BluePrint Engines Owner/Founder Norris Marshall Tells His Story (Plus Priceless Life/Success Advice)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ย. 2024
- I had seen the BluePrint Engines building from the road before and knew it looked like a pretty big place...but once you get inside you really see how huge the place actually is. They manufacture dyno tested crate engines all the way from a factory replacement small block to an 800+ hp tall deck 632ci big block chevy! Here we talk with BluePrint's owner and founder Norris Marshall about his story. How did he get into cars and start the company? I personally enjoyed this information so much and learned a ton. Listening to successful people like this is something I make a point to do...and I think you should too.
There will be several more videos to come from the time I spent here including one just on the Engineering / R&D department. The amount of technology and OEM quality testing conducted within this facility is far beyond anything I had anticipated before coming here. It really blew my mind just about everywhere we went inside the building!
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I thought this story was freakin awesome and learned a ton from Norris. What did you guys think?
Great video Mitchell!
Great video
Thanks for recording it! Epic story.
This is fantastic. Also the new shirt design is NICE. I'm about to dig into the factory tour video now.
I could listen to that man talk for days! Love the video. 🤙
His story about the 302 reminded me of an engine I built in my younger days. I had a 70 Mustang with a 351 Cleveland 4 barrel with a top loader 4 speed and a 3.50 nine inch that I found out from under a Boss 351. I found an old Hot Rod article that said you could duplicate a Boss 351 engine using all Ford oem parts. I gathered parts over the winter and when spring arrived I pulled the engine and got to work. When I was buying all the parts the parts man at the dealership kept saying he would bet it would never run and if it did he wanted a ride. When I got it broke in and tuned I took it to the dealer and said let's go. Just as I got it to 7000 rpm in third and was about to go fourth, he started screaming to stop the car and let him out. He walked back to dealership and refused to ever ride with me again.
Where was that? What dealership? How old were you at this time?
@@c50ge That was around 1980-81, I was 31-32 and the dealer was Jim Mize ford, which was a small town dealership which went out of business many years ago.
The Boss 351C Rocks! Im building a tamer version of the 351C 4V with a hydraulic cam and a tad bit lower compression.
@@johnhenry1395 Did you know that by drilling a couple of steam holes in the 4V heads they will fit on a Boss 302. They are virtual identical.
Ok boomer
My Ex-Father-in-law always told me, " Don't be afraid to try to fix something that's broke. It's already broke, there's always somebody that can fix it." He inspired me more than anyone in my life.
So true
This was so inspirational. Love the quote of there is always someone out there that can help you and wants to. What an amazing conversation.
I agree. It was great and so much more than I was expecting from that conversation
I know but I'm still looking i have a 2008 Saturn outlook that i need some help with. If anyone knows someone that would help me. I live in central Oklahoma and I'm on disability now money is very tight but me and my son can do the work we just need help showing us what to do. I worked in construction for 34 years
@@waynesligar5948 j
I was the first full time employee Norris had in 1983, we were both young and butted heads but I have much respect for him and what he has accomplished and for putting my hometown of Kearney Nebraska on the map in the hot rodding world!!!
Im ringing roush tomorrow to see if he has any more of those $75 boss intakes.
You made me laugh with that comment!
They don’t make guys like him anymore need more ppl like him
Guys like him make themselves.
There's a guy named Mike Patey that is very much like this guy, but with even more energy. You might enjoy his TH-cam channel, especially if you like airplanes.
Hey Brandon-there a rare breed ,butt there around ,just keep searching ......
When this man passes on, the world will be worse off for it. The knowledge and drive stored behind that mustache is irreplaceable.
Him and Gale Banks need to have a tech school together
At least you understand the GREATNESS of that Stache
The world has been building combustion engines for a 100 years. The future is always open, like a motel with a flickering “Vacancy” sign. Waiting for the next occupants. I think it’s be cool if someone comes up with an electric motor that bolts in and replaces a 302 or 427.
@@IcelanderUSer stop it! Nothing like combustion engines. You know electric ⚡️ will cost 5 times more and you will need an electrical engineering degree to work on your own car.
Mr. Marshall if you reading these comments and I hope you do, that was so inspiring to year your humble wisdom about starting and continuing to run a very successful business. Ironically Jack bought a company i used to work for. You are not joking about the grumpy part. Congratulations on your business, the shop tour was very impressive.
