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COOLING SYSTEM: Add coolant and install new thermostat
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We recommend you use PREMIUM GASOLINE with a minimum octane rating of 91 for your high performance engine,
unless otherwise noted on our website. Fuel requirements may vary for engine types. Visit www.BluePrintEngines.com
and click the recommendations tab on your engine's product page to view its octane requirements.
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SAFETY FIRST: Before starting your engine, be sure to set the emergency brake. If the vehicle is on the ground, chock
the wheels and make sure the vehicle cannot slip into gear.
Note that engines shipped with ECU’s do come with a startup tune. Engines shipped without ECU’s will require professional
level tuning before ANY street miles.
Since the LS is a ROLLER CAM ENGINE, your initial start-up will basically be to check for leaks and to heat cycle components
that may need retightened, such as intakes, headers, etc., as seen earlier in this guide.
While the engine is running, be sure to check oil pressure, coolant temperature, and check for fluid leaks, such as oil,
transmission fluid, fuel, and coolant/antifreeze. Listen for any unusual sounds. Should you hear an unusual sound, shut the
engine off, check for the source, and correct it.
!
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After you have started your engine, and have run it through several heat cycles, it’s important to recheck all fasteners
and fluid levels. It’s not uncommon for external fasteners to need retorqued after the engine has been brought to
temperature several times.
With engine still warm:
Recheck intake manifold bolts, header bolts, carburetor mounting stud nuts, water pump bolts, and valve cover bolts.
Once engine cools:
Recheck all fluid levels, all front accessory drive bolts, torque converter bolts, distributor hold down bolt/stud, and starter bolts.
!
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COOLANT:
We recommend you use a quality name brand extended-
life coolant. Check the label of the brand you choose to
ensure the compatibility of the coolant with your engine
metals (cast iron, or cast iron and aluminum) and radiator
material. Use a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water
to fill the radiator and engine.
Engine should be filled from the highest spot in the cooling
system, be it the water neck, radiator cap, or a remote
fill. This helps prevent air pockets from developing in the
cooling system.
For vehicles with long, or uphill radiator hoses, it may be
necessary to lift the front of the vehicle, or fill the system
from multiple locations. This may require installing the
waterneck or upper radiator hose after some initial filling.
Doing this will ensure that no big air pockets will be in the
system.
THERMOSTAT:
Install a new performance thermostat equipped with a
bypass hole. This allows trapped air to escape during heat
cycles. As a general rule, we recommend a thermostat that
will keep your cooling system in the OEM operating range.
(example: 187 degrees is OEM on most GM LS3’s.)
Once the system is capped and filled to the best of your
ability, it's good practice to squeeze the lower hose several
times to try and dislodge any trapped air in the block.
You will recheck the coolant level at the highest practical
point AFTER the engine has been run through a heat
cycle and allowed to FULLY COOL! You should also have
a recirculating coolant bottle that can pull fluid back into
the radiator once cool. A “catch can” that does not have
a recirculation tube below the water level can lead to air
being sucked back into the system.
FUEL REQUIREMENTS: Use premium gasoline or a gas/ethanol blend
ENGINE START-UP AND BREAK-IN PROCEDURE
POST INITIAL START-UP / HEAT CYCLE CHECK
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