Is it possible to run the GM Vortec 4.3l V6 in my 88, or will I have to do some major fabrications? also any suggestions on ECU's to use with it?

search.

Its just about as much work as putting in a V8. A lot of people have talked about the 4.3 swap....but I am unaware of anyone who has actually done it.

I did a quick search with no luck. I know that there are threads on this...but for some reason they aren't coming up for me.

I would check out the engine swap section. There might be people there that can help.

I read on here it's just like swapping in a V8. The engine mounts are similar. Like grimmics I can't find anything in the search.

what make/model is the 4.3 out of? i might have to try this

I know I read something about that too. It is a lot of work. It is very similar to the v-8 since it is a v-8 with 2 cylinders lopped off. Then there is always the question. If its so similar to swapping a v-8 , why not just do a v-8? If you have the 4.3 then it definately makes sense.

I know they come in a lot of those work vans.

4.3 was ran in alot of GM rides. Montes, Buicks, S10's, Astros, Silvys, etc.


Can it be done, I'm more then sure it can be. Wouldnt be alot of work other then wiring and fabbing up some fuel lines.

I'm looking at doing this swap myself. What I've gotten so far is...

-Need to use V8 engine mounts
-v8 radiator
-SBC bell housing for whatever tranny you use

Haven't done much looking into ECU's, As I plan on going carb'd with a turbo or a supercharger.

Pretty much its like a v8 swap. If you have the 4.3 already then go for it. But if you are buying the 4.3, just buy a 5.0 v8 and give yourself the extra ponies. not any more work.

Good luck!

Stevobass, do you have the 4.3 already? Pretty much the same thing flakeh and Dale said, if you have it already, then do it. But if you've got everything for a V8 swap, why not trade that 4.3 for a good 305/350/383. Unless you're going power + economy, then again, how economical is the 4.3? I'm curious.

any vorttec 4.3 will work, swap out the cpi manifold for a marine style port injection manifold (spider injector intakes cannot be boosted as far as i can tell and also require the stock ecm to run)



once u get a port injection manifold on it u could run the stock ecm reprogramed or something liek a megasquirt of dfi setup.

I have a 4.3 sitting around and oddly a ported m90 so what is needed because this may be a option down the road. When I pulled it out of the S10 all the sensors and wiring was like identical to the 305 tbi so that is easy enough but what about mounting?

Since I have made a post in the sticky concerning this very question, I am going to lock this post. If anyone seriously starts this project and would like to make a blog about the conversion, please feel free to start a new topic, otherwise, please use the search function or read the various stickies at the top of the forum.