@@BluePrint_Engines much appreciated. Your team should be proud. Very impressive operation 👍
Such a cool story! There is nothing better in this world than supporting companies with good people at the helm.
Thanks for the Video I live 45 mins from there and didn’t know that they build Engines. I knew about Marshall engine back in the day. Didn’t know who the man was behind BP till today.
He turned his hobby into a business and he’s been playing ever since. keep it up 👍 watching from Canada 🇨🇦
This guy is awesome. Very inspirational. He seems very sincere and honest in wanting to share his story with you and your followers.
He’s a great guy and I can’t wait to learn more from him down the road
Mitch, thanks for letting us see the side that most don't normally see. Greatly appreciated.
Always take the road less traveled.
Thanks dude that’s what I’m here for. You’re exactly right 💪🏻
That is a guy that makes you want to buy an engine from him! Genuine guy. I was the "quitter". I closed my shop and went and got a job. I am looking to get back in it. I don't really have any regrets. I worked at many places that allowed me to get better at what I do. Your videos are inspiration to get beyond the fear and step out and do it.
"Ford Guy" ... Makes more aftermarket GM motors than any other company.
Absolutely amazing story and amazing guy. 🙌✌
I have said "if you find a job you love ,the money will come " you will become very good at that job and be rewarded well
History is awesome. Everyone has a story and a dream. It shows that Norris persevered and kept working hard to be where he is today. Many people only see what is in front of them....The big building, the employees and the money. Not many know his story.. now more people do. Thanks for putting in the time. Great video.
glad you liked it sir
@@Stapleton42 you're welcome... keep plugging away on the builds.
Mitchell is honestly a great interviewer. I have noticed that in some of his other videos as well. Great questions
thanks dude
a teenager with hot rod dreams to this ! Your parent's n You have done a great job! This Is The AMERICAN DREAM people round the country n world believe in .Big Thanxxx for the video !
Glad you’re here man!
Lots of good experience there with Norris. Very Wise words. My dad started his own business when he completed Navy commitment in his day. Early on he learned to buy the property and building then have the business pay him rent. That way, when the mid 70's Jimmy Carter horrible economy lead to business bankruptcy only the business closed. He(we) still owned the land and building. He saw to every employee getting work elsewhere then we went & paid any creditors of the business. This helped us start anew with folks we made good on. He is 86 years old now and still working the business.
I don't think I have heard a story that inspirational. That was an amazing story and thanks for continuing to create awesome content!
Thanks dude. I can’t wait to bring more stories like this to light
Norris is a good man. I wish I would have had myself together when I worked for him. Would have been there over 25years Great company !! Proud of you Sir
This man reminds me of an older you truly. This man took it upon himself to make his own way in this sport in particular the heart of this addiction we so treasure and still makes waves today!
Norris seems like a really nice guy. Like Norris said, "just don't quit" and "ask/seek for help" ........ Great video!!!!!! 👍👍👍
He's a cool dude
@@compactocean8292 Yes he is
the key to the story is quitting from the machine shop where you were given an opportunity and taking his customers with you to your own new business. awesome
One of the best episodes I have watched so far. I am watching from the bottom up and made it here so far. I am entrepreneur and I needed to hear Norris' message. That's fire...
Since a kid reading hit rod magazine, I always wondered about Blue Print and the operation itself. Great job Rob
Who’s rob 😂
It ryhmes with job
I was definitely not expecting to Jack roush storyline but man what a video everyone in the car world needs to see this one maybe you could continue into a series of automotive legends possibly
The back story on this company is incredible and is proof of the American dream. I hope we as a nation never loose sight of this. Keep up this quality content your freaking awesome bringing chit like this to your channel... kicks ass man straight up and down
Thanks dude. I’m glad you vibe with the same stuff we do here. Hopefully you are subscribed to see the 632 Blueprint engine Suburban build!
@@Stapleton42 I am and have been for some time...keep swinging for the fence cheers
Taking the time to mentor others interested in similar fields is what differentiates this channel from many others. While everyone talks about working on cars, I have really enjoyed the videos about following your passion. Love the direction your content has taken!
thanks man im glad you see that
This story is so amazing . Thanks for bringing this to us! Saving up for 351w roller for my 93 lightning from these guys! I can't wait to buy it!
