How To Blueprint And Build A Small Block Chevy Stroker Engine - Horsepower S17, E5

HorsePower goes into complete details of a smallblock Chevy stroker engine build. This how-to shows everything you need to know about engine blueprinting, preparation and the build of the budget-minded engine short block.

[@Hellinois23]

This is so old...I wish those prices were still accurate today!

[@jotighe2]

I know! double/triple everything. that engine data sheet pdf is still online, though; just not accessible on their website.

[@maxhames499]

2000 dollars for that block

[@I_like_turtles_67]

​@@maxhames499I am happy I got a Dart SHP block a few years ago.

[@overyonderjustapiece]

I found the combo still available on summit website, but it is in 4 segments. Bottom end, top end, oiling system, and accessories. Comes out to $13242.48 before taxes and truck freight charges.. MASSIVELY higher than just getting a 6.0 LS and putting it in with a moderate cam.

[@choff6057]

BluePrint Engines GM 383 C.I.D. 436 HP Base Stroker Long Block Crate Engines BP38318CT1 - brand new block, aluminum heads, 10:1 compression, and .544 intake/555 exhaust lift with 230 intake/236 exhaust duration at .050 with a 110 degree lobe separation. $5,599.00 with free shipping is looking pretty good.

[@lgroves336]

this was on TV many years ago

[@teamgrizzly2859]

Blueprinting also includes the cam tunnel and lifter bores and trans dowel locating

[@alertgasper]

if the camshaft slides in and out of its hidey hole...what bluerprinting were you thinking of? As for lifter bores, on a chevy you're just honing 'em with a brake cylinder hone. If you adjust 'em in any way, you've left the blueprint. As for a trans dowel...if the block is used, it's had a transmission hanging off its back for however many miles. what did you plan to do to make it exactly the same as the blueprint?

[@whiplashmachine]

​@@alertgasper your assuming the locations of lifter bores are actually where the drawings would have them. Fact is, the machining tolerances of blocks, especially earlier Chevy blocks, are all over the place. However, we in fact can and do relocate lifter bore positions and angles by use of bronze bushings. With a bit of measuring, you'll find most of the block is out from the drawing. Now the term "blueprinting" is wildly misused in the engine building and hobby world and has always had me chuckle a bit when hearing it. The definition and procedures also vary a lot between conversations or shops with one thing being in common is rarely either one could even properly read an actual drawing let alone execute the required actions to true up a block based off a datum. Most automotive machine shops don't even have the equipment to measure the whole block let alone machine it outside of the common remanufacturing steps of reboring, line honing and resurfacing the decks. Many shops can and do improve upon those three steps, but that's usually as far as they get. But there are some shops that do spend the time to true them blocks right up.

[@alertgasper]

@@whiplashmachine ah, someone who gets it! I get into a lot of arguments over what "blueprinting" really means--yes, folks who love to brag think a bore and hone of the cylinders and maybe a decking is a "fully blueprinted engine". If a camshaft slides in an out of the block and you don't need 16 different lengths of pushrod, the camshaft bore mentioned in the original post is "good enough" for a street engine that will spend more time at 4,000 RPM than 8,000 RPM. Many shops, as you point out, don't know what a real blueprinting job is b/c it requires heavy, expensive machinery and they are in the business of remanfacturing a ton of engines a year. Not to mention, "blueprinting" has to take into consideration whether the engine is cold or at operating temps. There are shops run by the anal-retentive type. I go with female friends to garages so they won't get ripped off, and one dude in a pompadour haircut was bragging to me how he spent all day getting front end alignments perfect. So I asked him how much he thought I weighed, and he was confused. I said a perfect alignment requires weights to approximate what my weight does to the right side of the car. Then I pointed to to the potholed pavement between his garage door and the road and asked what all that did to his perfect alignment as soon as the customer paid and left. He just gave me a greasy smile....a year or two later, I went by the place and it had "For Rent" in the window.... Fact is, a mass-produced Corvette will go faster than most cars and it does fine with a "within tolerance range" engine. And most performance engine buyers will either decide before the engine blows that it needs more HP, so they paid for a longevity they never enjoyed, or they'll get greedy on the starting line or just screw up the tune for whatever reason, and push the engine past what it was going to handle even with a true blueprinting. For those without sponsors who are in the "budget minded" class this video says its talking to, perfection becomes the enemy of "good enough" that would have been fine enough for them to pursue their hobby.

