ATK Engine Swap in 1980 Chevrolet C10

[drydentruck]

Hi everyone,
I have a 1980 Chevrolet C10 with the original 350ci engine and automatic transmission. I’m planning to install a ATK HP291PC crate engine (link: https://atkhp.com/product/atk-hp291pc-chevy-350-complete-engine-325hp/) and keeping the original transmission.
I wanted to see if anyone has experience with this engine in our trucks and if there are any fitment issues I should be aware of.

My main concern is the oil pan that comes with the HP291PC appears to be a standard rear-sump “car style” pan, and I’m worried it may interfere with the front cross-member / frame in the truck. Has anyone done this and run into clearance problems with the oil pan hitting the cross-member, steering or frame rails?
If you’ve done a similar swap (or used a different oil pan to clear things), I’d love to hear your setup, how much clearance you have, and what pan worked best. Also, anything else I should look out for? Thanks!

 

[ma3600vz]

I have heard lots of bad things about atk engines I would not buy one

 

[ma3600vz]

GM Small Block Compatible 383 c.i. Engine - 436 Horsepower - Long Block

BluePrint Engines 383 c.i. small block GM style stroker crate engine - longblock. Includes 30 month / 50,000 warranty & BPE Dyno Promise. Part #: BP38318CT1

blueprintengines.com

 

[Bloodhound1981]

I have heard lots of bad things about atk engines I would not buy one

Same here.

 

[Sad Sack]

I had an ATK HP94 in a '78 Camaro and it was a beast, had no issues but that was 2019.

 

[Bloodhound1981]

I've never had one, just the reputation I've heard. And an F from BBB isn't great.

ATK High Performance Engines | BBB Business Profile | Better Business Bureau

Not BBB Accredited. Engines in Grand Prarie, TX. See BBB rating, reviews, complaints, and more.

www.bbb.org

 

[Ricko1966]

I've heard good and bad about both,that's going to happen regardless. According to the internet atk has sold over 5 million engines Blueprint has sold 400,000 so of course ATK is going to have more complaints. I've read complaints about both and think part of it is people expect companies to warranty engines,like they were a 10.00 toaster. I bought it,it doesn't work right 11 months later so I want a replacement. The company building the engine needs more than that, some verification that it's actually their fault,defect in parts or workmanship. That the engine problem wasn't created by a different problem.Like the car,overheated,run out of oil,timing too advanced,run lean,run rich,etc.

 

[Ricko1966]

I've never had one, just the reputation I've heard. And an F from BBB isn't great.

ATK High Performance Engines | BBB Business Profile | Better Business Bureau

Not BBB Accredited. Engines in Grand Prarie, TX. See BBB rating, reviews, complaints, and more.

www.bbb.org

Blueprint has a D that's not great either.

 

[idahovette]

For the oil pan problem...........there should be no problem......a small block oil pan is a small block oil pan......almost all are the same, some 4 quart , some 5 quart?......unless your mounts are skewed

 

[Ricko1966]

Consumer complaints,sometimes you have to evaluate were their expectations reasonable ,I just read a complaint about a jiffy lube, on a second hand or maybe third or 5th hand Equinox. Owner noticed smoke but kept driving,thought it was maybe from another car,then notice the low oil pressure warning and I do not know if they drove it tell it dropped or pulled over. Anyway jiffy lube offered them 3300.00 for a used replacement engine. Customer declined and complained they want 8500.00 for a new engine. Hmm,well you didn't have a new engine at the start of this adventure,why do you think you are entitled to a new engine now. You're entitled to have your car returned to the condition it was in,and a rental,just like if someone had hit it,in an accident. You don't get a new car. If you buy an exchange engine and it burns down because you didn't run antifreeze,ran out if oil,etc. you aren't entitled to a new engine and it's completely reasonable for the manufacturer to ask for documentation as to what's wrong,to establish who's responsible for the problem.

 

[Rustisbest]

You must be registered for see images attach

 

[fast 99]

It's really just luck. Have installed engines from all the major players and several local ones. My experience, about 1 in 10 have to come back out. Even had to replace a new GM 350 once.

To answer the fitment question, visually look at it. Usually the crate motors have a generic pan that fits most applications. If it appears the same will likely fit.

 

[goldpack]

as an alternative to the crap factory at ATK

read good things about this Powertrian Products reman company in Maryland.
typed much about from people on sierra sliverado (sliverado sierra?) where every 2007-present engine thread is a cylinder deactivation horror story.

.... long warranty,...as for costs. at least a 80s 350 is in and out faster than newer stuff.
...pulling a dud core, to put in a "reman" junk dud core, and pull it out again,...sucks time and money. (so I would recommend buying a "good" reman first,..
. I have a project 2008 suburban 5.3 LC9 that has been one un-ending frustrating sh;t show... remains a expensive storage bin with 2 engines)

Shop - Powertrain Products

Shop at Powertrain Products, the USA's #1 Supplier Of Engines, Transmissions, Differentials, and Transfer Cases.

www.powertrainproducts.net

 

[Ricko1966]

Very interesting. Comparison.

 

[idahovette]

NOT a real true believer in BBB......seems if you "buy" in you are accredited? Just depends on the particular BBB you are around?