprint and see how many unhappy people there are. Used parts, mismatched parts etc. They look like alot of bang for the buck, but you know what they say, "if it seems too good to be true"...
 
You get what you pay for. Google blueprint crate engines and it is not all good. Metal shavings, bad cam bearings, unprepped cranks etc. Sure they will be cheaper than say Mike, but you have to cut corners to make it financially viable. Its an engine, not a hoagie. Not a time to be cutting corners. Unless you like removing an engine, sending it back, arguing about warranty coverage etc. Plenty of engine choices out there, I know. Ask any reputable engine builder why he checks every part before assembly. New doesnt mean right. Check a "new" cylinder head out of the box, and see if it specs out ok every time.
 
Eh, there's a middle ground, 10k for a stroker is a little much, ask questions and do searches on here , what are good stroker part combinations, get with a decent local machinist and assemble yourself to keep costs down and learn something.
 
1967 'cuda said:
I am no expert when it comes to these stroker motors, but earlier this year I did quite a bit of research into where to get one myself. The largest amount of positive things that I was hearing were about MRL. I decided to have Mike over there build me a 408. I don't have it here yet but he dynod it at 520 HP and it's a pump gas motor. It doesn't cost a dime to give him a call and chat. He won't pressure you into buying from him or anything like that. If you look through various threads on FABO you'll see a lot of happy people that have dealt with him.

http://www.mrlperformance.com/ (his website)

989-845-1547 (his phone #)
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Agreed. I have a pump gas 340 that is a total peach that he built and it made 470hp and 455 lb-ft. Engine is crazy awesome. Easily as liveable on the street as my old 360 that might have cracked 300hp on a good day.
 
I've read several articles about Blueprint's lack of quality and terrible customer service. A fellow I used to see on the board here bought one and had all kinds of trouble and they tried to blame him for everything including the 1/16" ring pack they installed on pistons requiring 3/32 rings. He finally ended up threatening to sue before they made it right and they made him swear not to talk about it to anyone or the deal was off. He took the deal cause he was tired of fighting. He told me about it via PM. Pretty shady co. if you ask me.

MRL is definitely a top engine builder but since your in CA I'd look into Brian at IMM engines. If I remember right he's in Indio and he's also a top notch builder. He's a member on this board also and goes by ou812.
 
Crate engines are beased entirely on a few modern business principles: Buy a larger amount of a product for less (meaning parts they'll use) repeat the machining enough and the machinist gets a lot faster and you avoid setup time, and assemble it fast. Unfortunately, to do volume in many different makes, it leaves them open to a lot of stupid mistakes. So yes - cheaper. But quality has to suffer.
Buyers have to settle thier priorities - HP goal, money limit, expected quality. It's like they say: fast, cheap, safe - you can have any two you want.

I'd also recommend a local trusted shop. In terms of today's internet - in CA is local...lol.
Brian at IMM can do a great job, and if you emphasize wat your budget is, I'm sure he can educate you if needed, and stay within the limits of your budget.
 
It cost me over $8500 just for parts for the 408 I'm bouilding, although they are nicely matched, high quality parts, and I did spring for $900 in additional headwork to the Eddies to increase the flow etc, not including new springs. Then there is another tune by Hemi fever, but that was cheap compared to the performance gain from his tunes $75, as I already have an SCT Tuner from him.

Headwork and good parts are worth the money. By the time the block is machined and short block blueprinted, oil system modified and cam degreed add another close to $2k. Then I still have to bolt on the top end, intake, injectors and all the accessory items myself to cut expenses to build a tranny.

I may even try installing everything from the bottom of the car this time. I've done it the other way for over 30 years.

This is for a motor that isn't even going on a dyno until it finally ends up on a chassis dyno later this summer. It would have added even more $ like another $2K or 3k+ to have it built and dynoed, but my budget is on the verge of running out once this stuff is paid for.

Now, I'll have to work more side jobs all year to save up for a new paint job on my '68. I'm going to do it myself this time, but that's another story.
 
we put a blue print stoker motor in a 1972 dart and all we had is problems, blueprint stinks! mopar performance crate engines seem very interesting,
 
A phone call is free and Mike at MRL is always happy to talk.

You are almost halfway between IMM Engines in Indio, CA and LaRoy Engines in Challis, ID. Both forum members and top notch engine builders as well. You can't go wrong dealing with any of those guys.
 
Just looking for a good bracket motor around 450' to 500 hp I shift @6,000 rpm go thru the lights @6000
 
Man you guys are killing me with the "since you're in California" references. :toothy7:

Yreka is 766 miles from Indio. That's just 27 miles closer than Chicago is to NYC. About the same as NYC to Charlestown, SC. Or Des Moines, IA to Vail, CO. I mean, it is still possible to get further apart and still be in California, but not by much. :evil4:

Once you're crating and shipping, you're crating and shipping. A few more miles one way or another doesn't make that much of a difference. :D
 
Invader 52 said:
Just looking for a good bracket motor around 450' to 500 hp I shift @6,000 rpm go thru the lights @6000
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I am guessing you want this to be all motor then? You could get that power out of a stock stroke small block with a 100 shot and still have some jingle in your pockets!
 
Check out car craft magazine. I copied a 416 build they did at IMM engines. I followed every part on the site right down to the carb and the headers. Only difference I did,bored to a 408 and I grouted the block, my compression ended up being 10.89:1 compression . Pump gas engine. The magazine says they pulled 620 hp. I made 540hp on my builders dyno and 515 Trq , our dollar is crap right now so I payed more than I should have for parts but a really good build if your interested. If you really want to step it up get an R3 block
 
Invader 52 said:
I'm thinking about buying a408 blueprints motor with445 hp and500 pounds tongue has anyone used one and how does it run?
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Invader 52,

If you have any specific questions on any of our engines please let me know and I will be happy to help.

Thanks,

Andrew Obermeier
Product Specialist
 
BluePrint Engines said:
Invader 52,

If you have any specific questions on any of our engines please let me know and I will be happy to help.

Thanks,

Andrew Obermeier
Product Specialist
Click to expand...

one would think they would address all the negative comments about there business . :-(
 
jimjimjimmy said:
one would think they would address all the negative comments about there business . :-(
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Yup, that's what I thought earlier when he posted.

And you would think any questions asked/answered about their product, he would be happy to do in an open forum.
 
Bad Sport said:
Yup, that's what I thought earlier when he posted.

And you would think any questions asked/answered about their product, he would be happy to do in an open forum.
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I was really hoping on hearing good things about them when I saw that there was some sort of association with my home state. I thought maybe I could do business locally and avoid shipping fees. I would think too that they would address some of the comments that were made. At this point the most that I know about 'Blueprint' crate motors is what I've read on this site and it's pretty negative. I'm not after trying to destroy anyone's business but if they've read the various references to them, they do have some explaining to do.
 
...and they ain't just comments. I remember more than one member here posting actual poor workmanship and even some carnage. Plus, this is not the only forum where I've read negative things. It's too bad, too because they could be a nice addition to what's available. Actually compete with some of the brand X stuff. Kinda like Obama. Oh, what could have been. lol
 
1967 'cuda said:
At this point the most that I know about 'Blueprint' crate motors is what I've read on this site and it's pretty negative.
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If you do an Al Gore interweb search you will get mixed reviews, BUT, most of the comments I have seen were very negative.
 
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