The 2022 Performance Racing Industry show was chocked full of the new and innovative ways of going fast, but one thing no one was expecting was a LS-headed four banger concept unveiled by crate engine behemoth, Blueprint Engines.
Many are calling it a four cylinder LS, but that’s not really true. What you’re actually looking at is a four pot block usually used for industrial applications, modified to suit an LS3 head. The basic engine block has been nicked from Blueprint’s sister company Origin Engines, which dates back further to a Mercury marine engine. In that guise, the 3.6-litre uses Ford Windsor-style heads.
The engine is very much a concept at this stage with no running examples, but Blueprint say the LS-headed four pot should be good for 340hp and around 500 ft/lbs with the help of a turbo.
The bit that’s really piqued the interest of everyone though is the potential this thing would have for engine conversions. Blueprint say it’ll accept most GM bellhousings, and the block can even take a Windsor head if that’s more your thing. Word is there could be an option for a dizzy of the LS coilpack aren’t your jam, and being basically half the size of an LS you’d be had pressed to find a car it wouldn’t fit into – although the water pump does extend the length somewhat.
Other applications for the 3.6 could include both marine and speedway use. But as one of our good mates suggested to us this morning, just imagine this baby with a mild turbo, Higgins head, decent internals and the right camshaft!
Given it’s still a concept there’s no word on pricing or availability anywhere, but after an unexpectedly strong reaction at PRI Blueprint are likely to fast track the four pot into production.