I see this once in a while when Im looking at engines I cant afford anyway. "Balanced and Blueprinted" What the hell does that mean, how big of a difference does it make, and how much does it cost.

Im building a new motor for my 3rd gen and, I thought I might ask. Im always looking for new options.

 

Blueprinting consists of:
*Checking:
-Bearing clearances
-Rod side clearances
-Deck height
-Piston to valve clearances
-Oil pump pickup height

*Other Procedures
-Measuring ring end gap
-Removing the 1/2 inch oil passage plug under the rear thrust main cap to thoroughly clean the block
-Computing compression ratio
-Degreeing camshaft
-Setting pushrod lenth

I may have forgotten a few. It will make your motor run to full potential. It won't cost a thing, provided you've got the right tools
-Rippin

 

Define right tools. My Dad works in a Semi garage. Hes obsessed with Snap-on, and he buys stuff all the time just because he doenst have it. Tell me what I need and if he doestn have it Ill have him get it lol.

 

It means they "slapped" it all together correctly. Sometimes the builder is serious when they say it and a lot of people throw that term at an engine they just checked bearing clearnaces on.

Like Rippin92 said, it involves the whole assembly process and doing things correctly. When you have a shop build an engine, the bill will say "Parts" or "Labor"...That labor part that makes you go... is blueprinting and balancing...hehe

 

Other than the obvious tools to disassemble the engine:
-Dial Bore gauge (a BIG must-have)
-Feeler Gauge
-Camshaft degreeing kits (like this one from Summit )
-Dial Indicator
-Deck bridge
And some more, I'll try to get back to you in the morning, it's 1:30 a.m. here.
-Rippin