I know with out a doubt it is a great engine I just wonder if any one has one in there camaro I have a camaro with a v8 in it now and have owned V6 camaro's but I think I am going to start a new progect with a 4.3 . I am looking for decent HP with decent gas mileage which I get pretty good right now but this will be a daily driver to work. I would like to know if any one has a 4.3 and if it is TBI or what and how hard was this swap?
Thanks

 

Hard , its a pita !

 

Dosn't sound like much fun, might as well go for a 5.7

 

Swapping in the 4.3 is just like swapping in an 8er. It takes the same mounts, and you have to have a new ECM and wireing harness. Me personally am going to swap in a 4.3 but not a common varity one. Try the Cyclone type 4.3 Turbo that I will build up to be able to handle 28-29 PSI Boost and have it in 3 stages for street use. I already know how i am going to run the Intercooler(Thanks to the latest mod in my car the CAI/RAM Air intake).

 

let me get this straight, u want to swap from a v8 to a v6?if im reading that right, then it would involve basically the same as a v6-v8 swap, except u can use some of the things from the v8 (radiator... well thats the only thing i know of). engine (of course), all the accessories (ps, alt, ac, smog pump), tranny i donno bout. ur tach will be off (v6 and v8 sending units and tachs are diff). unless u really love that specific car, getting a 2.8 car and swapping a 3.4 would be cheaper. just find a car with major engine problems and a good body/int. 2.8 and 3.4 are basically the same engine w/ diff stroke and bore, but im sure u already knew that. 3.4 is defiently one of the best v6 chevy engines. the only v6 i would take over it would be a buick 3.8, with might actually swap easier into a v8 car (sb chevy 90* block and 3.8 v6 90* block). i donno for sure bout that. never seen or heard of it done before.

mike (loomdog)

 

Didn't you read his post carefully? He wants to swap in a 4.3, which if I'm correct, is also a 90* engine, so it would be the same as swapping in a 3.8. If he's gonna go v6, a 4.3 is the way to go. You do realize that the 3.8 and 4.3 are basically a 5.0 and 5.7 missing 2 cylendars

5.0l/8cly=.625l/cyl
3.8l/6cyl=.633l/cyl

5.7l/8cyl=.7125l/cyl
4.3l/6cyl=.716l/cyl

 

If your going to go as far as put in the 4.3, you might as well put in the extra two cylinders and go 5.7. Your giong to need the transmission, radiator, front suspension, etc. from a V-8 car, or 4.3 L to do it, so either way, your basically doing a V-8 swap, just that you chose to leave behind 2 cylinders.

 

HENSE keeping the car a V6. I have a 383 "Stump puller" monster in my shed. I have a willing and able RS to put it in. If I wanted the 8 I have it to put in, I don't as alot of the people in this board feel the costs far outweight the gains.

 

Dude, he's got a v8 in his car now. From what I gather he wants to increase his gas mileage with losing the least amount of power. He should be able to use his trans and radiator. But yeah he'll need the computer and wiring harness. If he gets a hold of a wrecked 80's monte the swap shouldn't be too bad. Sure, this swap wont be as easy as a 2.8/3.1 to 3.4 swap, but its easier than v6 to v8.

 

The motor won't clear the strut towers, unless he hunts down the correct heads. I think we have an old message on 'em somewhere... or it's in the thirdgen.org FAQ for doing a 3.8 turbo swap.

 

From what I understand, the 4.3 will work with some minor fabrication and welding. You will have to move the motor mount further back, but it should bolt right up to the tranny. The biggest problem you will have is exhaust manifolds. You will probably have to make them from scratch. I have heard that headers from an S-10 with 4.3 will work on the passenger side, but will not clear on the driver's side (or vice versa). Exhaust manifolds from the Monte Carlo 4.3's MAY fit, but I don't know if any companies made headers for them. I have thought of doing this swap myself sometime down the road in an RS. You can build up a really nice 4.3 using pretty much all the parts for a 350 (except for cam. Comp and crane and even GM make some great 4.3 cams). It IS a 350 minus two cylinders. The 4.3 was made for low-end torque. They peaked at around 2900 RPMS, so keep that in mind when dealing with the rest of your drivetrain. Of course, a cam swap will change that. Good luck and keep me posted if you decide to go for it. I'd really like to see someone do this.