Blueprint Engines 383 - My Bad Experience

[AusTx68]

Originally Posted by 68gmsee

Regardless, I'm still confused as to why the engine would run cool sometimes for extended periods and then overheat at others. In my experience a cracked head, block or leaking head gasket is usually pretty consistent in it's symptoms.

With a thermostat in place the engine would initially start and run normal temp. As I started driving the combustion pressure entering the coolant would gradually cause an air bubble in the cooling system. Once that happened the temp would spike. When I removed the thermostat completely, the pressure had no where to get trapped. Instead it continued to build until the radiator cap released the pressure/coolant via the overflow hose. During testing I would take 5-10 miles drives then check the coolant level. Even after just 5 miles the coolant level would drop considerably.

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by AusTx68

With a thermostat in place the engine would initially start and run normal temp. As I started driving the combustion pressure entering the coolant would gradually cause an air bubble in the cooling system. Once that happened the temp would spike....

Gotcha. Yeah, that definitely indicates a hot exhaust leak into the coolant system. As geezer#99 mentioned it's you can't always find these things with leak test equipment especially if the problem is occuring under high heat and pressure from the engine.

forgot this: I know it's a little late but here's a good you tube video on doing a coolant test.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgxbPHX-W_M

[AusTx68]

Good news to report! Got a call today from Blueprint Engines. They reversed their earlier decision and have decided to honor the claim! A new 383 will ship to me today!! They still don't know what happened with the first motor but will do further testing. I'm just happy they saw the value in creating a good customer experience.

Earlier today, before the call, I sent photos of my truck to the Service Manger. He responded by saying "amazing looking truck" and said they were working towards a quick resolution. Quick indeed, they called just a few hrs later.

I will make sure to post photos once the new engine arrives! Thanks again to Blueprint Engines for making the right decision!

[BB72CHEVKT]

glad to hear of your good news

[tjsblazer]

I'm glad it sounds as though eventually you'll get a positive outcome. I am planning on installing a 383 crate motor in my 72 K5 this summer and have certainly ruled out Blueprint (they were kinda down my list to begin). Right now looking at United Racing Engines out of Arizona and Branger out of Kentucky although just starting to do my homework on them both. Hopefully your reinstall goes good for you, even with warranty replacement the hassle itself is a piss off.
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[skoffice]

I had a similar problem with a different company about 2 years ago. Coast High Performance. My buddy got a 406 shortblock for his Chevelle. We put it all together, got it fired up, and it had a slight knock on deceleration. Took it to my shop, tore it down, and they had forgotten a spiral lock in one of the wrist pins! They made him, pay to ship it back, pay to have the block honed and sleeved due to the scoring on the cyl. wall from the wrist pin sliding out and hitting it, and pay to ship it back to him. Their rep arrogantly said "Ha my assembler NEVER forgets a spiral lock. Thats not possible." Well he sure did! I was doing all the R&R and his dad was paying for all this BS since he was away at college and needed his vehicle back ASAP. But what a bunch of BS. I tell everyone to find a local reputable shop to deal with, even if it's 75 miles away. Because then you have someones door to bust down when the $hit hits the fan. Instead of an unnecessary $400 in incurred shippng costs and another month at minimum wondering "whats wrong with my engine and where is it?" It's a lot easier to make someone see whats going on in person than over a phone call. My friend's lesson was well learned.

[VA72C10]

Glad to hear they are standing up and doing what's right.

[Clyde65]

That's fantastic! glad to hear it.

[derotoreut]

Subscribed. I am in the process of looking at this engine, but now I'm not so sure. Have been considering BP3833CTC1, which is the 383 fully dressed version with roller cam.