Kj Rockz

What would be involved.

I'm guessing it wouldn't be a drop in...

Kj Rockz

I'm referring to a 94 or newer engine

Kj Rockz

Ixnay on that one.

How hard would it be to use a 3.8?

From a camaro or bird

elevario

The 4.3 and the 3.8 are both 90 degree engines and would be just as hard to swap in a 350. Someone correct me if I am wrong!

85f-bird

don't think ur wrong about that one...it'll be as tough as a v8 swap, so i nteh end you might as well go v8, unless you've got specific reaons why you can't or don't want to. If you go fuel injection, u'll need complete wiring harness including sensors for both motors, you'll also need trannies, i'd recommend a differetn radiator too. After all that, think say, posi, and maybe slap a S/C on that little 3.8L. Then you'll have a good time.

KED85

Search for a 3.4 or jsut sell your ride for a V-8.
You don't want to try it.

86bird_28v6_5spd_ramair

is there a bell housing that will fit a 4.3 to a T5????

I assume a 350/305 bell would fit it??? I was told long while ago when it cam out; that a 4.3 was just a 350 with the two back cyls cut off.

KED85

Any S Series truck
Yep, it's missing 2 cylinders!

camaro75LT

I got a 91 s-10 4.3 going into my 89 bird. only problems are redoing the moter mounts, suspention was weak on the 2.8 so the 4.3 is gunna need heavyer springs (im using v8) and the wiring is a bitch. other then that its pretty fun project.
~Jeff

Kj Rockz

I new that there had to be someone out there that did it...

I have V8 already.

I'm just trying to pump out a little more performance out of my daily driver?

Ked, could send me a copy of the 2.8-3.4 boogie?

Thanks

86bird_28v6_5spd_ramair

From looking more i see the 4.3 came in the crappy TBI style, os sometthing called CPi????

can a 4.3 just be carb, lose the computer crap.

a v8 is just too lame of a mod, unless you go nuts, it will suck getting woped by every monster v8 or vett. espically with a stick any bigger than a 305 and I need a new tranny and rear end.

staying 4.3 keeps ya in the v6 class and you get to punk out a whole nother class of rice and if you get beat by a v8, big deal, but if you win, popo on him.

the v8 thing is lame just cause you gotta go nuts to run with other v8 nut guys. if i went v8 i would skip right to big block.

v6 class is just more fun, I make enough people feel bad with my 2.8 stick, a 4.3 should shred some pavement.

scott92RS

My 86'Chevy Monte Carlo came from the dealer with the 4.3L V6 TBI engine(2.29 gears in the rear)installed and it got just as much torque as my 92' Firebird with 305 V8 TBI. Everybody asked me if I have a 350 in it and I tell them its a V6.

loomdog32

a good site for 4.3 or even 60* v6 carbed stuff is s-series.org.. its basically just like this site, except for s-series trucks (s-10, blazer to name a couple)..

TomP

My dad has a 4.3 in his S10, with the Vortec CPI, which is similar to TPI. Older trucks might've used the TBI, but the Vortec CPI is a good injection system (6 injectors, throttle body, plenum, etc).

Drew

iTrader: (58)

Wrong again...

CPI is... well, funny. You've got tuned runners, similar to TPI, but you've got one big *** fuel injector that feeds into 6 hard plastic tubes that direct the fuel to each port. Its a more efficient induction then TBI but its basically the same idea (cheap alternative to MPFI).

Why waste time with a 4.3? Unless you've got one around and you just want to be "different" then what's the point? You're going to spend as much as you would to swap in a V8 (probably more if you have to rebuild the 4.3) and you'll have less performance. 4cyl, 6 cyl, 8 cyl, 10 cyl, who cares? when you're at a stoplight and the guy next to you leaves you behind, its going to suck. Also keep in mind that since the 4.3 is TBI or CPI that you're going to have to engineer it to work in a thirdgen.

