What headers will fit a Blueprint 454 in a 1987 K10/V10

[Shoote]

I am putting a Blueprint engines 454 in my 1987 V10 4x4. The Blueprint engine exhaust port on the heads is .30" higher than GM heads. I am told this can cause issues with plugs and plug wires being too close to the headers or the header will not fit because it hits the spark plugs. The other issue I have read about is big block verses small block engine perches, the part of the motor mount that attaches directly to the engine block. Does anyone know if there are two different perches, one for small block and one for big block? Do I need to find big block perches to make this engine fit? I already contacted LMC and they had no clue about big block verses small block motor mount perches. I am sure someone must have installed a Blueprint big block in a 4x4 square body. Any help is greatly appreciated!!

 

[85K304SPD]

On the "perches", small block and big block are the same, or at least interchangable. The "motor mounts" that bolt to the frame are different for a FACTORY big block truck than a small block truck. Different bolt pattern, but the perches will work on either one. I have never heard about the different heads on a Blueprint. You should probably contact Blueprint and see what they recommend, or one of the header mfg.s.

 

[Shoote]

 Thank you for the response. I did speak with Blueprint about the headers. They do suggest header manufacturers. Lemons quoted me $2480 for the headers. Sanderson quoted me $990 with a six week lead time. Both quotes are for ceramic coated. I was hoping to find a less pricey set.

 

[nvrenuf]

Fwiw, I run Sanderson’s and they are excellent quality and fit perfectly (regular bbc heads).

I bought mine bare finish and immediately regretted it, just too nice. I ended up getting mine Jet Hot coated, I’m about to call them for a warranty recoat (about 10 years old).

 

[DonL]

I am putting a Blueprint engines 454 in my 1987 V10 4x4. The Blueprint engine exhaust port on the heads is .30" higher than GM heads. I am told this can cause issues with plugs and plug wires being too close to the headers or the header will not fit because it hits the spark plugs. The other issue I have read about is big block verses small block engine perches, the part of the motor mount that attaches directly to the engine block. Does anyone know if there are two different perches, one for small block and one for big block? Do I need to find big block perches to make this engine fit? I already contacted LMC and they had no clue about big block verses small block motor mount perches. I am sure someone must have installed a Blueprint big block in a 4x4 square body. Any help is greatly appreciated!!

I have a 2WD truck (1966 GMC 1/2 ton) with a BBC with a Squarebody front crossmember.

I used Squarebody C20 clamshell mounts, which are different than SBC mounts.. especially the frame brackets.

In the original configuration with stock cast (781) cylinder heads… Hedman #69110 were a perfect fit.
However, an upgrade to Performance World aftermarket aluminum heads with 0.375” raised ports resulted in insufficient plug boot clearance. Boo.

I presently have a set of Patriot #H8054 Squarebody headers installed.
Plug boot clearance will work with 2500*F basalt plug booties.

Installation issues:

1.) it required the Vortec mini starter. No room for the stock Delco 10MT.

2.) the collectors are angled outward toward the frame, which is causing me grief with my 3” exhaust cutouts. Planning to rosebud the header tubes in front of the collectors and straighten them out.

3.) the dipstick is mounted on the RH side of the engine and goes into the oil pan. Welp, header tube #2 snakes under #4, and ends up almost completely blocking access to the oil pan dipstick boss!

I’m seeing both of the last two issues as straight up design flaws.

I have a set of Hedman #65002 (70-72 Chevelle application) on order and hoping for a better fit.

 

[Fastduramax]

Just wondering but why chance Chevelle headers when Headman has a C10 list a mile long, I can also tell you BB-8’s fit beautifully

 

[Fitz]

The Hedman 69110 is what I used on a 454 swap with no problems on a '78 K-10. Also used the same 69110 Hedman on another 454 swap into an '83 K-10. Had plenty of room to even use the Delco 10MT starter on both trucks.

 

[75gmck25]

I have Blueprint heads on my SBC and it was a PIA to fit spark plug wires with stock iron exhaust manifolds because of the difference in port spacing. Not easy to grind for clearance once the manifolds are installed.

I just swapped to Sanderson headers for my SBC and they definitely fit better with the Blueprint heads. However, they are shorty headers, so the header flange is up close to the edge of the bell housing, and it's a very tight space to fit a wrench. It's also different than stock exhaust manifolds because the collector flange bolts are loose (not captive, like an iron exhaust manifold) and you have to get a wrench on both the bolt and the nut. There just isn't a lot of space for two wrenches and both hands to hold them.

For the innermost bolt on each side I ended up putting together enough ratchet extensions to reach down from the engine compartment to the bolt head, and zip tied the ratchet to hold it in place. Then I crawled under and tightened the nut from under the truck. It's also time consuming because they supply self-locking nuts that require more torque to turn. You can't just tighten down the nuts most of the way with your fingers and then switch to using a socket.