4.3 swap questions

[SCOTTYINWV]

Use the s10 converter.

 

[df2x4]

Yeah that's a good point, but keep in mind your resale value will go down. I have never seen an auto 4.3 in these trucks, Will the 4.3 bolt up to the torq converter and tranny? and will it have enough power for an auto?

Ha, I've never seen a 4.3 5 speed in person. Mine's an auto, 4L60E.

IIRC you need different motor mounts and the computer but may be wrong on that... You'll not find much support on here for a 4.3 swap. I'm one of the few members on here that likes the V6

Alternatively, you could have the existing computer re-tuned for a V6. Good opportunity to squeeze a couple extra HP and MPG out of it, (and get rid of that pesky torque management) my Black Bear tune really woke my V6 up. I love these motors, they'll spin the tires if you want them to but still get over 25MPG.

EDIT - Just noticed OP said he has a K1500, though. The 4WD frame is going to be a lot of extra weight for the V6 to lug around, not sure how that's going to work out. (Probably not well) As far as I know the V6 was only offered in 2WD trucks.

 

[SCOTTYINWV]

I've seen some v6 auto k1500s. MY buddy has a 90 model. Wouldn't be my first choice, but I'd drive one.

 

[98_k1500]

I have seen several v6 4x4 5 speed k1500s around here, this body style and in the nbs trucks. They are impressive for a 6 cyl, not sure what gears they came with.

 

[df2x4]

Well I'll be danged. Learn something new every day!

 

[98_k1500]

Power in them really is pretty good, i wouldn see a problem wheeling one with 35s on it. Every one i have ever seen was a base model rcsb. I would assume with a trailer or something of the sort tho, power would be lacking.

 

[88k150091s10]

guys the whole entire point of this swap is to save money. I can rebuild the old 305 I have for around 200 or so, no way I'm dropping coin on another motor.

s10 converter won't work, it's a 700r4 and the 4wd is th350.

 

[TerryD]

Why not sell the running 4.3l to find either a new 5.0l or help fix your existing one? The TBI 4.3l and 5.0l were only a few rated HP apart but the benefit was the 5.0l had more torque. You could take up a little on-the-side work during the time you would spend swapping mounts and finding pieces and probably come out ahead just rebuilding your 5.0l.

 

[88k150091s10]

can't sell anything and make any money around here. I hate dealing with idiots. I need a truck on the road and as soon as possible with as little cost as possible. I've got no way to travel and get around to find or pick up this stuff either.

 

[skylark]

As said, the converter is different. The V6 frame mounts, radiator hoses and radiator shroud are as well. You will be money ahead to just do a refresh on the 305 or find a cheap 87-95 350.