Anyway you look at it theres no reason to put a 4.3L V6 in a thirdgen. If you're going to go thru the trouble of swapping an engine, transmission, etc you might as well put in as much power as you can afford.

camaro75LT

Well, I happen to have a 4.3 sitting around and since it was FREE, its going in. due to my job and school I havent had a chance to touch the thing in 2 weeks. im a v8 guy with no money. with the 4.3, when I have the money, the 4.3 comes out and the 350 fits directly in. Nice thing bout the 6, ricers dont get to intimidated when u say u have the same number of cylinders and a lot of em.
~Jeff

loomdog32

u might consider going carbed if u want to use the 4.3.. itll save u alot of headache w/ wiring up the tbi or whatecer fi ur going to be using.. i believe edelbrock makes a 4bbl non egr manifold for 90* v6.. if u live anywhere smog is an issue, then forget even tring to do the swap.. the 4.3 was never in a car.. only in trucks.. that will automatically make it fail the smog test..

i do have 1 question.. y would u want to swap in a 90* v6 into a thirdgen just to take it out to put in a sbc? i can understand the fact u have the engine and want something w/ more power.. but to take it out (after going thru the trouble of swapping in a powerplant that would be a PITA to install) to put in a sbc?

look into the cost of doin the swap before u start to do it.. its usually (99-100 times) cheaper to just buy a v8 f-body then do a v6-v8 swap.. but if u really want to do it.. then good luck..

86bird_28v6_5spd_ramair

a v8 is just so boaring, benn done over and over an it is not even exciting really. unless you drop $10,000 for a 383 or somethin.

4.3 stick should kill most v8 auto's and turn it into a rice eating machine.

but I wont be doing it till I find a good running 4.3 stick truck for under 1000.

then a few month work and stick the 2.8 in the truck n sell it.

I would never do a sb v8 if i did anything it would have to be a big block.

I have a real nice low milages buick 350x but I dont have the desier for any v8.

Camar_Hunter_c

swaping in a 3.8/4.3 is just as involved as swapping in a V8. Its escentially the same block. So just about everything but the rad would have to be swapped.

camaro75LT

First of all, monte carlos came with a 4.3 v6. Im in no rush to finish this thing and it needed a full suspention job anyways. ive been told 350 heads will fit in it and its free. Emissions, lol i never pass thoes. I will be putting in v8 suspention just cauz the old springs/shocks are shot. If i put a supercharger on, I can bolt a carb on that and just change the distributer. any other arguements/suggestions?
~Jeff

ChevyGuy87

sorry, but 350 heads will not fit. period. 350=8 cylinders, 4.3 = 6 cylinders. you do the math

camaro75LT

lol i ment the piston heads. dont mind me, i change oil and end up drinking more then I should.

loomdog32

monte carols came w/ 4.3.. hmm.. ok.. i thought it was only used in trucks.. oh well.. it seems like im always getting corrected on some things..

scott92RS

85-88 Chevy Monte Carlo non V8 came with 4.3 V6 TBI engines and the 87-88 had rollers cams. The 85- 86 were rated at 130HP@3300 RPMs and 215TQ@2000 RPMs while the ones with roller cams were rated around 140-145HP. S-10 trucks were rated about 160HP,200HP for the full size ones,and I'm not sure about 86 Pontiac Parisienne. The throttle response is like that of 8 cylinder but falls flat after 2K RPMS so its great when zipping thru traffic. From a dead stop, it keeps with a non SS Monte Carlo until about second gear and the auto transmission shifts like a standard. Here is a photo my 86 Monte Carlo. Sorry I dont have a pic of the engine but as far as I know 4.3 V6 TBI engine has "4.3 Fuel Injection" on air cleaner top lid.

