ZF-8 Transmission Paired With An LS3 From BluePrint Engines
At SEMA 2025, one of the most talked-about powertrain debuts came from BluePrint Engines. The company unveiled a 376-cubic-inch LS3-style crate engine paired with a ZF-8 transmission, a combination that immediately earned the show’s Best Hot Rod Product of the Year award. The package reflects several years of development aimed at bringing OEM-level refinement to the aftermarket while keeping installation as straightforward as possible.
Building The Complete Package
BluePrint designed the system as a true turnkey solution. The engine arrives with a factory-new ZF-8 transmission already mounted, calibrated, and ready to run. BluePrint worked directly with ZF during the development of their ZF-8 transmission, integrating the transmission and control strategies into a seamless package. Instead of sourcing extra parts or assembling components after delivery, customers receive a fully bolted-together drivetrain. The goal is simple: plug it in, hook up the essentials, and fire it up.
LS Power, BluePrint Precision
The 510-horsepower, 440 lb-ft LS3-style engine is built around BluePrint’s proprietary iron block and topped with a cast aluminum intake manifold designed in-house. The architecture is LS-compatible, but the components are uniquely BluePrint, which allows the company to deliver a complete engine that avoids reliance on GM parts while retaining full interchangeability.
Each crate package is dyno tested before shipping. BluePrint maintains several production dynos running extensive daily hours to verify power, temperature stability, leaks, vibration, and overall health. The dyno sheet included with each engine corresponds to that exact unit, confirming its performance before it leaves the facility.
Modern Control And Calibration
A single ECM runs both the LS3 and ZF-8 transmission, simplifying integration and ensuring consistent calibration. BluePrint collaborated with HP Tuners to provide access for enthusiasts who want to adjust or refine the calibration down the road, though the setup is designed to be install-and-drive for the majority of users. The development units have already accumulated thousands of test miles, reinforcing the system’s reliability and drivability.
BluePrint’s LS and ZF-8 transmission package is scheduled to ship before the end of the year, marking a major step for enthusiasts seeking a modern, complete, and highly refined crate solution without the complexity typically associated with custom swaps.
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