When 2024 draws to a close, so does the era of factory-production V-8 performance at Mopar. With the final third-generation HEMI V-8s rolling off Stellantis assembly lines, enthusiasts are left to reminisce about the power and legacy of these “Elephant” engines. Dodge’s “Last Call” series marked the end of this chapter, but all is not lost for Mopar fans.
Enter BluePrint Engines, stepping up to fill the void with their premium-grade Pro Series third-generation HEMI crate engines. These hand-built engines manufactured in Kearney, Nebraska, use forged components in brand-new BGE/Hellcat blocks. BluePrint’s offerings bridge the gap between entry-level remanufactured engines and high-end powerplants.
BluePrint Chrysler HEMI Compatible 426 cubic-inches Pro Series Engine with 610 horsepower with black pulley kit and fuel injection
BluePrint’s Pro Series 426 cubic-inch HEMI crate engines start with a robust foundation: a BGE/Hellcat cast-iron block, a forged rotating assembly, and “Apache” aluminum HEMI cylinder heads. These engines are designed for versatility, accommodating various induction setups and delivering impressive power outputs. For instance, the naturally aspirated version with BluePrint’s induction and Holley Terminator EFI setup produces 610 horsepower, while the supercharged variant with a Whipple kit reaches 872 horsepower.
BluePrint offers a complete engine package with a low-profile aluminum intake manifold, Holley Terminator EFI system, and an accessory drive for those seeking even more power. This setup ensures a dyno-verified horsepower output, providing enthusiasts with a reliable and powerful engine option.
BluePrint Chrysler HEMI Compatible 426 cubic-inches Pro Series Engine and T56 manual transmission with 872 horsepower with Standard Edition Builder Series with polished pulley kit and supercharger
In a market where the price/performance range has been largely neglected, BluePrint Engines’ Pro Series 426ci HEMI crate engines offer a compelling value proposition. While not cheap, their combination of performance and affordability makes them a standout choice for HEMI enthusiasts looking to keep the legacy alive.
Blueprint showed off this Mopar masterpiece at GNRS 2024
We stopped by BluePrint’s display at GNRS 2024 and were impressed with the company’s offerings. We learned that the company has been around forever and how it became the de facto leader in modern crate engines.
It started in a small garage in central Nebraska. It’s grown to nearly 500,000 engines and is being started by satisfied customers worldwide. More than 40 years ago, founder Norris Marshall built one engine at a time for friends, neighbors, drag racers, circle track racers, and street rodders. Today, BluePrint Engines builds crate engines for every type of horsepower enthusiast—street or strip—all from its state-of-the-art, 210,000-square-foot factory.
The company and its reputation have grown exponentially by following one credo: affordable, reliable horsepower you can drive every day. Full-strength horsepower you feel the moment you grab the wheel, the kind that makes you eager to get in and jam the go pedal. Whatever flavor strikes your fancy, GM, Ford, or Chrysler, Blueprint has many offerings.
The company has continuously honed its engineering chops for decades now. As an OEM-level manufacturer of crate engines, Blueprint designs blocks, heads, cranks, rods, and oil pans in-house. It also designs and patents its machines in-house to craft every crate engine to perfection. Of course, every mill is dyno-tested to ensure the highest level of quality. Blueprint has become the #1 source for GM, Ford, and Chrysler-compatible engines. Go here for more details and pricing.
