The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts HAS ANYONE TRIED PUTTING A 4.3 V6 IN A 48 LOADMAST

I WAS THINKING IT COULD BE DONE SINCE ITS BASICALLY A 350 WITH 2 CYCLINDERS CUT OFF DOES ANYONE KNOW

We're not deaf, so STOP YELLING!

There's nothing particularly different, or difficult about installing the V-6. Some of the newer ones will need to have the computer harness and all the peripheral stuff like the gas tank-mounted fuel pump, etc. fitted, or some type of conversion to a carburetor and a distributor done. Nothing a master mechanic with a good machine shop, a welding shop, and a lot of time couldn't figure out.
Jerry

do you half to move the steering box and cut the firewall

What Hotrod was saying is using all capital letters indicates yelling on the Internet. Use lower case letters in regular posts!

Like they said "yes it can be installed" but it involves alot of work. Welcome!

i know it can be installed and takes alot of work i guess ill half to put it in myself to see if i have to cut firewall and move steering box

Howdy 57chevydelivery and welcome to the 'Bolt, by the way.

We're not trying to give you a hard time here, it's just that you're the first one to ever ask this question (that I know of). I think we're all having a hard time understanding why you would want to do this "upgrade."

Is the original engine bad? Do you have a 4.3L already? Even newer straight sixes, like the 235's from the mid to late '50's are easy to find and would be a heck of a lot easier to install (I just gave one away ...). Even if you already have a V-6, finding a good running pressure oiled 235 (and buying it) is still a preferable solution to the aggravation of trying to make the modern V-6 work.

Just a thought. It's your truck and we're just offering ideas here. Tell us more about this project of yours! Got pictures??

Regards,
John

Just my 2 cents worth, if I was going to the trouble of grafting in a V-engine (which I have) into a big truck, it would be a V-8. The bigger the better. Can never have enough power when hauling with a bigbolt,
Scott

Welcome to the Stovebolt!!!

Would have to agree with Scott on that one. mounting points should be close to the same. would have to go with the v8 myself again its your truck and your plans. good luck and keep us posted.

The early 4.3 engine was carbureted, although it was an electronic feedback carb so to maintain the emission control system you would need the feedback carb, ECM, harness, engine sensors and oxygen sensor. By early, I mean mid-1980s. You would not need the special fuel tank or high pressure fuel pump. Joe

see i bought a 1948 5 window loadmaster nearly rust free the guy i got it from gave the engine away and i have a 4.3 thats good and complete but i may be better off like you say and go with the inline 6 much easier and cost efficent

Like moving barns!

Given how much easier it is to make an inline work in one of these trucks I'd sure rather swap in an inline than a small v-motor.

The 4.3 is going to be all the work and disadvantages of a V-8 but few of the advantages. A 292 inline is going to have better torque, similar horsepower, and be a much easier swap.

But then I'm putting a 500 Cadillac in mine so what could I possibly know...

They make some nice inline diesels too..
What about a 4 cylinder Cummins model 4BT? http://www.4btswaps.com/forum/index.php
Or a 3-53T Detroit?

If you're going to swap something make it interesting and worth doing.

Grigg

Although it wouldn't be practical, I've thought a straight 8 would be interesting.

I FOUND A 427 TALLDECK TRUCK MOTOR THAT WOULD BE DIFFERENT AND PLENTY OF POWER

5.7 sounds way better to me, these trucks are heavy!

For the purist, inline 6's are still cheap and available.

Last year I aquired a 1/2 ton Chevy with a 4.3 V6. I have become a big fan of them after driving it. I think it would actually be a good performer in the AD trucks with a overdrive transmission and the correct rear end, unless you plan on towing or hauling heavy loads. For cruising and loads 400 to 600 lbs I think it would do a great job. With 160 hp and 230 torque from a stock engine, with all the aftermarket parts made for them I think it would make a nice daily driver (even stock).

When Chevrolet decided to add a turbocharged 4.3L in the Syclone pickup & Typhoon SUV, the vortec headed V6 with multi point fuel injection & some serious boost, both torque & HP were increased to 280 horse power & 360 ft.lbs of torque.

The early throttle body fuel injection I believe only requires 12-13 lbs pressure.

Builder,
The title states that it's a Loadmaster (1 1/2 or a 2 ton). It's already a heavy load, without a load.
Scott

48bigtrucks@work,

Yes, I see that I overlooked that "small" piece of information before I made that entry.

Builder