Best years for the chevy 4.3

[650Rider]

So I was wondering what the best years were for the 4.3 if you were looking to pick one up. Are there any simple mods out there that can bump up the hp? Cam? Stroker?

[dirtdudeaz]

What is the engine going in? Could a 5.3 fit?

[650Rider]

rear engine buggy. I like the idea of a small lighter engine without the cost of an aluminum ls1, and still has potential to but out decent hp. Basically a small block chevy - 2 cylinders.

[idealer]

best 4.3 would be a bowtie 4.3 block

[650Rider]

Can you educate me on what or where the bowtie block can be found? Also is there a better year of fuel injection? I know the 94's had what to appear as a tuned port style intake, would that be better than the newest models?

[86F-onefifty]

I'm not 100% on this but I think 88-95 would be TBI and 96-up are CPI/Vortec, at least in the trucks. Pretty sure the newer 4.3's make about 30 more hp than the TBI, stock vs stock. Better heads on the 96-up, but also more wiring going on. IMO, the 96-up "Vortec" with a cam & tune would be a decent set up on tight budget. If you are going to build a stroker+high comp.+alum heads+more?, I don't think it makes much of difference which one you start with.

Just my $0.02, good luck

http://www.hotrod.com/pitstop/hrdp_0705_pitstop_chevrolet_v6_performance/index.html

http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/engine/113_0208_chevy_43l_262ci_v6_engine_build/index.html

[HSD RACE]

I just put a 4.3 marine crate motor in my pre runner and it sounds bitchin. I have not got it into the dirt yet but will be doing so this weekend (feels strong running around the block). I believe it is a 96 to current vortec v6 that chevy is using. I opted to go with a carb and keep it simple. I think it is going to be a good package.

[650Rider]

is it going into a buggy? If so what trans are you running? Let me know how you like it. Sounds fun!

[Brock_Beeson]

get one made for a full size not an s-10.. heard there is a difference.

[CADTech]

I have one we race with. Its in my ranger. Dave arce built it in Santee. It runs like a champ. Just have some carb issues, and gearing. Just get one without the balance shaft and the roller block.

[Ryno]

GM started the internal balance shaft in the mid 90's (95/96). TBI was used until 93. they used a TPI style deal from 94-96. 96/97-current model years are Vortec heads, and spider injectors. All 4.3's since 87 are roller cam. If you go to the compcams site, they have a link to a article Hot Rod Mag did on a 4.3 buildup. Lots of good tips in there. Dougan's in Riverside did the build. TBI stuff is really cheap, and easy. So is going with a carb setup, same $$$ either way. I've priced them both. For a play car, any year is fine, you won't notice the difference. For a race motor, you want a pre-94 block, then get Vortec heads.

[HSD RACE]

is it going into a buggy? If so what trans are you running? Let me know how you like it. Sounds fun!

Yes, i put it in an old class 5 car with a mendeola . Took it to barstow Sat. and it ran very strong. I think I am going to be happy with this package. PM me if you would like to check it out. Rob

[dezerts10]

i agree with what ryno posted. im hoping to be picking up my 2002 4.3L i converted to carb. it was tbi. if my truck ever runs and i am not satified with the 2002 with vortec heads ill be building a pre 94 engine and with brodix heads or building a bowtie block 4.3L race engine.

im kinda curious what some of you have spent if you dont mind on mild 4.3L builds. Im not 100% sure if i am being taken or not but im at $4k and still need my carb, HEI,all the accessories and headers. if i pick up my engine friday ill get a spec sheet with it. i know i didnt get great deals on the parts ( i saw what % he marked them up to) that are inside the engine but I have also didnt drop off the $4k at the builder and say get it done he has been working on it since march i think and i have been giving him money as It comes available for me

[indefab]

ryno, what changed on the bottom ends? I have an 88 (I think) out of an astrovan that was tbi, converted it to a holley carb for my crawler days ago, ran great, just a gas hog compared to yota V6s that make the same power.

On the Stroker tip- I looked into this a bit and talked with several engine builders, nobody has found a crank kit or company that makes this setup currently. I figure if a 383 is badass a stroked 4.3 would be too. Problem is the firing order wont work to chop up a 383 crank. If anybody has seen or knows of a company that offers this setup please chime in

If anyone can explain the difference between a standard SB350 crank and a 383stroker that would be cool to know too.

[idealer]

I have 2 odd fire cranks available 3.4 stroke...

[dezerts10]

speed-0-motive makes a stroker kit but i have never heard anything about it. never read a review either. they grind a stock cranki think. not to pricey but to much to be a test dummy.

Idealer, can you put an odd fire crank in a non bowtie block?

