BluePrint GM LS-Compatible Base Dressed Crate Engine – 427 c.i. – 585 HP

• Requires a non-weighted flexplate or flywheel.
• BluePrint Engines recommends a 2200 RPM or higher stall converter for automatic transmission applications.
• The included retrofit oil pan is designed to fit many 1955–1995 GM front-engine, rear-wheel-drive V8 vehicles, but installation clearance should always be verified.
• Not intended for pollution-controlled vehicles.
• Not designed for dry-sump applications.
• Vehicle gearing, tire size, weight, intake design, headers, exhaust, drivetrain configuration, and engine-management calibration can affect final installed performance.
• The purchaser must supply a compatible ECU, engine wiring harness, drive-by-wire pedal assembly, and any required transmission or body controls.
• Professional installation and final calibration are recommended.
  

Engine swaps and custom vehicle builds frequently require additional fabrication, wiring, plumbing, tuning, and vehicle-specific components. Confirm oil-pan clearance, engine mounts, transmission compatibility, flexplate or flywheel requirements, accessory-drive spacing, exhaust clearance, fuel pressure, cooling capacity, and electronic-control compatibility before ordering.

Built by Off-Road People, Supported by Off-Road People
Wide Open Design has more than 20 years of experience building LS-powered rock crawlers, trail rigs, race cars, and custom tube-chassis vehicles. We can help you match the engine with the correct cooling system, fuel delivery, transmission, drivetrain, and installation components for your build.

Does this engine include an ECU and wiring harness?

No. This engine includes the fuel injectors, fuel rails, coil packs, sensors, intake manifold, and drive-by-wire throttle body, but it does not include an ECU or engine wiring harness. A compatible controller and harness must be purchased separately.

Is this engine considered a complete crate engine?

This is a base-dressed engine rather than a fully turnkey package. It includes many of the major induction, ignition, cooling, and external engine components, but additional parts such as the ECU, wiring harness, drive-by-wire pedal, accessory drive, starter, air intake, exhaust, and vehicle-specific installation components may still be required.

What type of fuel does the 427 LS require?

BluePrint Engines recommends 91-octane or higher gasoline. The 11.0:1 compression ratio and performance-oriented camshaft make the engine unsuitable for regular low-octane fuel.

Will this engine work for an LS swap?

Yes. The engine includes an LS swap-style oil pan and uses common LS3-style front and rear covers. However, fitment depends on the vehicle, engine mounts, oil-pan clearance, accessory drive, headers, cooling system, transmission, wiring, and engine-management system.

Does this engine require a special torque converter?

For automatic-transmission applications, BluePrint Engines recommends a torque converter with a stall speed of at least 2200 RPM. The ideal stall speed may vary depending on vehicle weight, gearing, tire size, transmission, and intended use.

Is the engine internally balanced?

Yes. The rotating assembly is internally balanced at both the front and rear. A non-weighted flexplate or flywheel is required.

Is this engine suitable for off-road use?

The high-strength cast iron block, six-bolt main configuration, forged rotating assembly, aluminum cylinder heads, and broad 520 lb-ft torque output make it a strong option for high-performance off-road builds. The complete vehicle must still use an appropriately sized cooling system, fuel system, drivetrain, engine mounts, and ECU calibration.