[@whiplashmachine]

@alertgasper yeah, I get it. As a Red Seal Journeyman Machinist I have spent a few decades manufacturing and remanufacturing complex machines and tools from actual drawings. In that time I passed through two automotive machine shops. First one was a 4 year tour because I was interested in that side if the machining industry. Second was a bit longer during a layoff from real machining. I also bought an automotive machine shop about ten years ago for hobby purposes. I still retain my machinist position in real machine shops while playing in my machine shop after hours. Because of some of the machines I have and my machining background, I get quite a few oddball machining projects from the other actual automotive machine shop businesses in the area. So I have first hand with plenty of the "lingo" tossed around in engine conversation. Some of the engine shop practices I have seen explaine why some of these guys are just skimmimg blocks for a living and not running real machines lol

[@thomasroth4695]

First time ive heard a builder on any of these tyoe shows mention letting the metal equalize. Everything you do should be at that temp for real consistency. Any shop ive worked in has it posted somewhere .

[@alertgasper]

the irony is, if this is a budget build, they don't even need the mic. Just plastigauge.

[@mechanic350]

hey, what I would like to see whenever you guys are putting an engine together, is that you place part numbers on the screen as you're presenting the parts for assembly.

[@kevinhlavati6285]

They include a full parts list. But this must be a very old episode. The block they said cost 600 is now about 2000. No longer worth it to build this way

[@SultanAhmed-timewilltell]

Power Nation 💪 for life 🧬 for love 💞 for hope 🌺 for future 🤗 love you 💗 be safe be happy ☺️ keep up keep going 🙏

[@samd7601]

It's like Gene Sellman said in the early 80s " don't let it dangle, set the angle."

[@mason5540]

That's what she said !

[@mattdaddy_888]

This is how all cars should be made (at least by the big three) in my opinion. You go to Ford, GM, or Dodge Chrysler and you pick out a car but they only sell you the car itself with their interior with their brand name on it but without an engine, or suspension then you take that car to a place like powernation and you talk to these guys and what kind of powerplant, transmission, breaks, and suspension you want. You talk out what engine you want and engine optimization, horsepower, fuel economy even the color you want it painted in etc and they build it for you and drop it in and you also talk out suspension and breaks to compensate for the power and handling. That's how cars should be made not the bureaucratic EPA meeting standards bs cars that come out no no weather you care or not about cars thats how they should be made. If you don't care that much about horsepower and you just want a normal daily driver like most people the guys at powernation will just build you a sold reliable fuel efficient engine. Lets say you bought an f250 from Ford and you need it for work they will build you an engine with low end torque good for towing and they'll give you endless options including a 7.3 godzilla platform or a 6.7 powerstroke platform or really engine that they recommend or that will fit the application and then they build it with whatever solid parts from summit racing or wherever that will fit the application and exceed it in case you ever want to sacrifice fuel economy for horsepower. You can even watch them build it first hand and people who know nouthing about cars can learn something.

[@michaelkehm3663]

Not a real world approach to manufacturing a vehicle. Goofy idea

[@itseithergonnaworkoritaint7852]

So you sanded the thrust bearing to get more clearance but you didn't set it properly before you checked it.🤔 I wonder what the thrust clearance is if it is set properly?🤷🤨

[@sleepychallenger]

Did you miss the part where he loosened that main cap, forced the crank one way, and then tightened it again?

