---
title: BP3553 (Discontinued) Engine Build Specification Summary
description: BP3553 discontinued engine 355ci Small Block Chevy engine specifications including 4-bolt main block, internal balance, .040-over bore, dome pistons, deck height, and critical machining requirements.
---

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# BP3553 (Discontinued) Engine Build Specification Summary

## Based on the build sheet provided, BP3553 is a BluePrint-based 355 CID Small Block Chevrolet performance engine built from a 350 block.

### BP3553 Critical Information

- **355 CID Small Block Chevy**
- **4-Bolt Main Block**
- **2-Piece Rear Main Seal**
- **.040" Over Bore (4.040")**
- **Internally Balanced**
- **Driver Side Dipstick Required**
- **No Camshaft Supplied**

### Critical Machine Specs

- **Deck Height:** 7.6845" ± .001"
- **Minimum Cylinder Wall Thickness:** .100" before final bore
- **Piston-to-Wall Clearance:** .002"-.003"
- **Main Clearance:** .001"-.0039"
- **Rod Clearance:** .001"-.0039"
- **Torque Plate Hone Required**
- **Final Hone Finish:** Less than 20 RA

### Pistons & Rings

- **.125 Dome Pistons**
- Top ring gap: **.032"-.034"**
- Second ring gap: **.016"-.028"**

### Torque Specs

- **Main Caps:** 75 ft-lbs inner / 65 ft-lbs outer
- **Rod Bolts:** 45 ft-lbs
- **Torque Plate / Head Bolt Torque During Honing:** 65 ft-lbs

### Freeze Plug Requirements

- **Brass freeze plugs only**
- **Water jacket plugs must be tack welded**

### Important Build Notes

- Must have **driver-side dipstick**
- Front oil galleries tapped **1/4" pipe**
- Oil gallery above filter and deck tapped **1/4" NPT**
- Must install rear crank dowel pin
- Must align hone with oil pump installed and torqued
- Crank must be **magged, polished, and balanced**
- Rods must use new bolts/studs

### Restrictions

- **Do not use crack-repaired blocks to water jackets**
- **Do not sleeve unless approved for thin cylinder wall repair**
- **All decks must be milled, not filed**

### Test Specs

- **Oil Pressure:** 40-50 PSI
- **Charging Output:** 34-40 Amps

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