OK so i got athis great deal on a 4.3 v-6 and a 700r4 off e-bay. It 's out of a 91 S-10 Yeah go ahead and laugh i only payed 120 for the engine and the tranny. IM swapping it into my bird cause theres a 2.8 v-6 in it now. Any ideas on how and wha ti shoudl do with this engine while its sittin in my garage?

 

IF this was me?
2 things.
Sell the engine
OR
Go get all the V-8 stuff you can to swap it in.
Don't goof with it, just get it running.
IT's a low rev, torque motor.
You can't do much to it.
It's all the intake, very lo-po. So is cam.
IF ya wanna do anything to it, have to junk, intake, computer, distb, exhaust manifolds and start there.
Actualy, that would be a way cool engine in my Wife's 1968 Camaro.
Why can't ya be in LA, CA!!

 

I agree with KED , a V8 would make more sense.
But I do like the 4.3, they are very dependable, trouble free,and believe it or not they do produce some power. I just sold my 86 monte carlo with the 4.3 (sold it because I bought the firebird)it has over 150,000 . The only thing I had to do to it was replce the valve seals. Doesnt smoke,use oil at all , carries about 50psi oil pressure and runs perfect. I know it will make 200,000 easily.
You wont be able to use the 2.8 computer,and if you are going to carb. it you will lose alot of HP from it. They do make performance cams for them but you will need the throttle body system to get the most out of it.

 

I do have some extenuating circumsatnces for why got this. The main is that my dad wont insure a v-8 car. And im a broke batard so i needed to make acertain comprimises. The engien is complete. Distributer, starter, headers, everything, including the computer. It looks to be in good condition. there are 8.5 MM wires on it and Bosch PLatnum plugs and they dont look that used. and the main reson i needed thsi was because of the fact that it came wiht a 700r4 along wiht it. I also found someone who might buy it when its done.

 

Well as long as you have the puter Go For It !! The engine supports should be the same as the 350. It shouldnt be that hard of a swap. You should be able to keep your stock springs ,so that wont be a problem. Let us know how you make out. It will have a lot more pwer than the 2.8.

 

By saying buy the V-8 stuff, I meant engine mounts & tranny mounts.
They're same as that V-6.
You'd be blazing new territory.
Good Luck with the conversion.
IF I WAS YOU, I sell the guy "who wants to buy it" sell him everything now & you get outta the conversion, NOW.
Wiring will ruin your effort.
Or think of it this way.
There was a reason GM never did this.
They went
to the Buick V-6.
And the 60* V-6.
Never the 90* 4.3.

 

Thanx for the encouragement. The guy will only buy it when its done so i cant sel it now. Im gonna go through wiht the confersion even if Gm didnt intend for it. IM sure the Gm didnt intend to have their 350 put into 32 Ford street rods either but peopel do it so why not? IF it turn out bad at least it will be a learnign experiance.

 

I'm going by the assumption that the 4.3 is the exact same as the 3.8 ...

...and GM couldn't fit the 3.8 between the strut towers of the f-body when they did their 1989 Turbo TransAm. They had to put narrower heads on the motor. I see that as your major stumbling block. I think the FAQ at thirdgen.org mentions the heads... i think Jason E said they were something off a front wheel drive 3.3 V6?

Good luck with the project and keep us posted! Take pictures! http://www.geocities.com/tomp_3rdgen

 

If the 305 or the 350 fits than the 4.3 will fit. THE 4.3 is the same as the 350 with back 2 cylinders chopped. Rod and main Journals and the bore and stroke are the same. Thats why they are so tough. same size crank without the strain of the other two cylinders.


Oh BTW KED I 'm sorry I didnt read your post clearly about the v8 stuff, my bad.