BluePrint BP3961CT 396 Stroker Crate Engine – 491 HP / 509 TQ Small Block Chevy

The Ultimate 396 Small Block Stroker Crate Engine for Serious Street Performance

The BluePrint BP3961CT 396 stroker crate engine delivers race-bred performance in a base long block package that’s ready to transform your classic Chevelle, Camaro, Nova, or hot rod. As part of our extensive Small Block Chevy collection, this 6.5L/396 cubic inch stroker V8 produces an impressive 491 horsepower and 509 lb-ft of torque—making it one of the most formidable naturally aspirated small-block stroker crate engines in BluePrint’s lineup .

Built on a new BluePrint cast iron 4-bolt main block with a forged crankshaft, forged pistons, and aluminum cylinder heads, this 396 Pro Series engine is dyno-tested and backed by an industry-leading 30-month/50,000-mile warranty. Whether you’re building a weekend warrior, a street machine, or a show-stopping classic, this BluePrint 396 stroker crate engine provides the foundation for an unforgettable driving experience.

What Makes the BluePrint 396 the Ultimate Small Block Crate Engine?

The BP3961CT is engineered for enthusiasts who want maximum performance from a classic small-block platform. BluePrint Engines has established itself as a leader in the crate engine market, and this 396 Pro Series represents their commitment to dyno-proven performance backed by an exclusive warranty .

Every BluePrint Pro Series engine is individually dyno-tested and ships with its own dyno sheet, guaranteeing the power you paid for. The rotating assemblies are balanced on a computerized balancer for smooth operation at high RPM. This “Base Long Block” variant includes valve covers, oil pan, and timing cover—you add your personal choice of fuel and ignition systems to finish your tire-igniting powerplant .

396 Stroker Horsepower and Torque Figures

This small-block stroker crate engine produces impressive output:

• 491 horsepower – dyno tested and verified 

• 509 lb-ft torque – massive torque for street and strip 

• 10.4:1 compression ratio – premium pump gas friendly 

• Hydraulic roller cam – low maintenance, excellent durability 

• Forged internals – forged crankshaft and forged pistons for durability 

Complete 396 Stroker Engine Specifications

New BluePrint Cast Iron Block

The foundation of this BluePrint 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 x 3.875-inch stroke (396 CID / 6.5L) 

• Internal front / external rear engine balance 

• Mechanical fuel pump provision – yes 

• Passenger side dipstick 

• Drilled and tapped for clutch linkage 

• Cylinders sonic tested for thickness 

Note: This engine features a true 4-inch bore, which mathematically yields 389 CID with a 3.875-inch stroke .

Forged Rotating Assembly

The rotating assembly in the BP3961CT is built for durability and high horsepower :

• New BluePrint forged crankshaft – 3.875-inch stroke

• Forged I-beam 6.000-inch connecting rods

• Forged pistons – 10.4:1 compression

BluePrint Aluminum Cylinder Heads

The BluePrint HP8103 aluminum cylinder heads provide exceptional flow :

Important: The performance aluminum cylinder heads feature a .500″ raised port vs OEM – verify header/exhaust clearance prior to installation .

Hydraulic Roller Camshaft Specifications

What’s Included with Your BP3961CT Base Crate Engine

The BP3961CT comes as a base long block assembly with the following components included :

Important Note: The following components are NOT included and must be sourced separately to complete your build :

• Intake manifold (Dual plane, satin aluminum recommended)

• Carburetor (850 cfm recommended, carbureted only – not compatible with factory fuel injection) 

• Distributor (A bronze distributor gear is NOT recommended on this engine) 

• Water pump

• Harmonic balancer (Non-weighted, 8″ diameter recommended)

• Flexplate/Flywheel (Late 350 weighted)

• Spark plugs and wires

• Front accessory drive components

BP3961CT vs BP3961CTF and BP3961CTC – Understanding the Options

BluePrint offers this 396 engine in multiple configurations :

The BP3961CT is the base long block – ideal for builders who have their own preferred components or want to customize their engine.

Installation Notes and Critical Considerations

Important Notes Before Installation

Before installing your BluePrint BP3961CT, review these critical notes:

• Fuel requirement: 93 octane or higher recommended 

• Ignition Timing: Initial timing 10-16°, Total timing 32-34° at 3,500 RPM 

• Stall converter: 2,000-2,400 RPM recommended for automatic transmission 

• Spark plug: BPP7938 NGK 7938 BKR5E (.035″ gap) 

• Recommended oil: 10W30, non-synthetic

• Oil capacity: 5 quarts with BPP51061 filter 

• Firing order: 1,8,4,3,6,5,7,2 

• Not for use in pollution-controlled vehicles 

• Not compatible with factory fuel injection 

Critical Clearance Warning

The cylinder heads feature a .500″ raised port vs OEM castings. You must verify header and exhaust clearance prior to installation .

Break-In Recommendations

BluePrint Engines recommends:

• Use break-in oil or conventional (non-synthetic) oil with zinc additive for the first 500 miles

• Avoid hard acceleration for sustained periods

• Periodically change engine speed while driving to help seat rings

• Monitor oil pressure and coolant temperature closely

• Change oil and filter after break-in period

Warranty

BluePrint Engines backs the BP3961CT with a comprehensive 30-month / 50,000-mile warranty.

396 Stroker Engine Swap – Compatibility and Considerations

The BP3961CT is a drop-in replacement for any vehicle originally equipped with a small-block Chevy. Compatible applications include :

• Chevrolet Camaro, Chevelle, Nova, Malibu

• Chevrolet Corvette

• Chevrolet and GMC trucks

• Street rods and custom builds

BluePrint BP3961CT FAQs

What is the horsepower and torque of the BP3961CT?

The BluePrint BP3961CT produces 491 horsepower and 509 lb-ft of torque .

What’s included with the BP3961CT?

The BP3961CT is a base long block assembly including the block, aluminum heads, forged rotating assembly, valve covers, oil pan, and timing cover. Intake manifold, carburetor, distributor, water pump, harmonic balancer, and flexplate/flywheel are not included .

What is the displacement and configuration of this engine?

The BP3961CT is a 396 cubic inch (6.5L) Small Block Chevy V8 with a 4.000-inch bore and 3.875-inch stroke. It features a cast iron block with aluminum heads and a 10.4:1 compression ratio .

What fuel does the BP3961CT require?

93 octane or higher fuel is recommended for optimal performance .

What warranty comes with this engine?

BluePrint Engines backs the BP3961CT with a 30-month / 50,000-mile warranty.

Is the BP3961CT compatible with factory fuel injection?

No. This engine is not compatible with factory fuel injection .