BluePrint BP3961CTF 396 SBC Crate Engine – 491 HP Stroker V8

The Ultimate 396 SBC Crate Engine for Serious Street Performance

The BluePrint BP3961CTF 396 SBC crate engine represents the perfect fusion of classic small-block heritage and modern engineering excellence . Delivering a formidable 491 horsepower and 509 lb-ft of torque, this stroker engine is built for enthusiasts who demand serious street performance without sacrificing drivability . As part of our extensive Small Block Chevy collection, the BP3961CTF combines BluePrint’s renowned quality with a fully dressed, fuel-injected package that’s ready to drop into your classic Chevrolet, hot rod, or custom build. Whether you’re restoring a vintage muscle car or upgrading your street machine, this 396 SBC engine delivers the power, reliability, and unmistakable small-block character that performance enthusiasts crave.

What Makes the BluePrint 396 Stroker the Ultimate SBC Crate Engine?

The BluePrint BP3961CTF is far more than a standard small-block Chevy—it’s a meticulously engineered stroker that pushes the boundaries of pump-gas performance. With over 80 years of combined engineering experience, BluePrint Engines has established itself as a leader in the crate engine market . This 396 cubic-inch stroker uses a 4.000-inch bore and 3.875-inch stroke combination to achieve its impressive displacement, starting with a true 4-inch bore that mathematically yields 389 CID before the stroker crank adds the extra displacement . The result is an engine that delivers 485-491 horsepower and 500-509 lb-ft torque depending on the specific configuration and dyno testing conditions .

Aggressive Hydraulic Roller Cam for Streetable Power

The BP3961CTF features a hydraulic roller camshaft that delivers impressive valve lift and duration for outstanding power across the RPM range :

This aggressive yet streetable cam profile delivers the unmistakable “choppy” idle that small-block enthusiasts love, while maintaining enough vacuum for power brakes and accessories .

Complete 396 SBC Engine Specifications

BluePrint Cast Iron Block

The foundation of this Chevy 396 stroker is a NEW BluePrint cast iron block, manufactured and machined in the USA . Key block features include:

• 4-bolt main caps for exceptional bottom-end strength

• 1-piece rear main seal for leak-free operation

• 4.000-inch bore with cylinders honed to within .0002″ straightness and roundness

• Sonic tested cylinders for thickness uniformity

• Passenger side dipstick location

• Mechanical fuel pump provision

• Drilled and tapped for clutch linkage 

Forged Rotating Assembly for Durability

The rotating assembly in the BP3961CTF is built to withstand serious horsepower:

• New forged steel crankshaft with 3.875″ stroke

• Forged I-beam 6.000″ connecting rods

• Forged aluminum pistons with 10.4:1 compression ratio

• Hastings Moly rings for excellent seal and longevity

• Clevite bearings throughout

• Internal front/external rear balance 

BluePrint Aluminum Cylinder Heads

The BluePrint HP8103 aluminum cylinder heads provide exceptional flow:

• 64cc combustion chambers

• 2.08″ intake valves – swirl polished

• 1.60″ exhaust valves – swirl polished

• 220cc intake runners

• 67cc exhaust runners

• .500″ raised port vs. OEM for improved flow 

What’s Included with Your Dressed Crate Engine

The BP3961CTF comes as a fully dressed long block with the following components included :

• ✅ Assembled long block with cylinder heads

• ✅ Aluminum dual-plane intake manifold

• ✅ HEI distributor with coil

• ✅ FAST EZ EFI self-tuning fuel injection system

• ✅ Chrome valve covers

• ✅ Chrome timing cover

• ✅ New 5-quart oil pan

• ✅ Melling high-volume oil pump

• ✅ Heavy-duty double roller timing set

• ✅ Brass freeze plugs

• ✅ Dyno tested with printed results 

Important Note: Water pump, harmonic balancer, flexplate/flywheel, spark plugs, wires, and air cleaner must be obtained separately .

396 SBC Crate Engine Performance and Dyno Results

Every BluePrint BP3961CTF is dynamometer tested and ships with printed dyno results . Real-world performance figures from multiple retailers confirm :

• 491 HP at peak RPM

• 509 lb-ft torque at peak RPM

• 10.4:1 compression ratio – pump gas friendly

• 93 octane or higher recommended 

• 34 degrees total timing at 3500 RPM 

Recommended Break-In Procedure

BluePrint Engines recommends the following break-in procedure for optimal ring seal and camshaft longevity :

1. Use break-in oil or conventional (non-synthetic) multi-viscosity oil with zinc additive for the first 500 miles

2. Avoid hard acceleration for sustained periods

3. Periodically change engine speed while driving to help seat rings

4. Monitor oil pressure, coolant temperature, and check for fluid leaks

5. Listen for unusual sounds and address immediately

SBC 396 Engine Swap – Compatibility and Considerations

The BP3961CTF is a drop-in replacement for any vehicle originally equipped with a small-block Chevy, including :

• Chevrolet Camaro and Nova

• Chevrolet Chevelle, Malibu, and El Camino

• Chevrolet Corvette

• Chevrolet and GMC trucks

• Street rods and custom builds

• Classic GM cars requiring a 1-piece rear main seal configuration

Emissions Compliance

Important: This engine is not for use in pollution-controlled vehicles and is only legal for sale and use on Uncontrolled (Non-Emissions Controlled) Vehicles or on vehicles used solely for closed competition racing .

Why Choose NH Race Engine for Your SBC Crate Engine?

As a Netherlands-based specialist serving performance enthusiasts across Europe, NH Race Engine brings unmatched expertise to your small-block Chevy project. We understand the unique requirements of European builds—from shipping logistics to regional considerations. Browse our Small Block Chevy collection and other crate engine offerings to find the perfect solution for your build.

BluePrint BP3961CTF vs Competitor SBC Options

Within our Small Block Chevy category, the BP3961CTF stands out for several reasons:

396 SBC Crate Engine FAQs

How much does a BluePrint 396 SBC crate engine cost?

Pricing for the BP3961CTF varies by configuration and market conditions. Contact NH Race Engine directly for current European pricing and availability.

Is the BluePrint 396 stroker a good engine?

The BP3961CTF is widely regarded as one of the best SBC crate engine values on the market. Its forged rotating assembly, aluminum heads, and hydraulic roller cam deliver exceptional performance with 30-month/50,000-mile warranty backing .

What’s included with the BP3961CTF?

This is a fully dressed long block including intake manifold, distributor, EFI system, valve covers, oil pan, and timing cover. Water pump, balancer, and flexplate are not included .

What fuel does the 396 SBC require?

93 octane or higher pump gas is recommended for this engine .

What’s the warranty on BluePrint crate engines?

BluePrint Engines offers a 30-month / 50,000-mile warranty on the BP3961CTF .

Order Your BluePrint 396 SBC Crate Engine from NH Race Engine Today

The BluePrint BP3961CTF 396 SBC crate engine delivers extraordinary performance with the reliability that has made the small-block Chevy legendary. Whether you’re building a weekend cruiser, a street machine, or a show-winning classic, this 396 stroker provides the foundation for an unforgettable driving experience.

Contact NH Race Engine today to discuss your SBC engine requirements. Our expert team can help you navigate compatibility, shipping, and installation considerations for your European build.

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