[@itseithergonnaworkoritaint7852]

@@sleepychallenger Yes I did see that but that was after the thrust was re-installed after blinding removing material.🤷 He should of set the thrust before he measured it and set it afterwards. Good thing he used very fine sandpaper or he might of needed to start over.😯 With the grit he used all he did was polish the ends.😁👍

[@itseithergonnaworkoritaint7852]

And that's not even mentioning the incorrect way he set the thrust. Well according to all the Motor Manuals and Cilton Manuals I read on how to do that.🤔😎👍

[@JacobAndrewRowe]

Just watched the video they checked it before and after

[@itseithergonnaworkoritaint7852]

@@JacobAndrewRowe Yes they did check it before and after but the first time they didn't set the thrust. This means that if the 2 halves aren't inline the gap will be tighter. Setting the thrust makes sure the 2 bearing halves are inline with each other and positioned forward when torqued down. So they didn't get an accurate reading when they first checked it. And like I wrote above, good thing they used very fine sandpaper that took off minimal material, they basically just polished the ends. And ta da they had the proper clearance.🙄😂😁👍

[@jbtOO7]

Made quick work in 17 minutes flat appreciate the tips. You spot weld the pickup tube.The highflow pump has to be under 100psi for a oil filter to be able to hang or are you going higher psi!I don't think you need anything over or close to 100 psi so 50psi to 30psi somewhere in that range?So a buss or a tractor would need higher psi; for the weight of the vehicle isn't going to be towing anything even if it was that engine is not going to need anything higher because it doesn't weigh anything comparable that would need anything higher. So an really good oil cooler bigger lines for easier cleanup & to increase volume heat disapation.I'll tell you Chevy cars in a hard 90 degree turn they loose oil pickup does higher pressure fix that also two or 3 pick ups.I wonder g forces come into play the weight of the oil is heavy and you have to over come these forces to keep a perfect circumstance within the oil line to stay on the burner.

[@gofastparts4u]

The cheapest "seasoned" block Summit has now is over $1900 from ATK.

[@xThreeFiveSeven]

I guess endless wars and free covid checks for the lazy doesn’t come cheap to our dollar. Crazy this is only a decade old.

[@flatboat67]

I had a 400 with 6 inch rods. They like 1.6 rsr.

[@edwardzamorski3711]

With these prices this must be 80 years ago

[@wsfwsf1497]

Wife: "Honey, why is there a crankshaft in the dishwasher?"

[@dannysmith9803]

Done it. Heard about it forever afterwards. I bought a new one only for her to stand in front of it and say Don't you EVER put your car parts in here. I don't. I moved the old one into the shed. Now it's closer and I don't have to walk that far! Lol God Bless

[@taylorh3930]

🤷I dont know someone must of broke in and put there 🤔

[@alertgasper]

"don't worry sweetie, I took out the marital aid first" on a serious note, if you know someone tossing an old stove or dishwasher and you want to get into building engines...consider grabbing it.

[@libertyjusticeforall6754]

Where can I find that same degree wheel that they are using???? .I've been asking for many years

[@bobdc13]

Where do I get a cam degree kit like that?

[@shawnsparkman7916]

Comp cams can do custom grinds.

[@libertyjusticeforall6754]

Where in the world can I find that same degree will ???

[@autonomous_collective]

Very useful.....

[@luckyPiston]

16:51 Wow , left out the whole section on torquing the rods and checking rod to cam and block clearance ! scary

[@GrizzlyHunt26]

Blake is about to ..CRUSH ... Illumanati's Pyramid in Egypt .. Over this show 😂 ...

[@jamesbenge7724]

I really do like these guys and the things they do. Great work! Love the show. But let's talk about these inflation prices! Are you kidding me! I know this show was at least after the 2010's. I WOULD LOVE TO PAY $650 FOR A BRAND NEW VORTEC BLOCK! I'LL TAKE 10 PLEASE!. Lol. No joke! $2000+ and this show can't be much more than 10 years ago. My has the world changed my friends. SMH. I remember a time when people actually worked on their own stuff because it saved money. Because they had to. Everything has exploded in prices thanks to Bidenomics! But, they are still correct. With all the research I've done. It is still less $ and less work to do it this way. Just don't pay attention to those old (10 years ago) prices. It is depressing to think about the differences, but still cheaper to do it this way.

