---
title: What Are the Basic Specifications of the Discontinued BluePrint BP3838CT 383 Circle Track Engine?
description: Learn the basic specifications, valve lash settings, balance requirements, compression ratio, and key components of the discontinued BluePrint BP3838CT 383 Circle Track engine.
---

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# What Are the Basic Specifications of the Discontinued BluePrint BP3838CT 383 Circle Track Engine?

 What Is the BP3838CT? The BP3838CT is a:

- **383 cubic inch Small Block Chevy**
- Built for **Circle Track racing applications**
- **4-bolt main block**
- **2-piece rear main seal**
- Driver-side dipstick configuration
- Internally balanced rotating assembly
- Solid flat tappet valvetrain
- High-compression naturally aspirated combination

 The engine was designed to provide a durable, race-oriented package using iron cylinder heads, forged crankshaft, and solid lifter camshaft technology. What Are the Major Engine Specifications?

### Short Block

- Displacement: **383 cubic inches**
- Stroke: **3.750-inch**
- Forged Scat crankshaft
- Scat I-beam connecting rods
- Flat-top hypereutectic pistons
- 4-bolt main block
- Internal balance
- 2-piece rear main seal

### Compression Ratio

**12.9:1 compression ratio** Due to the high compression ratio, proper racing fuel selection is critical.

### Cylinder Heads

**Pro Topline Iron Heads** Specifications:

- Casting: **223-5000-20**
- Combustion chambers: **50cc**
- Iron construction

 What Camshaft Does It Use? The BP3838CT uses a:

- **Solid flat tappet camshaft**
- EPC 1WM camshaft
- Designed similarly to **Crane 111411**

 Important assembly specification:

- Camshaft must be degree'd to **102° intake centerline**

 What Valve Lash Should Be Used? The engine build specification calls for:

### Valve Lash

**0.026" Intake** **0.026" Exhaust** Acceptable range during verification:

- **0.024" to 0.028"**

 Valve lash should always be checked with the engine at the temperature specified by the race team or engine builder. What Rocker Arms Are Used? The engine was originally assembled with:

- COMP Cams 1302-16 stainless steel roller rockers
- 1.6 ratio rocker arms
- Stud girdle system

 The build instructions specifically require: **Use rockers marked "1.6".** Is the Engine Internally Balanced? **Yes.** Unlike many stroker combinations, the BP3838CT was assembled as an: **Internally balanced engine** This means replacement harmonic balancers and rotating assembly components should be selected accordingly. What Intake Manifold Is Used? The original intake manifold specification is: **Professional Products 52031 Circle Track Intake** This intake was chosen to match the Circle Track racing application and cylinder head combination. What Oiling System Does It Use? The original components include:

### Oil Pan

**Kevko 1086 Circle Track Oil Pan**

### Oil Pump

**Melling M155HV High-Volume Oil Pump**

### Pickup

**Kevko 1002 Pickup Screen** These components were designed specifically for sustained Circle Track racing conditions. What Spark Plugs Are Used? The original build sheet does not specify a spark plug part number. If spark plug replacement is required, reference the dyno sheet, original engine paperwork, or inspect the currently installed plugs before selecting replacements. Performance Targets The production documentation specifies:

### Compression Test

- **225-240 PSI**

### Oil Pressure

- **40-60 PSI**

 These values serve as useful baseline references when diagnosing engine condition. Common Owner Questions

### Does the BP3838CT use hydraulic lifters?

**No.** It uses a **solid flat tappet camshaft and solid lifters**.

### Is the engine internally balanced?

**Yes.** The engine uses an internally balanced rotating assembly.

### What valve lash should I run?

**0.026" intake and 0.026" exhaust**, with an acceptable range of 0.024"-0.028".

### What compression ratio does it have?

**12.9:1.**

### Does it use aluminum heads?

**No.** The BP3838CT was built with iron Pro Topline heads.

### What oil pump is used?

**Melling M155HV high-volume oil pump.**

### What intake manifold came on the engine?

**Professional Products 52031 Circle Track intake manifold.** 

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