[idealer]

Idealer, can you put an odd fire crank in a non bowtie block?

Yea non balance shaft block... but its hard to find the distributor & ignition.

I think the only diif between a bowtie block and a older stock block is that the bowtie has three oil galleries like a sbc (vs 2) and can be bored out further...

I just uploaded my spare motor to classified should be up shortly... nice take out. I need the money to finish my odd fire motor.

[Ryno]

ryno, what changed on the bottom ends? I have an 88 (I think) out of an astrovan that was tbi, converted it to a holley carb for my crawler days ago, ran great, just a gas hog compared to yota V6s that make the same power.

On the Stroker tip- I looked into this a bit and talked with several engine builders, nobody has found a crank kit or company that makes this setup currently. I figure if a 383 is badass a stroked 4.3 would be too. Problem is the firing order wont work to chop up a 383 crank. If anybody has seen or knows of a company that offers this setup please chime in

If anyone can explain the difference between a standard SB350 crank and a 383stroker that would be cool to know too.

The 383 crank is a 400 crank. That's all. Guys in the 70's did it all the time. Find a tired 400, steal the crank, have it turned. I've never heard of a "stroker" 4.3 262ci. I know guys punch out the bore though. The bottom ends have different part #'s, but are otherwise basically the same. All use a 1 piece rear main seal.

Price wise...if you shop around...you can carb a 4.3 for $1200 after it's all done. That's complete, without headers.

[dezerts10]

i still have to buy another $3k+- in parts haha how the heck can you get an engine for $1200.

I have to buy a carb ( c&j = $1200), HEI distributor ($400), All accessories ( power steering pump, altenator, water pump, fan clutch and fan = $800 about), Headers I have not priced yet.

oh well i just hope after i complete my engine Ill be able to put it in a truck to play with.

[idealer]

i still have to buy another $3k+- in parts haha how the heck can you get an engine for $1200.

I have to buy a carb ( c&j = $1200), HEI distributor ($400), All accessories ( power steering pump, altenator, water pump, fan clutch and fan = $800 about), Headers I have not priced yet.

oh well i just hope after i complete my engine Ill be able to put it in a truck to play with.

I have a hei you can have, I don't know if it has the right cap but its new and you can probably swap it out with procomp...

the bowtie blocks can be stroked to 4.0 but the cranks cost like 3k...

[indefab]

Oddfire-thats what I was wondering, can u chop a 400crank and run this "oddfire" setup to work in the v6? I don't think the crank bearings even lie in exactly the same spot, but it would be bad-a.

[indefab]

the bowtie blocks can be stroked to 4.0 but the cranks cost like 3k...[/QUOTE]

for that price you could have a complete yota 4.0 changeover/6-spd trans. and headers...

[idealer]

for that price you could have a complete yota 4.0 changeover/6-spd trans. And headers...

500hp?

[indefab]

no not 500hp, just relating that for the price of the "crank" you could install a good platform to build off. How much to completely build up a bowtie? those are nice no-doubt. It would prob. cost the same to build a bowtie 500hp as it would a toyota 4.0. if not more B/c the yota changeover would include all the nickel-and-dime stuff...

[Ryno]

i still have to buy another $3k+- in parts haha how the heck can you get an engine for $1200.

I have to buy a carb ( c&j = $1200), HEI distributor ($400), All accessories ( power steering pump, altenator, water pump, fan clutch and fan = $800 about), Headers I have not priced yet.

oh well i just hope after i complete my engine Ill be able to put it in a truck to play with.

I bought a junkyard motor for $200. After going through everything, I was @ $1200, with harness, TBI, computer, distributor. I have to get the exhaust made. If you shop for deals, you can find them. Mine is for a play car, something mild and reliable. 4k for a race motor putting out 300hp+ I can see being feasible.

[fmf1996]

I am staring at the back of my new 4 seat-beam car...scratching my head after fooling with VW power for the past 20 years...I found a guy that has everything for the 4.3L on CL's for $1700, just needs a rebuild on the block...is that a deal?

[Ryno]

Depends on what "everything" means. The motor needs to be rebuilt...bad news to start. If you can do it yourself, you're ahead. The only downside is the transaxle. You take it easy on an 091, or spend the $$$ for at least a Mendi "E" box.

[Forty1Racing]

I say 96 and above for the vortec style. If you were looking into doing the marine style manifold all im gonna say is the thing is a boad Anchor! :D
but seriously we run it on our racer and the thing is really heavy. Makes pretty good power though.

[dezerts10]

finally picked up my 2002 4.3L from the builder yesterday. unfortunately it will probably sit for atleast a year before i can even think about affording to do much else with my project.


I still need to buy all the front accessories, carb, and distributor. little by little