SKIP THEM !!!!!!! Had problems with one of their engines that a customer bought. And in talking with them, really couldn't fess up to a dead cylinder the engine had, or act they knew what was going on. In his 30 years of building engines, had never seen a head bolt that went into a water jackets
Amongst other problems. Blueprint engines makes good motors.
I am the CPR customer that decided to go with an M&R 331 stroker with Procomp aluminum heads. The engine was rated as 380 HP 380 TQ. I also found them through EBay, but I purchased only the long block directly from M&R Engines located in Glendale, California. I paid $3,539.78 with a flywheel and delivery to
CPR who professionally installed the engine. Many of the initial pictures are here
331 stroker in a 66 fastback (shelby style engine bay) under cprstreetmachines’ Forum and Current Projects section.
I wanted a nostalgic engine bay that was representative of American muscle. Therefore, I attempted to dress up the engine with Shelby parts with exceptions for performance or reliability. Therefore, during the install CPR and I discussed adding:
Holley 600 double pump
MSD Ready to Run distributor
Griffen aluminum radiator
New diaphragm clutch, pressure plate, and pilot bushing
New 289 timing cover
New aluminum high flow water pump
New Ford Racing windage tray
Shelby intake manifold
Shelby “tall” valve covers to fit roller rockers
Shelby 7.5 quart oil pan
Shelby Tri-Y headers
CPR was very helpful with my engine install. They kept me informed and answered all my questions. They also listened to my input and allowed me to make it my way.
CAUTION: What I am about to express are my experiences and I will state the facts as I see them. I am not a professional engine builder, but I know enough and I have had professionals analyze my engine situation. Everyone, has agreed with the below results. Danny from M&R was unable to provide facts or evidence to justify why the engine failed.
DATES:
The 331 stroker was delivered and installed during October 2007. A Dyno and the engine removal was done during February 2008. The engine was removed and returned to M&R on February 14, 2008. The engine was returned by M&R on March 28, 2008.
The engine felt okay during 2007, not a huge difference from my mild 289 that dynoed 220 hp and 260 tq. Some of the initial problems with the 331 stroker were:
1. a rocker came loose during break in period.
2. odd ticking noise during deceleration from the valvetrain.
3. coolant leaking from all head bolts.
As time past, by December 2007, other issues came up.
1. Low HP (206) and TQ (230?) reading on the dyno.
2. Number 8 plug was full of oil.
3. White smoke filled the sky.
4. Head bolts continued to leak coolant.
Pros:
Initial price with delivery included—380 hp and 380 tq
Aluminum heads—weight factor benefit
Will paint block any color—not show quality paint
Comes with two-piece engine stand bolted to pallet
Full roller rocker engine
Two year unlimited mileage warranty
Free return and re-delivery under warranty
Returned with engine accessories installed (distributor, timing cover, water pump, intake, oil pan, etc.)
Cons:
** No clear explanation as to the specific cause of engine malfunction ** with 30 years of experiance
Never received warranty information with engine or after a written request
Labor for removal of failed engine is the customer’s expense or time
Odd stains on Shelby aluminum parts—I added Eastwood Satin Clear that was effected some how
Lettering was removed from new OEM style hoses (bypass/PCV)
Cheaper cork gasket was used on oil pan for re-assembly
Break in cost—more oil and filters, again
Fouled plug re-installed in number 3 piston, not replaced
Down time
M&R verbally explained that a returned engine is torn down, re-ringed, inspected, and re-assembled.
I was waiting to get my car back together and running before I expressed my experience with Danny and M&R Engines. However, I wanted those potential customers to know my experiences and let them draw their own conclusions.
At this time, I am unable to tell how the returned motor works. Since, I had to remove the M&R engine I decided to paint and detail the engine bay. I decided to go with a T-5z transmission, 3.80 Currie 8” with traction loc, factory A/C from Classic Auto Air, and a JMC hydraulic clutch kit. My project is waiting for the A/C kit and the hydraulic clutch kit--which I cannot locate (everyone is out of stock). Once everything is running I will report back.
Good luck.
Crooks with a capital "C". Same crappy engine builder, same crappy management, with a new name. Here's my horror story: Purchased a 489 BBC stroker for a 71 Nova. The motor was professionally installed at $105/hr. Once the exhaust was connected, that's when the problems with the motor could be heard.