Project: 85 2.8 bird

my 95 blazer has the CPI. yes 1 injector & 6 nozzles. Allfor the lowly price of $300 (before discount ) the unfortunate thing w/CPI is that vortec makes kits for TBI only. something to think about, huh. If you want to do the carbed thing, (assumes Karl voice) "Spend the $6 & get the GMPP catalog" they have a good sized section on the 4.3 & what components switch between the sbc

KED85

I LOVE BEING QUOTED!!
The 3.4 swap article is now a tech thread on/in the tech area.
Give a browse and start searching!
I hope the article will give ya many many answers.
FOR MORE ANSWERS really do spend teh measly $6 at ANY GM DEALER.
That Performance Parts book is very valuable to SEE what is what without getting your hands dirty!!!
HONEST EVERYONE, it is a GOOD SCORE!

SSC

CPI is an s10-15 thing. Yuck!

The full size trucks came with good old TBI I know I have a 4.3 that was converted to a 305, only reason I went this route is because the 4.3 was dead LOL they produce the same power by the numbers numbers.

As far as induction 87 and down 4.3's were equiped with qjets so theres a cheap alternative to a $280 edelcrap intake. as far as swaping everything over basicly prepare for a v8 swap, its the same although the 4.3 mounts are a slight bit off compared to other chevy engines but they will bolt up to v8 mounts.
As far as power output, theres a shop up in Woodland Park Co thats using 4.3's in 10 second cars uncorrected but he does cheat a little with N2o.

camaro75LT

I will most likly bolt up a crab onto the 4.3. 2 newbie questions though:

1)can i bolt a carb 2 the tbi manifold since there so similar ?
2) I wanna keep the same driveshaft so should I put the new tranny (still 700r4) in before the engine?

Im assuming a 4.3 with a carb wont fit under a stock hood so ill buy a cowl when I have money.

SSC

Question 1.

It wont fit correctly unless you have an adaptor plate that will seal both ways. I havent seen one yet but if you find one let me know.

2. If your going from a 2.8/3.1 to a 4.3 your going to need a SBC 700r4, the smaller cube 6's dont bolt up but the drive shaft is the same for 6 & 8.

3. Yes it will fit under the hood, but if you need an excuse to get a cowl theres none better than I dont think it will fit


SSC

KED85

For all these braggin rights you speak of (beaten by a 6).....
Why not just go get a V-8 car & butcher that?
Just sell your 60* V-6 car & START RIGHT!!!
Even if you have a free V-6, so what,?
Sell it & get the right stuff & have and make a better swap.
Why waste your time re-inventing the wheel?
Spend the extra money & TIME SAVED by being with a WOMAN

86bird_28v6_5spd_ramair

for the last time, no body cares about doing a v8 swap,
find a new thread if you wan to chat about v8 swaps.

not one person in this thread cares about doing a v8 swap, if we were interested in a v8 swap this thread would not be here,

if you want to talk about v8 swaps, go away.



no one here is interested in doing a v8 swap; no matter how much you think its better or cost effective.

a v8 swap is boaring and been done millions of time,

yaddayaddayaddayadda stick your v8 opnion up your @$$.

talk about a 4.3 or go away.

KED85

Well, then here it is.
Go get a free V-8 third gen from the yard.
It's already empty of the engine.
Just install your V-6 4.3
Mod to your hearts content.
Use your running 60* V-6 car to go get parts .
You'll be doing that alot.
B & M makes a Supercharger for the 4.3, too.
Call them on Independence Ave. in Canoga Park, CA.
Since it's illegal smog swap in any place I'm aware of, get it put in a car magazine as a great swap ride, feature car, cause you've beaten all these ricers and did it in 6 (BFD) then sell it.
That's the only way it'll be worth the braggin rights.
PS
Spending money on Women is lots more FUN.
Those braggin rights are more benificial, too.
Cheerleaders require most cash outlay.
Ex-Cheerladers are the best dance partners, too!
Even in the sheets.

Last supercharged 6 I ever saw worth the effort was a 1965 Nove 2 door post with a Supercharger & Holly sticking thru the hood. And it made the car mags, too.

I'll date the Ex-Cheerleader, myself.

SSC

Well that all depends on what kinda women that is.

I seen that nova you mentioned, nice car and the reasoning behind that was for clearance, we all know what a PITA them older nova's were to squeeze an 8 in.

