Blueprint SBC 383 fitment issues

[andyw]

We could use some advice.

Installed our Blueprint SBC 383 today and we ran out of room on the firewall side. We had to leave a 3/8”gap between the welded mount on the frame and the bolt on mount for the engine mounts.
And probably needs to actually be a 1/2 inch.

Did we get the wrong mounts? or is this normal and maybe we just need to put spacers or grade 8 washers in to fill the gaps?

Or did we make some rookie mistake that we’re not seeing yet?

DC3A142D-3E0D-4CB9-A261-4C676860A36C.jpeg88457F7D-CF39-4BF3-9EDA-2151DC21E5AD.jpeg6EB543BF-04C6-4A3D-8D47-D3EFDB2F4E2D.jpeg38B26704-3C8E-4956-A048-CF9C12FCA0B9.jpeg7A3024C6-34FF-43DF-B69A-A40D353A94CA.jpegDC3A142D-3E0D-4CB9-A261-4C676860A36C.jpeg88457F7D-CF39-4BF3-9EDA-2151DC21E5AD.jpeg6EB543BF-04C6-4A3D-8D47-D3EFDB2F4E2D.jpeg38B26704-3C8E-4956-A048-CF9C12FCA0B9.jpeg7A3024C6-34FF-43DF-B69A-A40D353A94CA.jpeg

[Blade]

I have a BPE 383 and I was looking over the pics I have and it appears my engine mounts are very different than yours. I also don't have the same issues I see in your build. I have this one pic of the engine in. If you enlarge is some you can see what I mean. engine in car.jpg
I can get more detailed pics if that would help.

[Ltngdrvr]

We could use some advice.

Installed our Blueprint SBC 383 today and we ran out of room on the firewall side. We had to leave a 3/8”gap between the welded mount on the frame and the bolt on mount for the engine mounts.
And probably needs to actually be a 1/2 inch.

Did we get the wrong mounts? or is this normal and maybe we just need to put spacers or grade 8 washers in to fill the gaps?

Or did we make some rookie mistake that we’re not seeing yet?

DC3A142D-3E0D-4CB9-A261-4C676860A36C.jpeg88457F7D-CF39-4BF3-9EDA-2151DC21E5AD.jpeg6EB543BF-04C6-4A3D-8D47-D3EFDB2F4E2D.jpeg38B26704-3C8E-4956-A048-CF9C12FCA0B9.jpeg7A3024C6-34FF-43DF-B69A-A40D353A94CA.jpegDC3A142D-3E0D-4CB9-A261-4C676860A36C.jpeg88457F7D-CF39-4BF3-9EDA-2151DC21E5AD.jpeg6EB543BF-04C6-4A3D-8D47-D3EFDB2F4E2D.jpeg38B26704-3C8E-4956-A048-CF9C12FCA0B9.jpeg7A3024C6-34FF-43DF-B69A-A40D353A94CA.jpeg

Well, you may well have the wrong engine mount brackets, but a couple of questions.
#1, why would you have the coil mounted where it is?
I'd definitely move that.
#2, what is behind the lower firewall where the bellhousing interferes with it if the engine is moved back?
If it has nothing behind it, I would trim it for more bellhousing clearance.
It's a hot rod, you have to get creative with the solutions.

[andyw]

FINAL RESOLUTION:

Turns out there were 3 separate errors from Blue Print and Factory Five that were causing our problems. Blue Print has been awesome about responding and correcting the issues.

1). The FFR SBC instructions are wrong. Their drawing shows the edge of the triangular bracket that has contour on top (see green arrows in picture) when in fact that edge needs to be down. As drawn, the engine is about 1.5” too high and runs into the firewall on the passenger side.

2). Even after flipping the brackets over into the secret correct placement, March had recently added a belt tensioner to the front accessory drive that won’t clear the frame with the brackets in the proper position.

3). Blue Print pre installed the ignition coil on the passenger side with too little clearance. It was an easy move to the drivers side where there’s more room.

So after removing the tensioner and flipping the brackets over and to the opposite sides, we have a perfectly fitting engine.
B3D33CF0-6841-4253-BD2F-6396103A75D5.jpeg

Whew. Hope our struggle helps someone else!

[Shades]

Thanks for this info. I'm surprised no one else has encountered this error, and you'd think if they are acknowledging the instructions are wrong, that they would update the instructions posted on the web site. My SBC is definitely too high. I'm going to have air cleaner clearance issues and also would need some customization of the hood latch as it will interfere with the distributor.

I don't have the firewall issues at the bell housing though. In fact, I actually moved the engine a half inch rearward to allow more pulley clearance at the steering rack and more transmission yoke engagement by cutting off some of the pipe extension that the engine mount bolt goes through on that bracket and added washers on the other side.
enginemountmod.jpg

I wish I would have known to try turning these brackets over a long time ago. At this point, I already have the exhaust fitted, coolant hoses, transmission lines and dipstick, fuel lines, and a good pinion angle, so moving the engine now would be a pain. Once I finish wiring, I should be very close to first-start and go-karting. Nothing else dependent on engine position or height until the hood. So I guess I'll keep going as-is and when I test fit the body, I'll see if I really need to lower the engine. I was considering a hood scoop if the air cleaner is the only problem. On a positive note, at least my oil pan is well above the bottom of the frame.

[Shades]

I made a template of the bracket mounting points so that I could flip it and see where it would end up without actually doing it. It would move my engine 1.8" lower. Then I'd have issues with the oil pan vs. power steering motor, and likely the main pulley vs. right steering rack mount.

So I'm keeping it where it is and will deal with the air cleaner and hood latch when I get to them.

[peterh226]

I found the hood issue is too much to fix. Flipping the brackets is not bad and hoses will line up better as well. Just do it now and you will appreciate it. Wiring harness clearance at the bell housing is also an issue this helps.