New Engine

[domcan1000]

Hey guys,

I have been thinking about putting a new engine in my 93 c1500 RCSB. Currently, it has a 4.3l v6 in it. I would like to go v8 and was thinking about a crate. I am not looking for performance as this is not my daily driver anymore but I want something that will be reliable and I could maybe do some modifications to later down the line. I want to stay TBI and I have been looking for info on this swap but everything that I have found is either vortec or not exactly what I am doing so I have gotten nothing but confused. I know that I will have to upgrade the fuel pump and radiator but I am really not sure what else needs to happen. I don't want to spend a lot of money on it either but I can put it in myself as I have replaced the engine before. I have looked at some of the blueprints and the west coast engines as well as the goodwrench replacements from jegs.

I was looking at this one (https://www.jegs.com/i/GM+Performance/809/12681432/10002/-1) but have no idea if it will fit. I am really just looking for something that I can put in easily and be ready to drive without many problems.

Thanks for any help!

 

[fancyTBI]

I did the 4.3 to 5.7 swap and kept TBI. I can give you all the info. Lemme type it out. I’m at work so might take a bit.

Also that’s a vortec block. Which is doable but not as easy

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

Also that’s a vortec block. Which is doable but not as easy

A TBI intake manifold won't bolt up to the vortec heads. Chevrolet Performance makes one that will work but it's expensive. You'd be better off buying a 4-bbl manifold and a TBI adapter if you wanna go with that long block.

 

[fancyTBI]

Things you’ll need:
-The motor (of course lol)
-V8 motor mounts
-Radiator, I believe I got a 34” 2 core.
-Radiator mounting brackets and bushings if you please
-ECU for a V8. (Maybe 6299?) If you’re lucky your V6 will interchange, I can get you a list when I get home. Most 5.0 & 5.7 ECUs are the same.
-Prom chip for your application. This is important. A lot of people skip this. You’ll need one for your engine/trans combo. This is hard to find at times. But eBay will be your friend. Or you can get a custom one burned. I recommend Dave at GearHead EFI.
-Your V6 harness will work the same, might have to extend some wires. Get new sensors if you can. I think some are different. Like the knock sensor.
- Y pipe, V6 will not work without some adjustments. Found it easier to just buy a new one.
- Injectors for your TBI. They are different from 4.3, 5.0, 5.7 and 7.4.
-starter for your V8, this sucked for me because I had a couple lemons before I got a good one.
-I also added a spacer while I was in there to help the fuel lines reach a bit better, since the 4.3 TBI sits a bit higher.
-V8 air cleaner. Don’t re use the dinky 4.3 one, you’ll want to move a lot more air through. You don’t have to use a stock one, I did because I wanted it to look factory.

Things you can re-use:
-4.3 accessory brackets
-4.3 accessories
-throttle body
-harness

There are some things I’m forgetting, I will think of them.

I got a 90K mile (allegedly) 350 from a Caprice and did a tear down to check everything. I paid $150 for the engine itself and it came with all the front end accessories, brackets, etc.

 

[Gibson]

The engine you're looking at is the GM code #12530282,, it has 2-bolt mains, uses the lighter duty 5/16 exhaust valve stems, and has induction hardened valve seats.
For only ~75 bucks more, you can get the heavy-duty engine, code #12530283,, and it has 4-bolt mains, the heavy duty 3/8ths exhaust valve stems, and insert hardened valve seats.
A much better engine for a truck, for very little more money.

 

[PlayingWithTBI]

you can get the heavy-duty engine, code #12530283,, and it has 4-bolt mains, the heavy duty 3/8ths exhaust valve stems, and insert hardened valve seats.

Check their warranty, if the engine goes into a different application, they may not give you the 3 year warranty, might just be a 1 year.

 

[domcan1000]

I didn't realize it was vortec until you pointed it out. I would rather not do vortec and keep it similar to what I have now. I appreciate your info fancyTBI thats all very helpful!

As I mentioned, I really don't know what everything means and have been trying to research so I will take all of the help that I can get.

So would it be better to go with a crate or try to find a good used one?

 

[fancyTBI]

I think TBI long blocks are $1800? Jegs has one for 1500 or so.

 

[domcan1000]

I think this is it and that is a good price for me lol https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/059/8758/10002/-1 I think thats most likely the route that I will be going.

 

[fancyTBI]

If there are swap meets near you or reputable salvage yards you can always get them for less. But warranties are nice.