I myself have been tempted to pop a 4.3 under the hood of My firebird. What Ked is trying to say is Its not cost effective in the slightest. It costs more to rebuild a 4.3 than a 350, performance parts are expensive, take a SBC perfromance part and x2= cost. The power output is nill compared to a 8.

Now is this swap reasonable? Yes, worth it? No. Would I do it? Only if I already had a V8 platform to work with along with a good condition 4.3.

If you decide to go ahead with this swap let me know, shoot me a email and I'll help ya out. I do know Jester over in the carb board was tinkering around with a 4.3 swap awhile back.

86bird_28v6_5spd_ramair

sorry I had to go off there but some of you are so negtive.

Some people like to be creative and different.

doing a 305 or 3.4 mod has been done over and over. what else is a stock t5 and rear end gonna hold up too with mods????

I will smoke any v6 on the road and keep up with many v8 and I wont hafta feel bad if I lose to one.

if a 2.5 4 cyl van with a turbo can do a high 12/low 13 a 4.3 stick should do a 9.5 easy

http://pages.cthome.net/gus/mini.html

Project: 85 2.8 bird

the 4.3 is a 3/4 sbc. majority of parts are the same. expensive stuff will be the cam, intake & heads. tmingcover, pistons, rods, rocker arms will all swap. refrence the gmpp catalog.


how's this for a mondo major engine swap: I'll put the 400 poncho in the bird & put the 3.4 in the bonnie?

result: firebird breaks differential & goes nowhere & bonnie, due to lack of power, goes nowhere

camaro75LT

I shall go hunting for an adapter for the tbi--->carb. Ive got the 4.3 and the tranny bolted on it. Should I drop em in together or tranny first? im quite happy, I just saw a cop in a couger (ewww f*rd) go racing. wow. my car was hit yesterday (Post on 2ed gen board http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/Forum16/HTML/008141.html)
DAMN HONDAS
~Jeff

Project: 85 2.8 bird

if you can, do them together. trying to align the input shaft sucks .................awe man, gave me flash backs of the T/A & working the T-10

KED85

Hack up the TBI manifold. It is aluminum.
Easy to modify.
That's how they made first modded factory manifolds for the 2.8 stuff.

Crazy Firebird Kid

Holy Crap. Where at in Woodland Park is this shop? 10's uncorrected is like high 8's corrected isn't it? Does he run it at the Pueblo track (sorry don't remember the name) or Bandamere?

SSC

He runs at Bandimere & @ Vegas. This guy (cant remember his name) runs mostly rails with 4.3's but that 10 second et is with a stripped car.

camaro75LT

Update: I got the 2.8 mfi and burnt 700R4 out without 2 many problems, now I have a whole lotta new questions:

1) Do they make a MPFI intake for the 4.3
1a) If so, can I use the sensors/wiring from the 2.8
2) Where can I get an adapter to got from tbi-->carb?
3) are the exhaust manifolds the same size on the 2.8 as
the 4.3 (can I change them)?
4) If I bolt the mounts from the 2.8 on the 4.3, will they fit into the engine bay or do I need to buy new mounts?
5) Can the original cross member/driveshaft/oil pump?
6) Will the brackets for the 4.3 steering pump fit the 1 from
the 2.8 I didnt disconnect?
7) Should I replace all 4 weak springs/shocks and put v8 springs in on my very very limited budget?
8) Is this crazy?
~Jeff

eric17422001

Don't know it this will be of any help BUT-

Marine 4.3's use carbs and if you are looking to go that route a 4.3 four barrel manifold shouldn't be that hard to come by.
I know the earilest 4.3's used a Quadrajet, there was an '85 Astro van where I used to work that had one.

eric

KED85

#8-
It's your time, effort and money.
I only put that out, for a decent return on investment and smog legality.
Your prior 7 questions show that your are not truly aware for the paramiters for this swap.
Or else you would not ask #8, ever.
And, NO, I am NOT being negative.

