The venerable small-block Chevrolet engine is timeless; its installation in millions of vehicles over the years means there is always a call for performance parts for the platform. BluePrint Engines has developed an all-new casting that incorporates a number of features designed to appeal to the end user.

“This block consists of our own castings and our own designs. We’re offering standard deck heights, 4.000-inch and 4.125-inch bores, one and two-piece main seal options, along with 350 and 400 main cap options. These will eventually be incorporated into our crate engine program so customers will have the ability to choose between a seasoned or brand new block,” says BluePrint’s Dru Freese.

The catalyst for designing the block came from the company’s big-block program. That design has performed so well that the small-block was the next logical step.

The block has a number of features that came about through customer request – splayed main caps for strength purposes, priority main oiling, and mechanical fuel pump boss with a one-piece rear main seal, and even stroker clearance and extra pushrod clearance is built into the design from the outset.. “We give our customers these options with the later model technology. By keeping everything in house, we’re able to control quality and the supply chain much better,” Freese explains.

The company also has their LS3-style cylinder heads on display. “We have both the standard and extra bolt-hole options; the heads are available as-cast and CNC-ported. We are offering these in both assembled and bare form,”  she says. All of the design work is done in-house, and the cylinder heads will find their way to the company’s LS crate engine builds, or can be purchased separately.