[@footz71]

R.I.P. Joe Elmore

[@steven6170]

$650 for a brand new bare block? Thats what the guy said at the start. What is the part number? I dont see any Chev blocks for $650 WHAT TOTAL BS!

[@fuzzyo_]

It’s an old video.

[@haydenpearson7203]

Inflation dude lol

[@alendovzan6768]

hi, how much money do I need for you to make this kind of engine for MG TD with automatic transmission

[@tyflesh]

Rest In Peace Joe!! You will be missed!!

[@mechanic350]

that same block on summit racing equipment is $1900 plus. where do you find a vortec block for $650 dollars?

[@thechannelq8728]

This is a replay of an old video

[@mechanic350]

thank you buddy@@thechannelq8728

[@RobertSmith-xr5fj]

My factory 327 said bring it on

[@travis1572]

If the crank isn't threaded, how do you install the gear

[@DeezNuts-xz7hy]

it slides on with Super Glue

[@antionewalker4081]

What’s the link to the $600 block

[@kruelzombieful]

These blocks are not available anymore from summit. 😢

[@flatboat67]

Well hell, he forced the crank to the back!!😂

[@travistrammell3424]

I looked on summit website no 600.00 blocks.

[@richardtho4932]

Where is the link to $650 block ?

[@thehouseofhorsepowerautobo4506]

Right, I looked, can't find anything under $1550 in summit unless it's not advertised.

[@Hellinois23]

Very old episode when Mike and Joe hosted

[@alertgasper]

back in history

[@VA434]

Haha hell yeah I was looking g too

[@Chevelle65x]

The block is only 600 bucks but the cost for the Time Machine to go back 10 years for when this aired is where they get ya. 😢

[@bowhite1293]

Welded a bolt on oil pick up.

[@jberry1982]

What if your Steve Morrison and don't need any machine shop because you are the machine shop and can build a whole billet block and heads lol

[@SpeakerKevin]

$1898 for the cheapest block on Summit.

[@dasjuggernaut1]

RIP Joe

[@kevinkent8283]

What I would like to see power Nation build is a ram 1500 Crew cab sleeper truck

[@drcolster]

Times these prices by 4 for Australia...

[@danielserrano591]

crank ' shafe

[@chevyracer4089]

The cam specs in this episode would only give you a bundle of pinging metal...on 10.49 compression 383 with a cam that has only 10 degrees of overlap, you better run on nothing less than e85 and in Canada race gas cause, we don't have e85. Bullshit combination.

[@LionsTigersBears]

This is a backyard mechanic in 1970.

[@jotighe2]

6:17 blueprinting sheet you can print right off of our website. oh really? is that so? what website? what blueprinting sheet? I been looking at a variety of what might be your website and found nothing as usual. no link, no reference, no transparency. what a load of bs. thanks for nothing! wtf

[@jotighe2]

omg this episode is 17 years old, from April 2007! are these guys even alive anymore?

[@Hellinois23]

Mike Galley left the show or got replaced several years ago. These prices are ancient now 😆

[@jotighe2]

2007-ish @@Hellinois23

[@GrizzlyHunt26]

💙 ....

[@marioncobaretti2280]

Grandpa Joe Elmore the testosterone king

[@alertgasper]

Attention nojunkwork: it seems like the longer a response list gets, the more youtube kills the responses. so if you want to explain how to blueprint an engine, maybe a new thread works better

[@chimayinasniffer]

Blocks start at 2000 dollars on summit.

[@jefferypatterson1889]

I miss Joe

[@joseleonmedina8525]

Sale muy caro hacer un stroker más barato un 6.0 y da más caballos

[@TheDynotuner]

It only makes that much of a difference because it's already restricted & it's a 480hp engine. On a stocker 350 or 327 I'd bet we only see 6-10hp. I can tell ya first hand it makes No increase in burn out length in your Mom's 74 Regal 😂

[@therealblakekirkham5701]

650 for a block I wish

[@ronnieboucherthecrystalcraftsm]

more like $100. per hour = these prices are not realistic !