Heck yeah you’ll love it
I’d love to hear that old 302 boss run maybe blueprint will do a video 🤷♀️
One of the best things i have seen when he goes through building that first engine. Picks up the phone at 15 years old to reach out to the man for a manifold.
Started in a machine shop when I was 16 ended up in dentistry rebuilding people's teeth with crowns and bridges and implants. God bless you and your family aloha
That’s awesome man
Dave you are a smart man. We need dentist. You are helping humanity by reducing suffering and improving peoples quality of life. Wish u much success.
Aloha,where do you live?
i did the same thing at 16. was building dirt track motors for the local racers. now i do car repairs.
This man is a legend. Awesome story. I love this type of content
He’s definitely a walking example of what’s possible in this country. I love it
@@Stapleton42 me too brother.
Very motivational story! more younger folks need to take notes, Mr Norris is a very humble man
My grandpa always told us growing up that “no one knows everything, but everyone knows something the next person doesn’t.” He also always said “two heads are better than one, even if it’s a cabbage.” And as I’ve gotten older I’ve taken that to mean everyone has value to add no matter the situation. Doesn’t matter if this is their first time doing something or their 1,000 time doing something. Sometimes it takes the person who has never done it to ask the question that sets off the light bulb and you go hey that might actually be better. Or you know I never thought about it that way. I like your channel and the information and inspiration you provide. Keep up with the great content.
Norris was just full of positive information. Big guy. Norris touched on the same never quit mind set that you also promote .keys to succeed that even us old guys can use ."someone just quit when you wanted to "that drives me to keep on keeping on
Absolutely right brother
This is an excellent partner to have on your team. Can't wait to see where things go from here. FP and Blueprint. Reliable and powerful. 🇺🇸🦅✌️
Thanks for that bit of wisdom that gentleman knows how to get it done,and wants others to grow as well..hearing him say the same thing you’ve said about quitting,you keep going..showing up being respectful and asking is great advice in almost anything you want to do. And buying the mule motor is brilliant for both parties
Awesome! Having their proprietary block, heads, cranks, ect. kind of puts them in their own space. Interesting stuff!
Yes they are!
Hey brother awesome video it was nice of Norris to come out in talk to you for like 20 minutes from his busy day to explain how blueprint engines Started. Can't wait to watch the engine Plant video.😆😆😆
What a great guy, an inspirational story and so great to hear the background of the company. Never realized it had such a genuine history behind it. I think it's surprising how much manufacturing goes into this, I had always thought they just mostly built the engines by hand. Really amazing to see all the processes going into it and how they increase efficiency and reliability with their methods.
I'm impressed.
What he's talking about about 13:00 in is exactly what got me searching for.
I've got a 95 Bronco that is completely stock and the ECU is bad and the options are to try and repair it myself or send it off to a Rebuilder or get a standalone and have to go to a tuner to set everything up.
I eventually just want to buy a new motor with an ECU that works for that motor ( hopefully with slightly enhanced performance) but nothing fancy. I just want a good reliable motor for my classic truck that I can run for the rest of my life.
I don't care about airbags or anti-locking brakes I just want to find a good replacement motor and ECU to control it in as simple and reliable as I can get it.
Blueprint is the place for you!
Fantastic story!!! I am loving these story times with cool M’effers!!! Super inspiring, and just down right cool.
That's it... I'm getting up off this couch RIGHT NOW! 😁👍
I love this combination of opportunity meets passion. Then the drive to constantly improve. Great life lesson for all.
love this guy he is so down to earth and seams to be a vary moral man who is not looking to mess someone over for a dollar like a lot of people out their today
Happy it started with a FORD Windsor!!!!!!
Engines have always been my favorite ever since I was a kid. I'm 64 and it hasn't changed all these years.
$75 is what I paid for my Edelbrock Manifold in 73. $65 for holley 650 double pumper. Sig Erson cam $78? That summer everything revolved around rebuilding that engine so I could drive to HS my Jr year. My job paid $2.25 hr so parts and machining were very expensive. My dad's friend took time out his busy schedule to show me how to assemble the motor. He had worked at ford after WW2 and had a wealth of great stories
Amazing videos and background on things the general public would have never known...thanks man and enjoy that 632!
Damn, he is a really down to earth guy. I can relate to him a lot.
