your thoughts

[hereiam]

I can pick up a 2001, 4.3 vortec with a 5 speed. I am thinking of replacing the 3.8 (229) automatic in the 81 malibu with it. Is there anything I should be aware of or a downside to this swap. It currently has fuel injection which I may install, or I might swap in a 4 barrel intake, carb and distributor. Not sure yet. What are your thoughts on this
Thanks

 

[DRIVEN]

If you really like the way a 2001 S-10 runs and drives, you'll love the results.

 

[foxtrot]

If you really like the way a 2001 S-10 runs and drives, you'll love the results.

Sarcasm?

I'm thinking it would better all around thank the 3.8 but that's my two cents. I'm thinking that there will be a lot involved in this swap. Good luck.

 

[DRIVEN]

Sarcasm?

Not necessarily. Given the suspension similarity between the S-10 and Gbody, it would kinda the same. Some people like it - some don't. I agree, it's not a drop in swap but no worse than a TPI, LT1, LS or any other EFI engine. The hydraulic clutch stuff has been documented. As always, bolting it in is the easy part. The plumbing and wiring is what takes time and money.

 

[hereiam]

Thanks guys for your thoughts
Here is why I am thinking about doing the swap. The 229 is 110hp Stock 4.3 is 193hp There are lots of up grades available for the 4.3. Even mercury marine 4 barrel intake will bring it up to 240hp. Leave it fuel injected, add cold air intake, reprogram the computer..340hp. There are still a lot of other options, cam, injectors etc., turbo....
Most of the upgrades are cheap hp. Besides it would be a 5 speed now. With my 65 nova it took a lot to get the inline 230 from 95hp to just over 300hp., But it is sure fun running away from a lot of 350 v8s, but when they know it is an old inline 6 it is even better. I guess it is just a 6 cylinder thing for me

 

[DRIVEN]

I'm a little skeptical that a CAI and reflash will get you anywhere near 340hp. The Typhoon/Syclone were only 280hp with a turbo. What are your sources?
While I'm admittedly not a huge fan of the 4.3 I will say that in your case it makes a lot of sense for a swap option. Unless you feel extremely confident in your ability (and budget) my suggestion would be to go the carbureted route. But even with good exhaust and a well matched carb and intake I wouldn't expect more than an honest 160-170hp. Keep things simple and it should be a rewarding swap.
The next choice for me would be a TBI version. While not known for their blistering performance, they are extremely reliable and do okay on fuel. Power would be similar to the carbed version.
My last choice would be the CPI (Vortec) injection. I've replaced enough spiders to be unimpressed. On paper it's a great idea and when they are running right they're fine. But everything has to be just right. If fuel pressure drops slightly or a bit of dirt gets down to the poppets, it gets expensive fast. Even the ignition parts cost considerably more than the other 4.3s.