[@peter455sd]

These prices seem awfully optimistic and why degreeing a cam,just to look smart to your friends i guess

[@johnnyhonda7576]

Film a 351 Cleveland stock or 383 Cleveland stroker, please

[@matthewpiatt-bx2he]

lol those prices are a generation off.😂 at least double or even triple some of them and you will be closer. These car shows give prices on labor like they are changing your oil at the jiffy lube.

[@jordancouncil5583]

Where is that block for $600.

[@alertgasper]

back in history--this is an ancient video

[@danielserrano591]

crank

[@zacideker6265]

That block is 2k nowadays.

[@nojunkwork5735]

What a joke. This is not how you blueprint an engine. If you want to learn what it takes to really blueprint an engine, read up on it because these guys don't have a clue. Some of what they show could hurt your build. This was just a commercial for Summit Autoparts.

[@alertgasper]

most of these shows, going back to when Chuck Hanson was on, were always ads for aftermarket companies

[@kevinhlavati6285]

They know more than you about blueprinting

[@nojunkwork5735]

@@kevinhlavati6285 If they, and for that matter, you know more than me about blueprinting an engine why don't you tell everyone something they failed to say or do when you blueprint an engine. Or in your opinion did they pretty much cover everything.

[@fabioalves8983]

Exactly came here to see a true engine blue print not this shit

[@alertgasper]

well, "blueprinting" is a misnomer. obviously, it means to return the entire block to the original blueprint, and that's not easy on a cast piece of metal--you might have to add material to get there. not always necessary either. the engine is designed to be "in spec", which means plus or minus an actual dimension. what we're actually accomplishing is machining. let's say you're tearing apart a short block. if the crank spins freely...do you really need to align hone the main bearing areas? check the thrust while the crank is still held down by the caps to be sure. If it's a 1980's or younger EFI block, the cylinders may still have the factory cross hatch on them. the harder you want to push the combustion process, the more you should do to an engine. CC the heads so each chamber has the same compression ratio. measure the deck height--you can raise compression ratio without changing another part of the formula (changing chamber design, piston shape, etc). check for valve clearance after you do this. confirm the lifter bores aren't going to bind things up at high RPM (windsor fords are classic for needing aligning if you want to spin over 5,000 rpm regularly). on an engine that hasn't blown up, little "blueprinting" needs done. if it was running before you got it, it's doing ok. replace bearings, rings and gaskets, and get ol' bessy back out there working again. if you need to repair damage to the cylinder bores or a spun bearing surface on the crank, you aren't blueprinting, you're machining. if you want a street performance engine, yes, you want more work done. but you're really going to see gains in reducing friction from the piston rings and the valvetrain. that's going to mean boring the cylinder, balancing for a new piston (to change compression ratio, etc), and getting the heads ready. there's no blueprinting for that, because the engine wasn't designed for more performance than what it had on the showroom floor. and if you're building a race engine, then "blueprint" is out the window.

[@victoroneill7924]

Old video.

[@corylindsay2005]

650 🤣

[@chilleddriving1455]

In-professional. Don't follow this video.

[@scottbrooklyn2995]

If you don't know what your doing hire a professional!

[@bmstylee]

General I agree but with the quality of instructions available on the KZbins you can do a lot more than you think. Most of the mods I've done on my truck have been aided by KZbin videos.

[@scottbrooklyn2995]

@@bmstylee I'm looking at the cost of parts. The cheapest part of the build is paying a professional.

[@jamesscimone1447]

Yeh, these parts places like Summit and Jegs etc etc have totally gone retarded with the prices... They are turning people away. I don't buy any of this shit anymore... they can keep it. I'm not going to spend 2 million dollars on a block. It looks better sitting in their inventory ;)

[@edwardzamorski3711]

I'm with you on that they can shove it