I have a 4.3 v6 with a roller cam sitting around (are these rare?)and a th 400 hd. I even have shortie headers that look like they will work. Not in my profile but I have a 2.8 rs as a daily driver. I am not worried about the tranny xover, driveshaft length etc., it was a tbi motor out of an 87 (I believe) full size van. The motor had plenty of torque to motivate the van. I just picked up a berlie for my driver because the rs has over 200k so the rs will just be sitting. I would like to make this car a v6 sleeper. Any opinions?

 

People probably have done the 4.3 swap, but its almost pointless,
because the time and effort to put in the 4.3 means you could have put in a 305 or 350 with the same amount of work, and part swaps.

Because the 4.3 uses the same motor mounts as the 350 or 305 as well as same tranny, and then you need to convert the front springs, and rad, not to mention wiring harness.

So in general it seems like it would be more of a benefit to get a wrecked T/A and do a direct engine swap from there.

 

Ede is working on a 4.3 swap if I remember correctly. The main reason most people don't do it is the fact that it's pretty much identical to putting a SBC in and most people opt to go ahead and step up if they're doing that much work already.

 

i know a guy with a 4.3 in his thirdgen and the car runs 8.90's at 150mph. the motor is, of course, being drenched with nitrous oxide, but that's what it was built for, so, it'll hold...

 

Sell all the left over engine & tranny stuff & go buy a V-8 Third Gen in GREAT FINISHED SHAPE.
V-8 Third gens are a dime a dozen and V-6 rides that run are pennies on the dollar.
Use the spare change from purchase to buy new tires and wheels.
Or use the spare change, bring your beautiful woman and rent cabin in the woods with a long weekend to spare.
Sell all the stuff ya got for profit.
Go buy a finished car.

 

or...you could build your car how you want it. then take a step back and you can say "wow, i did that, i am really proud of myself" or you could buy something that someone else made and step back and say "yeah, its mine...what is this thing you call a wrench". just my .02

 

I already have a finished iroc and a nice berlinetta among other already finished by me cars, sig not showing up?. I have all the parts. I didn't want to go the v8 route because I already have a few. Just wanted to do somthing different. I think a TBI 4.3 would stir a few people. Actually this is the kind of reaction that makes me want to do it more. As far as buying a finished car lol where is the fun in that?

 

amen!

 

Not discouraging ya at all.
BUT
There's way better things called
Fun Time
Drive Time
Women Time
Certainly anything can be done.
If your wallet is deep enough & your skills provide the outlet.
Certainly aren't gonna make more power with this combo
Certainly won't be street legal in most places
Thus resale value is extremly low.

I've built enough cars.
Got a few more to go, too.
Throwing in a motorcycle or two, also.

Just duplicate a V-8 installation and then wire it up.
Don't forget TBI fuel pressure, it's not MPFI fuel pressure level

 

You make good points to anyone considering this swap, it's not practical or cheap. However I feel that I should have been more clear when I started this post. I am not a newbe I have built more then a few cars over the years. I have not built up any v6's, for me it's always been if it has a six pull it and drop in a 350. I plan to build the motor to near these specs on this site http://www.speedomotive.com/4.3%20ch...t%20master.htm
I know how to do this swap, I don't know yet how I am going to work in the tbi or what I am going to use, it might end up being carbed. "There's way better things called Fun Time Drive Time" my car time is my fun time. "Certainly won't be street legal in most places" is a carbed 450 hp 383 stroker legal in an 86 iroc in most places, I am not really worried about it. "Certainly aren't gonna make more power with this combo" I am pretty sure I will make more power with what I am going to do then most stock v8 cars. "Thus resale value is extremely low." oh well that's life. If I was personally worried about resale value I wouldn't spend the kind of $ I do on cars. "Women Time" well my gf works all day and I am home all day so I have that covered too.

 

Back in early 90's Sport truck did a story how to hop up a S-10 TBI 4.3
Points
Ignition
increased it (Jacobs)
Added legal headers (edelbrock) & full on exhaust system
TBI
modified by
trimming top lip of the TBI for smoother airflow.
Increased pressure with a Chrysler adjustable unit sold by Rochester that fit the Chrysler TBIs
TBI were just rebuilt & cleaned.
Also added a spacer to increase distance from the base to the spray (adding a bit mroe air flow)
Increase was about 1.6 secs off the original 4.3 stock 0-60MPH time
1/4 times were in the 16's.

Going to carb is your best choice and B& M used to make a mini blower for the 4.3 carb version, too.
Car Craft installed a 4.3 4 bbl/5-speed into a Vega.

Out in California, if it ain't street legal I'll race it only on a drag strip or Bonneville or Willow Springs.
Can't afford to buy illegal smog paperwork as it ain't worth it & always needing to seek new paperwork source.
IF your state allows non smog legal late model cars on the road then you got the battle won.
Just break out the torch & wallet.
But stick in a better cam, first. That stock cam is lame on power making specs.
No one makes an aftermarket 4.3 TBI intake, if I'm correct. Only choice for intake may be Edelbrock, atleast them for the S-10 headers.

 

Depends on what year 4.3l intake your seaking, eledabrock and a few others do make a aftermarket TBI intake. Plus if you stay with TBI injection, you can get oversized TB. Ked is right, the stock 4.3l cam gets weak around hi 3000 rpms, and looses quicker, so a new aftermarket cam is a must.

I have been told I'm crazy on my s10 board for droping a 3.4l SFI-DIS engine into my s10, intake and all that is "drop a V8 in it" is what I always hear, I'm seaking something that will make people . So if you got the time, pockets, and connection, more power to ya. Just take notes and pics.


Best of luck!!