camaro75LT

I was asking about the springs because it is a v6...even of it thinks its a v8. Id much rather learn how to and whats what by trial and error then being told just because its the way I learn. This started off as a 2 year project which became a reality because of all the help ive been getting from friends and spare time ive had as of late. If you choose not to be helpful, then **** off. The last thing I need someone who thinks they know it all. Yea Im only 18 and acting my age, but ive been told by 3 other boards how unsupportive a lot of you guys are but I see MOST of every1 here is cool. If you have info I can use, great, otherwise, keep ya comments 2 yaself.
~Jeff

KED85

It is because I was 18 & I at that time, didn't have this 3rd gen resource.
Really, it so great to learn by trial & error.
I've done that over & over.
BUT if ya 18, you're limited on cash.
My suggestioos are a way to use what funds ya got wisely.
I mean you want a car that'll run, be smog legal, quick and have some resale value when ya thru with it.
IF ya really low on bucks, spend the measly $6 at ANY GM DEALER & GET THE GM Performance Parts book.
Educate yourself.
We had another know it all that wouldn't listen to common sense advice and talk a big talk.
Had Uncle help with this & that.
Couldn't figure out how to spend his effort wisely and tells us his car has turbo & does this & that in a 1/4 mile.
Then asks us how to eliminate poor erratic performance & backfiring.
He... is still in the hills somewhere....
A 4.3 swap aint't worth the real world effort.
But if you have lots of friends to help ya, you'll have lots of fun trying.
Spend the $6 to find out why a 4.3 ain't the right solution no matter if it's free.
If you think I know it all, it took me 4 engine swaps to finally do it right.
Each swap was the "right" choice. I didn't spend time reinventing a wheel to go forward. I didn't do certain details right, that's all.
The fourth swap became the basis for the Tech article I wrote how to effectivly & inexpensively swap in a great alternative to a broken down junk 2.8. The 3.4 Long Block Swap Boogie.
I'm doing a different variation of that (sticking in a 3.4) in my S-10 Blazer, using the 85 intake/ignition set up, not FI, yet.
I need to pass CA smog in Dec/Jan. later on.

I passed CA smog with my swapped 3.4 in the Firebird, so easy.

Educate yourself for the measly $6.

PS using the proper engine to swap into that ride, will have you on the road in less than a month.
Reliably, too.
Good luck.

I hope this last detail will **** ya off even more.
Of all the guys that hang out here and know it all too.....
NOT ONE has EVER done a 4.3 swap into their V-6 engine bay.
YET, atleast 25+ (and the count is growing) have swapped in 3.4's (inplace of their dead 2.8/3.1) and have fun driving thier finished project.
And impressing their friends, who couldn't believe how transformed thier old car has become!
These 25+ people have educated themselves on the pros & cons of their financial decision (buying the right parts) because they want to learn, FIRST TIME (this engine swap project), by doing it right (research by the measly $6 GM performance parts book).

Glad to be of service to ya.
Good luck.
Later!

camaro75LT

I descided to bulid this car pretty much for 1 reason, because my friend couldnt. I have a running car (made that mistake before, a dead camaro and no daily driver) and I regreted it quite a bit. The bird will be a torque monster when its done, and it wont be my daily driver either. With this engine in, it isnt hard to go to a 350 later on if this engine dies. I believe I have a copy of the gm book somewhere, but im having a lotta fun with it. wost case, I sell the thing for next to nothing who put the $ into it and makes it right. Ive never claimed to know-it-all, otherwise I wouldnt need this site. If this works, ill be one of the only 4.3 f-bodys anywhere. this thing is 90% fun and 10% work.
~Jeff

titeride85

I would think the difficult part of the 4.3 swap would be fitting the engine for mounting. After that, if you know how to do the engine and wiring work, it should not be THAT troublesome. Especially if you go with the carbed version.

The 4.3 I had in my s-10 came stock with 180 hp. Since so many 4.3 and 5.7 parts are interchangable, you can get really good hp. Yes, the cam, intake, and carb are gonna cost a bit. But, you can port the heads, put in a cam, new rods and pistons, roller rockers, and a set of headers and get close to 300 hp.

