I've tried the search function here without much luck, so I figured I'd just ask. Has anyone here ever attempted a 4.3 V6 engine swap with a manual trans in a G body? I have a 1981 Iraqi Malibu with the 229 V6/3 speed manual combo, and with the price of gas going the way it is here, I'm pondering a 4.3 swap with possibly a 5 speed transmission. Should I stick with a carbed engine, or go to FI? Is there an aftermarket wiring harness for this type of swap, or should I find a later Monte or El Camino with the TBI 4.3 V6 and work with the parts and harness from that type of car? I'm thinking about something that would be around 200HP, be emission legal, get decent fuel economy, and be fun to drive. Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated, thanks.
4.3 V6/manual swap
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im actually close to doin this swap my self and of course im switching the 4.3 from fi to carb jus because im more of a carb type of guy and dont really care bout gas prices.. but my motor will be coming from a 88 s10 and i have a 81 malibu factory 3 speed saginaw...so if i do it before you do i will be posting in fo in my build thread so ill keep you postedclean8485 said:
Thanks Kuruption. I'd definitely be interested in seeing your build. I thought about putting a carbed 4.3 in my car, but I'd need to find an engine from an '85 or '86 light duty truck, or Astro or Safari van to get the carb, intake & distributor, and those engines are pretty scarce around here. That's why I'm considering the EFI route.
clean8485 said:
If you wanna go with FI try to snatch a 4.3 from a 98 and up blazer. The 98-02 blazers have the CPFI system (central port fuel injection) 03 and up are MPFI (multi port fuel injection). They make around 190hp and 250ft lb.
Thanks for the suggestion. I thought about the CPI engine, but I used to work at a GM dealer years ago, and I remember that we had fuel injector and driveability problems with the CPI engines. The TBI engines didn't have as much power, but they tend to be more reliable. The TBI engine could be made to produce around 200HP without too much trouble, and that's really all I'm looking for.
I totally get what you're trying to do. The 4.3 is a natural easy choice. Obviously a carbed engine will be the easiest direct replacement but you'll be leaving some performance and mpg on the table. The CPI system has an update that actually moves the injectors out to the end of the spider legs and they are more reliable and less sensitive to fuel pressure issues. The TBI 4.3s are extremely reliable but IMO are for trucks. If you can find a T5 from a late 93 S10 it will likely be a WC. It's one year only and not a widely known option. They have gearing that compliments the typically lame Gbody rearends. The forward shifter position would work pretty well if you have a bench seat too. The V8 Fbody T5s are NWC, tilted and the shifter is way back. The earlier S10 t5s are NWC.
I know that the 4.3 is almost a direct swap for your 229 but have you considered an L99 (baby LT1) 4.3 v8? The power numbers are similar to the highest output 4.3s but will likely give better mpg along with running smoother and sounding sexier. Wiring isn't too tough and there's only about a 30lb weight penalty. Just a thought.
I know that the 4.3 is almost a direct swap for your 229 but have you considered an L99 (baby LT1) 4.3 v8? The power numbers are similar to the highest output 4.3s but will likely give better mpg along with running smoother and sounding sexier. Wiring isn't too tough and there's only about a 30lb weight penalty. Just a thought.
Thanks Driven. I understand what you're saying about the L99 sounding sexier, but I'd like to try the 4.3 V6 swap. I think it would be different. There are enough small block parts that could be used, but the V6 would be lighter than the V8, and would probably allow for slightly better handling. I'm not adverse to trying different rear end gearing either.
i know you have the 3spd already, but 5spd/4.3 tbi s10 drivetrains are out there to be had. its not super common but if you can find one go with it, they have the NV 5psd and should work ok in a G-body.
Thanks Dr. Rudy. I'm hoping to be able to retain the existing mechanical clutch linkage that's in the car now. Does the Blazer powertrain with the NV 5 speed use a mechanical or hydraulic clutch system?
It looks like they have hydraulic clutches, my s10 is auto so i cant go out and look, ill try and ask around to see if i can find out for sure.
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