Recently my Blueprint 383 broke a rod. After returning the block to them for inspection, they determined that it broke due to lack of lubrication. They denied my warranty claim due to that reason. I call BS, but that is a whole other matter.

I am looking at other options to get the Camaro back running and would like some input on these options. I currently have the Vortec HSR with a TPIS 58mm TB that was on the 383. I am not opposed to replacing the Vortec version with the regular version or at least the base.

1) The GM 350 ZZ4 partial block with some AFR heads and a roller cam.

2) GM 350 HO Base with replacing the cam with at least the HOT cam or something a bit bigger maybe?

3) A friend of mine has a LS1 from a 2002 camaro that he has offered to sell to me for 1500. It has about 120,000 miles and a cam from Texas Speed, not sure of specs at the moment. Going this route, I would need to source transmission, computer, harness, accessories, and all trivial items to swap LS1 into 3rd gen.

Power goals N/A are close to 350 RWHP which I think that all 3 would/could get to that

 

What about a 383 short block? Thats assuming you can reuse the heads & oil pan. I think GMPPs has a short block available.

 

If interested, I can get a name/number/web addy ...

the Pres of our local Chevy club just ordered and received a 383 short block delivered to NC from TX for $1700 - he had a ZZ4 he spun a bearing in, and is installing his ZZ4 aluminum heads and cam/intake package right on the 383 - it was an ebay seller (I know), but he had excellent reviews, and it only took about 3 weeks to get the 383 built and shipped (the seller builds after payment).

 

The oil pan was destroyed in the breakage. The heads are re usable from what the tech told me.

 

Jamie, look up Mark Jones in the Springs. Private shop, has a 1st gen Camaro with a 383 he built, drives it up to Bandimere, runs mid-11's. He likes Vortec heads.

 

Further comments:

The HO can't handle Hot Cam lift. You'll at least need to put beehive springs on, but it would be better to pull the heads and have them machined for better springs.

Getting 350 RWHP out of that combo would be a stretch, especially at 6000' elevation. Scoggin-Dickey uses the Hot Cam in their Vortec TPI crate, and use their upgraded Vortec heads to handle the lift. They get 360 crank HP out of the combo, admittedly with only an aftermarket runner TPI set-up (and headers, and 52mm TB). But, the HSR isn't going to improve power that much to get 350 RWHP out of it.

 

I was tracking that at least beehive springs were needed to accept the lift of the HOT cam. I got my info for the 350 HO from the Car Craft article where they tested a couple different cams.

However, I have all but eliminated the HO from my plans anyway. Looking again at 383's like A couple of Patriots crate engines. I must say that had I done more research before purchasing the Blueprint crate, I would not have done so. Lessons learned