Sure it is not a V8 and you may never get as much power as one, but it will be streetable and unique. Not to mention, you will run with many of the not so nutty V8 guys and you will blow away the imports. Pair it up with a 3.42 or 3.73 rear end and a T-5 you could be nice and quick off the line and down the track. And if you want more power yet, you could always buy the 4.3 supercharger and add about 35% to your hp. That takes you to say roughly, 280 x .35 = 98 hp, which is a total of 378 hp(moderate engine work and realistic gain on s/c). Not too shabby for a measly V6. I would take 378 hp and be unique over a 3.4 swap anyday. Reguardless of the headache. IF YOU WANT TO BE UNIQUE and don't mind parting with the cash. That is the main issue. if you want more power, go for the V8. That is what I am doing. Just because it is easier.

MDv6man

After reading and re-reading this post, i felt compelled to give my view. First, let me answer the questions
1. No they do not make a MPFI intake for the 4.3
1a. Later S-10 trucks may have used fuel injection but you would still have to use the S-10's wiring harness/computer etc.
2. Rather than get an adaptor -- pull a four barrel intake off an astro van. If your going to a CC carb you'll need a wiring harness from either a carbed F-body or that same astro van.
3. I dont think the exhaust manifolds will fit. Get them off an s10.
4. You'll need mounts from a v-8 third gen. Might as well get the V-8 perches off the V-8 f-body or 4.3 perches off an S-10
5. crossmember, driveshaft --yes; oil pump --no
6. Might need a v-8 PS pump, check the bracket similarities between a 2.8/305 firebird next time your at the Junkyard
7. Hold off on the springs until your done. that way you didn't buy the springs in the event this does turn out to be too much

You really have to understand one thing about this board before you go accusing us of being negative and unsupportive. That is demographics. Although we are a diverse group the V6 board is made up of younger people (16 to 30 mostly) who have their F-body for one of two reasons
1. It is their only car (mostly)
2. It is a new project that they picked up (some)

Because of the age, other vehicle availability, many of us try to either fix what broke, or bolt on a couple of mods to get a bit more HP out of what we got. KED has what is probably the best method for doing both of the aforementioned. Around here we're most interested in driving the vehicles and avoiding as much down time as possible due to school work etc.

The V-8 swap is done time and again and the 4.3 will be just as hard. I know it hurts to hear it but I was 18 once too and got defensive every time someone told me somthing I didn't want to hear. Sometimes I did prove them wrong but not all of the time. The point is DON'T FEEL OBLIGATED TO USE PARTS BECAUSE THEY ARE LYING AROUND/CAN BE HAD FOR FREE!! Seriously, I just went to a job site recently and emptied a dumpster that was full of old car parts. Do I intend to use these parts on my F-body? Certainly not. BUT these parts costed me nothing and I can sell them at a swap meet. ANY $$$ received for these parts is profit.
If the desire to be different is still there --go for it. Good luck. However, you did mention a 350. Is that only going to happen if the 4.3 nukes or are you going to a 350 anyways. If your going to go to a 350 whether or not the 4.3 blows then I would sell the 4.3 now and use that $$$ to get a 350 (or at least a down payment on one). You fall into a special category of one who has another vehicle so there is no rush to finish this project. However, you yourself stated that your fund are limited. If funds are limited sell the 4.3 for some $$$ and start saving for the 350 with all the performance goodies you can handle

camaro75LT

Im a big fan of 350s, but I descided I want to bulid up a 6 just because a lot of rice is afriad of v8s around here. nobody is going to buy a 4.3 out of an s10 for any real $. I am headed to a junk yard tomorrow 2 hopfully pull parts I need. Ya might think this is a dumb idea, but its different, and thats what I want. I know a guy who shoved a 305 into his f*rd ranger, just becuse the mood stuck him to (and the monte body was gone). thanks for the information, it shall be well used.
~Jeff

MDv6man

No problem... Good luck