Seems like everyone is wanting to build a V8. since I'm building my T/A for auto crossing I don't think I'm going to need 500 hp under the hood.

Many V6 engines since the early 90's easily have 200 hp. So I'm thinking of building a V6 and getting it into the 300 hp range. Any suggestions for a good cheap build?

 

The later model Vortec 4.3 liter V6 is a good cheap one (late 1990's & up).
I build them.
Basically stock gives around 200 hp. Built is anywhere from 250 to 300 hp depending on specs. They are very similar to the Chevy 350 engine and the heads have the excellent design that performs extremely well will modified with porting and valve upgrades like the LSX valve conversion in my signature. I build the later model 4.3 heads often and I like them.

Intakes are available for carburetion, TBI, or MPFI.
Good quality exhaust headers are available. Stainless versions from Gibson are the best I've seen.
The 4.3 uses the same water-pump as the SBC1 V8, so the cooling system is over-designed for the size of engine. You have to really mess something up to have a cooling problem with a 4.3L. It can also use the SBC1 V8 pulleys, easily found at swap meets.
The 4.3 shares many parts and similarities with the SBC1 V8, but I can't remember them all right now.

They make good engines for small/light trucks. They are very torquey.
They are not as light-weight as an aluminum LSX style engine, nor do they take the high RPM as well.
The later model 4.3L crankshafts for them are split-pin design which is generally considered to be weaker and not trustworthy at higher RPM. The stock rods & pistons are relatively heavy as well - not a problem for a truck engine. You can upgrade them, but then it's not cheap anymore. The high air-flow capability of the heads combined with a relatively RPM limited bottom end make it a perfect candidate for a power adder. A power adder like N2O would keep it cheap. Polish the tops of the stock cast pistons and they will be fine to over 100 shot of N2O barring any detonation.

The later model 4.3L is set up for the standard GM hydraulic roller lifters, but also uses a balance shaft in the lifter valley. The balance shaft can stay or go, but if you delete it don't forget to plug the oil-feed to the bearing.

 

built V6's are fun.. lots of ways to get great power out of them.


The number one advantage is weight, my 320 HP 3.5 V6 weighs about 300 lbs less than a SBC.

 

seems like it would cost more money...no? as to just getting an LS engine swap...

 

But what is the preferred engine? I'm thinking aluminum

 

I used a '04 3500 V6 from a Malibu. The heads flow amazing stock and with some port work can really do well. I gained about 120 HP over stock with porting, a cam and headers. It's an iron block with an aluminum top end. weighs around 350 lbs dressed.

Check out www.60degreev6.com and www.wot-tech.com for parts.


This engine with a 5 speed ran a 13.07 in a 2800 lb car, trapping around 110 mph. I could never get traction which is why it's going in my Camaro in place of the 327 that came with it.


LSx swap is also a good idea, it's very light and responds extremely well to mods.