Camaro Project

I know there is a post below about swapping in a 4.3 instead of a 2.8, but it didn't answer any of my questions.

The reasons I'd like to do this are:

1. I have a fully functional 4.3 already.
2. For initial purchase cost of the Camaro
3. For insurance reasons
4. For the operating cost of the car-gas mileage, ease of repair…
5. To have a unique Camaro

Eventually, I’d like to throw a Syclone / Typhoon setup in there, but what I would like to initially, is swap out the 2.8 for the ’89 4.3 in my S-10 Blazer. I want to put the engine in an ’89 Camaro RS with a manual trans. If I get a stick in the Camaro, can I put the engine and computer from my auto Blazer in it? I thought it wouldn’t be a problem, but some people have questioned what I would have to change in addition to the engine mounting locations. My Blazer is fully operational, so I can use anything off of it. Thanks for the help.

Project Planner

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

Since the 4.3 is a SBC 350 minus two cylinders, mostly you're doing a V6 to V8 swap. You've just put a different twist on it (one being the 4.3 was never offered in 3rd gens). The 4.3 uses the same bellhousing mount pattern as Chevy V8's, so you can use a transmission intended for a 3rd gen. You might get into some "interesting" situations with the clutch, I don't know if it's been discussed here before or not. I'm pretty certain you're going to have to use a 4.3 flywheel.

As for the Blazer control systems, you'll probably have to do some innovating with harnessing, but it shouldn't be too hard to overcome if you are patient, make sure you get all of the sensors and controls out of the Blazer, and use some common sense. Going from auto to stick shouldn't cause any problems, assuming your S10 doesn't have an electronically controlled transmission (I doubt it does).

ljnowell

Seems like it would be the same amount of work, why not just do the 350? But thats just me. If that engine is what you think would be cool, then go for it. Its not gonna cost an outrageous amount for components, because of its popularity anyway.

Air_Adam

Use whacha got... he's already got a 4.3

Camaro Project

Thanks for the help five7.

Exactly. This is a budget ride for me. I have friends who are mechanics and a couple that do body work, so I can save a little there-especially if I get my hands dirty too. I wouldn't swap an 8, I'd just get a 92 RS with a 5.0 from the factory and drop a 95 LT in it. That's another project idea, but it's more money and less realistic.

Plus, how many times have you run into a 4.3 Camaro? And could you imagine turbocharging it? If the '89 TT TA with the 3.8 was good for low 13s, a 4.3 might get me into the 12s.

I'll keep searching for the car and we'll see what happens. If I can find one in time, I won't re-inspect my Blazer, and I'll do the swap in a few months.

Camaro Project

Today, I spoke with a mechanic at a Chevy dealer. He said that the 4.3 motor mount pattern should match up with the 350 dimensions. He said that most of the driveline needs to come from a V8 Camaro or Firebird, since the bell housings are different between the 60 degree 2.8 and the 90 degree 4.3. He also mentioned that the driveshaft was 2 piece for the 2.8 and 1 piece for the V8s. Other than that, he said the entire engine setup-alt, water pump, ECM-coming from an auto 4WD Blazer should not be a problem mating to a 2WD manual trans. Can anyone else think of any other adjustments that might need to be made?

biff85ta

I have never seen a thirdgen with a 2 piece driveshaft v6 or v8.

ljnowell

V6 and V8 have the exact same driveshaft.

br()bert

Camaro Project

So do you think I'm good then?

Camaro Project

yo Br()bert, I just saw that you're from Philly. That's what's up. I am too. Do you ever hit the races near the automall?

br()bert

no street racing for me. Between all the tickets they give you and the cars they take if your caught its not worth it. If i want to race ill go to atco on street night.

five7kid

iTrader: (14)

As far as the driveshaft goes, yes...