I recently bought a 1983 Grand Prix that had a 350 in it. The car will be for my wife...was thinking of putting an Astro van 4.3 in it. Any ideas? Would this work / fit? I'd likely change the transmission as well. I know little about G-bodies, but have lots of experience with electrical & older muscle cars.
astro van motor into a GP
- Thread starter bk123
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It will work and fit, in fact in the end years of the G body the 4.3 was the base engine in the Monte Carlo. You'll have to add everthing needed to make the fuel injection work, including a return fuel line. IMHO there are better engines to use than the 4.3, but if you have one and desire to use it, it will work.
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IMHO spend the money on a 2000+ Impala / Buick Century / Grand Prix.
It's a decent swap ( the 4.3 in my '03 Astro / Safari is about 200 hp ) but all the computer work to get the FI to operate for that little power is just not worth it.
My wifes '03 Impala will smoke my Stock 1984 SS at any speed. It has AC, ABS, Traction Control, and gets twice the fuel economy. It was cheaper to insure than the SS to boot because it has a 5 star crash rating along with ABS.
The g-bodies are cool ( and wifey likes them ) but for a DD she much prefers her IMP
It's a decent swap ( the 4.3 in my '03 Astro / Safari is about 200 hp ) but all the computer work to get the FI to operate for that little power is just not worth it.
My wifes '03 Impala will smoke my Stock 1984 SS at any speed. It has AC, ABS, Traction Control, and gets twice the fuel economy. It was cheaper to insure than the SS to boot because it has a 5 star crash rating along with ABS.
The g-bodies are cool ( and wifey likes them ) but for a DD she much prefers her IMP
bk123 said:
The newer 262 puts out about as much power as the olds 307, and if in good condition with a few extra modifications, comparable to a worn 350. I think you'll be surprised.
You can even modify the intake manifold from a merc marine to fit larger injectors...even though you don't need this...nevermind, I'm dreaming for my truck
Do you already have the astro 4.3??? If not maybe think about putting a throttle body injected 305 or 350 in it. Up till about 95 I think most of the full size trucks and caprice's had them. I've got an 87 LS that was originally a 4.3 FI, now it's a 69 Lt1 350 and I had an 86 LS last year with a 305, both have 200r4's. The 4.3 was really underpowered, and actually used more gas then my 305 or 350. And as far as the amount of work and cost, it'll be a little less. Just something to think about.
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