hey, I know that 4.3's mey be a popular gmc typhoon thing, but I am curiouse, what all in the 4.3 makes it so good, is there anything that can be swapped on a 3.1 block, or can you use any of the 3.1 or the 3.4 stuff in the 4.3 block, just curiouse as 4.3 I know is a good engine and maybe wouldn't be bad in a camaro, but then again I don't know much about it, again just looking for input, thanks again

 

350-2cyl= 4.3
if you go tbi, vortech has a set up (kaching)$$$$$
also get a trans from a v8/v6 90* engine

 

well, the 4.3 is a 90 degree engine which basically means that it is a 350 v8 missing to cylinders.......our 6's are 60 degrees
the 2.8, 3.1, and 3.4 are all 60 degree engines........the 3.8 and 4.3 are 90 degree engines that means if you wanted to swap in a 3.8 or a 4.3 you mite as well put a V8 in cuz you will have to change just as much (tranny, injection system, wiring harness, all that hard, fun stuff)

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/messgboard/...ML/001462.html

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

Your right on one thing, the 4.3 is a great engine.

I'm on my 4th one so I consider myself knowledgeable enough to give you some pointers here.

What makes the 4.3 so good is it's a 6 cyl version of the 350. More to the point, for swap purposes it's an honorary V-8. It is not in any way related to the 2.8 or any other V-6. The only parts that won't interchange between the 4.3 and the 350 are length specific (cam, crank, intake, exhaust...). If your planning on puting one into a camaro it will be almost twice the work then swaping a V-8. It would be about the same amount of work to put in a big block, just cheaper. The 4.3 uses the same front and rear design as the SBC so the only things that will transfer externally will be the alternator and power steering pump, however you will need new brackets for them.

 

So my grandfater has a 1981 Pontiac Grand Prix with T-Tops and every option, but it has a 4.3 V6 with a carb with 61,000 original miles. I could get it form him and dropa gm crate 350 and go since it is a carb car...

 

Absolutly correct.
BUT, check into emission restrictions, if it may be a hurdle to overcome.
IF NOT, you got a great candidate for any Small block or even Big Block V-8 under that hood.
You know what to beef up in the swap process, I'll bet.

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

Are you sure? I didn't think the Grand Prix ever came with a 4.3. Be aware though, that GM indexes the motor mounts from the front of the engine. That means that 4.3 mounts are 4-3/8 inch closer to the rear of the engine.

 

I ma positive on the 4.3.. The Carbs air cleaner says 4.3 on it and he has never done anything to it and bought it new.. The year could be off a few... Remember this is the body style that looks like the Turbo Regals and stuff... If could be 79, 80, 81, somewhere in there...