The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop Anybody using a 4.3 v6?

I was thinking of using one in my 37. Is there any thing I need to be aware of? I would like to use a newer Vortec engine. Any opinions? Thanks

depends if you are going carb or EFI. Plenty of parts available both GM and aftermarket. I have not used one in my own projects, however know a little about the engines from the Marine world.

Scott

I would like to go with the EFI, vortec . My wifes 2000 blazer runs strong and gets 21mpg. I'm thinking size wise it would be a good fit in my 37. I was wondering if any model years were better than others, or easier to swap than others.

my 2003 s-10 extreme 4.3 v-6 runs pretty good.
but im only getting 13-14mpg around town.
its a great, reliable engine so far after 54k miles.

leonard

I've got one in my garage waiting to go into my 36.....if I ever get the 66 out of the way.

I've also got a 94 Vortec in my 88 Astrovan. Pulls my 21 foot travel trailer quite well ( 4200+ LBS). The Vortec is rated about 30 more horsepower than the earlier engines and is a little smoother runner I think.

The 4.3 is just a small block V8 with 2 cylinders lopped off so bolts up to pretty much everything the V8 will. Looked after they last forever and have good power. Fuel economy in my van runs 22-23 MPG with the A/C on and 25-26 with-out. Trailer towing drops in to 11-15. These are Imperial gallons and the US gallon is a little smaller.

A good engine in my opinion.

man, wish i could get the mileage out of my 4.3 that you guys are.

leonard

The 1996 and later engines have the "Vortec" heads even though all the engines were called Vortec. The key is the heads and intake as the block is the same for all post 92 (balance shaft). I would stick to 2000 or newer myself.

I have seen a few engines that have a mini LT1 style intake manifold (aftermarket), this is a highly sought after piece for its uniqueness

The Marine EFI intake has the largest throttle body available which is slightly larger than the LU3 throttle on the Vin "X" engines starting in 2002.

Another thought is the 4200 "Atlas" engine from the trailblazer since you are willing to keep the engine EFI

Since you also hail from WI, head over to Gibsons salvage in Menasha for the best price that I know of in East Central WI for engines, etc.

Scott

I am planning to install 4.3 Vortec v/6 and a 700r4 trans. in my 51 pickup that I removed from a 92 astro. I also kept the computer and all the sensors. I ordered a new fuel injection wiring assembly from "PAINLESS" made for the 4.3 v/6 from "JEGS"
Paid approx. $369.00 in April 08. Someone on Ebay was selling the same kit for over $500 also found other suppliers with much higher prices. I went online to the PAINLESS site to make sure I was getting the same kit. Anyhow "JEGS" had the best price & yes it is the exact same kit. "PAINLESS 60201" Good luck and I hope this can help.

Thanks for all the good info guys! Scott I'll have to find the number for Gibsons, never heard of them but I'll give em a try.

Now that I think of it,... Do any of you guys know if I can replace the power steering pump on one of these 4.3s with an idler pulley of some sort? I'm using a manual steering rack on my front-end. Thanks.

an enterprising individual should be able to figure something out there even if the factory did not provide one, there are idler pulleys for A/C delete that you could re-locate

Gibsons is more of a walk around place vs a call them place. If you have cash, you can hagle. They have a variety of things going back to the 50's. (although their pickings on VW's Audi's and Dodge Durangos is minimal) Gibson Iron Metal & Auto Inc,139 South Fieldcrest Drive, Neenah, WI, 54956,(920)722-6721

Scott

I PUT A 92' V6 4.3 TBI IN MY 48 1/2 TON BACK IN 94'. I USED THE 700R TRANNY THAT IT CAME WITH AND ALL THE ORIGINAL WIRING AND COMPUTER. MOTOR FIT IN GREAT AND RUNS GREAT.I HAVE A PACER FRONT CROSSMEMBER.I RECOMEND YOU USE AN EXTERNAL FUEL PUMP. YOU WILL HAVE TO MAKE A RETURN FUEL LINE INTO GAS TANK ALSO.

jrs48pu
I would presume that the intank pump is eliminated & replaced with the external electronic fuel pump. Does everything else in fuel system remain as originally installed in the donor vehicle?

What fuel tank did you use? Did you install the tank at the back under the bed?
I will be doing the same install later. 92 astro,tbi,700r4 etc. Nice to hear from someone who has done it & happy with the choice since 1994!

I think it is interesting as i always got the same mileage from a 4.3 as i did from a 5.7 that you would all build your rods with the 6..

I used my stock rear gas tank that 47-49 come with. you have to modifiy the sending unit, drill a extra hole for return fuel line into top of sending unit,add external electronic fuel pump and fuel filter and thats it. I bought the motor with under 20,000 miles on it from a wreaked truck for $500.It was ony a few years old then! with tranny and all running gear , I used the a/c and power brakes. It was better than my 235, I do not hot rod I just cruz around town. I also added Saden headers,
k&n air filter, power pullies. It fit with out cutting up inner fennder wells. Runs great for me! if you want photos I can email them to you.GOOD LUCK!!!

Thanks jr48. sent you a pm.waiting for photos. This is a first time project for me and so far I have progressed nicely due to all the fine people that help from this great Stovebolt site.

I took some pixs to day, But I left my usb plug of my camera at work, will send you photos tommoro.