Would like to listen to more of people like Norris and you! Love to work in the shop while listening to things like this!👍
People would pay to listen to men like these speak thanks for taking the time to create this
Squeaky wheel always gets the grease. Best advice I have ever been given in life, and in business.
Man I love this video especially being a Ford enthusiast myself I could listen to these stories all day
THANKS for sharing these, I have seen their engines advertised in Summit or another similar company, and considered getting one of their lower cost engines, after these tours and listening to the owner I'm sold, BUT I watched the Factory tour first and having worked in the Quality Department of a MFG plant for 40+ years until they closed the business I could tell the shop was FIRST class and used some great quality processes
Great story and video of how Norris Marshall started out in the engine building industry and the growth of his company. Now ask him to look into building 6.5L diesel GMC/Chevy engines both naturally aspirated and TD version.
Digging the Blueprint engine videos, I agree with him on asking someone who is doing it better, I recently reached out to an old mentor of mine when I decided I wanted to go back to working for myself and its allowed me to get started back up like I had never stopped when I had been out of an industry for 8 years. There's some great advice in that video.
Thanks for this. Digging on the history and backstory
Truly an awesome conversation. I was totally pumped by the end. 😁🤟🏼 Great Video.
always love the knowledge farms. these videos get less views but are priceless for the guys that understand how valuable this is. thanks for the content
You’re exactly right. I do it for the few not the many
That's a great story around 98 when I first started building Motors To and yeah I got it out of the Hot Rod Magazine
Dude, you can't believe how much I respect you for doing videos like this!
As a young man trying to get my business off the ground I really appreciate it 🙏
He's quite inspirational and I can't wait to see what they do with the LS platform
What an absolute treat! Great series here brother
just being able to pick up a phone and call anyone and talk to them to by asking for their name in the directory was cool. This channel is full knowledge and am being a dry sponge soaking up everything. #jellyfishing
You are the kinda guy I make these videos for!
@@Stapleton42 Im glad you do it for people like me; because its the peoples place!! keep it up love the content 1000%
Thank you for this video. It was helpful in more ways than what may seem obvious. Thank you
Awesome, Thank you for such GREAT Interviews, Tours at BLUEPRINT
So of course the first thing I’m doing after this video is checking out blueprint website! Great video
@@BluePrint_Engines I would love to talk project plans with you all however I’m just a hobbyist that buys used parts for a 2001 Mustang to take to the track with my two sons. “It ain’t fast but it’s fun” but one day we will have us a legit street car!
That one man built quite the empire! A machinest that taught me as a teenager at a race engine shop was jacks #6 employee at roush back in the 70's lol.
Awesome video my dude! I love when you interview people, you always ask such insightful questions that I don't think anyone else would! when you do Rocky mountain race week again I would love to see some trackside interviews!!
Another thing that really stuck out for me was when he was talking about persevering. When stuff is really hard and uncomfortable and no one would blame you for giving up. It was like when you said the first thing that you're willing to sacrifice is personal comfort. And that you said when you do that usually the end results pay off.
100%
Wifes name and pic. Mark here. Great videos, saw factory tour also. Just subscribed. Thats a great company there. The owner was right, mentors are great, you dont have to figure everything out for yourself. Great to have someone to talk to, get that other sensible opinion. Peace
Loved this video. Made me appreciate all the people that have helped me out including you. Always respond and answer any questions
For the owner of Blue Print to take time out to talk to you is amazing.
Reminds me of what my late father taught me: auto mechanics. The first engine I rebuilt when I was 16 years old in 1974 was a Ford/Mercury 302 on my first car: 1969 Mercury Montego! Now I'm 63 and still loving working with my cars.
That’s awesome man
Makes me feel like getting up and finishing my Monte Carlo SS. Inspiring words of wisdom to be old and wise sometimes you have to be young and dumb
Actually I may do that ive been in the market for an LS
I've really enjoyed these 2 video's. THANK YOU Your right in that we can learn so much from those who have walked the same road as us. CHEERS Steve h.
Glad you like them! Hope you are subscribed now!
Norris is really neat guy, down to earth. I bet he would make a great neighbor.
I am the head mechanic of an oil company in California and never finished high school. I never stop learning and never will and this guy confirmed that your drive and eagerness to learn and be better will pay off. Suck it Cole.
