Force Multiplication

Fresh Off a Big Nitrous Hit, Our Big-block Gets an 8-71 Blower and Throws Down 939 Hp!

- Richard Holdener

Last time, we took a look at the new 540-inch big-block Chevy combination from BluePrint Engines (BPE). In addition to offering plenty of displacement, the big-block stroker was designed specifically for use with power-adders, meaning boost or nitrous (or both). We started things off by uncrating the 540 and immediately subjecting it to a dyno session. After a few break-in cycles, the 540 was run in anger in naturally aspirated trim to the tune of 649 hp at 6,100 rpm and 629 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm. Satisfied it was now ready for the first of many power-adders, we installed a Zex Perimeter Plate nitrous system. Run with 250hp jetting, the 540 big-block responded with 937 hp and 891 lb-ft of torque. It is amazing how effective the combination of this large-displacement crate engine and nitrous was, but we knew the nitrous kit was just the beginning. Having run nitrous through the big-block, it was now time for some boost.