Amyone ever attempt a 4.3 swap for thier 2.8 or 3.1? Would like to use the 4.3 Long block with all the 3.1L intake and MPFI. Also my 3.1L has about 120K on it, when should the timing chain be changed?

 

Cant be done our engine's are 60 degree v6 engine while a 4.3 is a 90 degree v6. As far as timing chain goes, many people have put a heck of a lot more than 120k on a stock timing chain. Unless it's giving you any trouble I'd leave it alone.

 

The swap could be done but as previously mentioned the engines are not compatible with each other.


Most likely you'd have to use SBC accessories and mounts. It will be a lot of work for not much power gain, the 4.3's are only around 180 HP.

 

Check this thread out for info on how to do it:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/engi...-4-3-swap.html

These motors do have a lot of potential, especially with some forced induction...

 

So does a riding lawn mower engine....

Your answer is as irrelevant to the original question as mine is to yours.

Yes, I can be an -ss. Sorry.

 

the 4.3's are good for trucks and small vans but man, they sound terrible.. lol



I seem to remember there being some decent aftermarket top end parts for them, The potential for 300+ N/A HP is there for sure.

 

for all the work involved putting in a 4.3, i would skip it and get a 350. or even a 305

 

deadbird,
LOL! I can't fault your logic, so I'll forgive your assinine behavior.

Purple82TA,
I've never really heard one, so I can't comment on how they "sound". Most of the "good" top-end parts aren't around anymore. The aluminum heads still offered by GMPP are exclusively "Race" pieces. I've been unable to find stuff that is good for street/strip/track purposes.

brandoz28,
Swapping the motor in isn't really that hard. Just as complicated as swapping in a V8. The advantages in weight reduction, weight distribution, and center-of-gravity might be enough to justify the swap. However, there are some areas require custom fabrication, i.e. exhaust.

 

You also forgot, more room for the turbos!!!

 

I'm sure you could but, at least you can take a little good natured ribbing

 

ericjon262,
Yeah, a lot of room between the accessory drive and the radiator support for the turbo's. Just more custom exhaust pieces needed...

deadbird,
LOL! Five years in the Army, man...I can take a lot of ****.

 

that's what i mean though, the work will be so similar, unless i already had the parts at my disposal, i'd be putting in a small block.

 

brandoz28,
Yeah, I can't fault you with that logic. Finding some performance parts for the 90* V6 is kinda difficult, too. You won't have that problem with a SBC...

 

taking the road less traveled is definitely admirable though, there is some great info on theturboforums.com with some vortec 4.3 build ups. but just think, for the same work and roughly same money, you can have basically the same engine....with 2 more cylinders

 

brandoz28,
I have a lot of respect for people who do something that hasn't been done before. I'd love to see someone do this swap with a well-built motor. It's all about what you want and how much you're willing to put into it.
LOL! It's logically impossible to try and argue with "no replacement for displacement" when it comes to power/torque levels. I'm not even sure that the loss of two cylinders would cause an appreciable advantage in weight-reduction, center-of-gravity, or power-to-weight ratio.
It would still be a COOL build to see done...

 

i agree, my friend was actually going to do this to an old blown up 2.8 car he had, then he pulled up the carpet in the car and looked down at the shop floor lmao.


if you do it keep us posted, i just hope you're not disappointed with the outcome of the power afterwards.


either way i'm in for pics/results

 

brandoz28,
LOL! Aw, man, that sucks. I hate rust...
I'm not gonna do it. I got an idea for a remote-mount-turbocharged 3.4L V6 swap into my Camaro. Less fabrication, more of just modifying already existing aftermarket parts.
If that doesn't give me enough of a thrill, I hate to say it, but I'll just do an LSx swap.