If I ever buy a "crate motor" it would be a blue print. That make real good stuff. It's even cooler hearing the back story, meeting the man who started it all.... plus he a ford guy.... good job Mitchell two very cool videos.
PA ALL THE WAY
I got my eye on one of their ls3 427 motors myself. ....when my 370" lq9 quits I'm gonna have to bite the bullet
Mitchel, you ain’t shittin, that fella was dropping bombs! I’ve been running a business for the last 7 years, and there’s damn sure times you’re asking yourself, why don’t I just get a job. Just gotta fight. Great VLOG!!!
I love stories like this , a lot of these guys started out the same and things sure aren’t anything like they used to be when they started .
Incredible conversation and story. He is someone that would help if you ask him. Could definitely listen to him. Thanks!
Absolutely!
Watching this video I'm reminded of when I was 15 and I went to the Kruse International Auto Auction in Auburn Indiana that was a really big auction a lot of famous car people like Jay Leno. Right outside the Main Auction building Shelby America had a display at the time I knew who Carroll Shelby was but I didn't know what he look like and I always been fascinated with anything you Shelby as most people are. Around that time was when they first released Shelby series 1 it was rare because you know you can actually get up close to the car unlike going to a car show. So I'm standing there looking at this Carlene man looking at the dashboard checking it out I was fascinated by this car as I'm looking at this car an older gentleman wearing cowboy hat and overalls walked up behind me and said" you liked that car son" and of course I said yes it was awesome and I told him someday I wanted to own a fast car like I said I know who Carroll Shelby was but I didn't know what he look like so the older gentleman walk through the driver's door of the car opens it says" go ahead you can sit in it see how it fits you" I said to him I don't think we're allowed to do that he's said " oh I don't think they'll mind it's my car hi I'm Carroll Shelby" my jaw hit the ground I shook his hand explain to him I was a huge fan of everything he had done my dad, brothers and I still there and we were talking to him for a good 25 minutes I remember I got my picture taken with him and I bought a Shelby America coat that I had him sign it's one of those experiences looking back that you know I'm not many people had sorry for the long messages I guess maybe I should leave them on like Instagram or something because I have hundreds of car stories I could tell you
That’s awesome man
You killed it with the questions you asked and picking his brain on his business nice job buddy
This is what I wanted, I've seen tours of blueprint on youtube before but this is special.
This video caused me to subscribe! Thank you. People with common sense and a passion have a lot to teach. You are very fortunate to have met him and surely to meet again. Great questions too.
It’s a fantastic product but there is also something about pride in doing it yourself even if it’s not a brand new perfect engine.
Great motors, My dream is to one day be able to put one of their 400 SBC with 500 horse power in my 33 Plymouth Sedan. I have a 400 in it now with TRW 12:1 compression pistons, but I have had trouble with the steam holes in the 400 heads, and blowing the head gaskets, have it fixed now but afraid to get on it to hard so I don't blow the head gasket again... Someday I hope I can put one of the blueprint motors in my hotrod. I built my car out of a wheelchair, has taken me 20 plus years, Almost have it done..
Very impressive interview. I first heard of Blueprint Engines on the Corvette Forum, many, many years ago. I think at the time, they were a hot rod engine rebuilder. The business has come a long way since then. I don’t need another SBC at this point in my life, but if I did, Blueprint would be at the top of my list.
One of the best companies in the performance auto business and they stand by their products if you have a problem they will have your back!
Man you got an awesome channel! There's a lot of variety in your lineup, and it would be difficult for any car enthusiast to not find something they like here. Keep doin your thing
Great video as usual watched this and the shop tour awesome to see it all from start to finish and the history behind it and the fact the he still has his first engine wow. Keep it up
Great video, you always do a great job talking to people and asking real questions that end up inspiring people. Keep on your path bro, you are laying down your own road right now.
Thanks dude. I do my best
Quality interview, you asked some great questions that got some great answers. On that note, you should probably just start doing driver interviews for the Freedom 500.
I’m not hotroder but I love the tours and best interview Mr Marshals 👍🏻👍🏻
I've watched several of your videos but, it was this one that got me to subscribe....
I've always been interested in Blueprint Engines so this was really cool... And Norris is great example of a dedicated, successful American.
Thank you for doing this video it was awesome and a lot to think about