This is an LS I would love to see Chevy make.

Tugar

Exclusive First Look! 340-HP 3.6-Liter Four-Cylinder LS-Headed Crate Engine (motortrend.com)


340hp inline four....add a turbo and convert the FWD to AWD in the S-10. Rally/Street truck. A small set of air springs easily takes care of any load concerns. 

Jay

I saw that the other day. A buddy sent it to me as an idea for a swap into our Jeeps. Both of our Jeeps have the lame I4 in them. We frequently discuss engine swap options. Mainly just something to BS about. 

From what I’ve seen, Blueprint has a good reputation for crate engines. 

My only thought on this hot rod I4 is, I think the cost will make it not so appealing. I’m sure it’ll have its applications where it is a great option.  But in my case, junkyard 5.3 swap would probably be cheaper and not any more complicated. My buddy and my TJs both have Dana 30 and 35 axles. So any swap to more power sends us down a rabbit hole. Engine, transmission, transfer case, axles, suspension. It’s pretty much a full rebuild at that point. That’s why we just drink a cold one and talk about what we want to do instead of what we’re doing.. 🤣 Maybe one of these days…

ETA - The engine swap idea I’ve always wanted to do in the TJ is a 4.8L LS V8. Most people think, why not do the 5.3 or 6.0 if you’re going to do an LS swap?  And that’s true. But I’m not looking for a ton of power, and I honestly think a 4.8 could knock out 25+ MPG in a light little Jeep and still have plenty of power for what I want. I had a 4.8 in one of my trucks long ago. Decent power, although noticeably weaker than the 5.3. But that truck got over 20 MPG most of the time.  I sold it to a friend years ago. He still has it. Same engine, approaching 400,000 miles and still going, last I talked to him. 

gunner81

There is a real good video on Blueprint engines a walkthrough of the process . It was a good informative watch and if I ever decide to change out the engine in my Vette crate or a build Blueprint is defiantly on my radar

Tugar

While i agree the cost is prohibitive, I am hoping Chevy takes a hint. They have half a 350 powering the Colorado and Sierra now 2.7L Turbo making 310hp and 430hp. I know there are plans for it in one of the small Cadillac sports cars. There are SO MANY good existing heads out there already....same pistons and rods. Crank and cam bearings.....most of the ancillary equipment bolts up.

There are applications that BEG that little four. AWD S-10. Go and chase down some WRX-STi's. The Ranger is the same engine as the Focus RS which is 350hp and also AWD. Enter the Veloci-raptor.

But you are right, way cheaper to build a solid junkyard motor or at least the short block delivered and the rest is pretty easy. 

I just find it funny since Chrysler is going to replace the Hemis with two inline six twin turbos 3 liters. Makes me wonder what a 32 valve slant six with a intercooler and turbo....

Tugar

Go to the junkyard, I have seen and driven PLENTY of inline four International Harvesters that were half-V-8 with one side welded up. 

Jay

gunner81 said:

There is a real good video on Blueprint engines a walkthrough of the process . It was a good informative watch and if I ever decide to change out the engine in my Vette crate or a build Blueprint is defiantly on my radar

There’s a show on Motor Trend/YouTube called EngineMasters. David Freiburger, Steve Dulcich and Steve Brule from Westech Performance. I’ve been acquainted with a couple of those guys for many years, having cut my forum teeth at the Hot Rod magazine forum before it died a horrible death…
They’ve tested several Blueprint engines in different configurations. They work.