4200 Inline 6

[OhNoJoe]

Has anyone taken one of the newer inline 6 cylinder emngines and dropped in a 67-72?

i'm thinking I might try it if it isn't too much of a hassle. There are some posts of the straight 6 web cites. But this is the source!!!

Any thought would be helpful

Joe

[Konk]

My mom's Trail Blazer uses that engine, and I can tell you it's great. Plenty of power in that thing, smooth; it would be perfect for a old C10. Can't help you specifically, but I'd love to see somebody put one of those in a old truck!

[68gmsee]

I also would like to see if someone will do this.

However, I think the only reason someone would do this is to try to get better mpg. The power, availability of parts, and all of the options and versatility of a 350 still make it a better option for horsepower.

My Trailblazer gets app 20-21 mpg on the highway depending on wind, a/c use and terrain. But in town, it drops down to about 15-16 mpg. I don't thing it would stay the same if we dropped it in one of out non aerodynamic, built for work trucks.

Still, I believe someone will do it just to be different and "because they can."

[hotrod 80]

My trailblazer got around 9 in town and 15-16 on the highway . I was not very happy with the 4200 I-6 . Just my opinion.

[68gmsee]

Originally Posted by hotrod 80

My trailblazer got around 9 in town and 15-16 on the highway . I was not very happy with the 4200 I-6 . Just my opinion.

Ouch! What year was yours? Mine is a 2006. It's pretty consistent on the highway mileage but I've only checked in town mileage one time. I think where you live may make a lot of difference. Not much traffic around here.

To be honest, I think the I-6 swap may be a better option if you already had the engine and transmission plus all associated wiring from a wrecked truck.

[tkeduk8r]

I agree, I belive the 4200 is a different critter other than 6 cylinders in a row vs the 230-250-292 versions... not much would bolt up as far as intake, exhaust, etc.... BUT that being said, if you can weld and have access to a few basic machine tools, I belive it could be doable.... Distributor less ignition would be the biggest challenge I would think... JMO...
--Mike

[69halfton]

i dont know what I-6 you guys are talking about...

chevy makes an I-5 in their new colorados, but they dont put them in any trailer blazers i know of.

i know of a 4.3 V-6 that goes in trailerblazers?

...ive herd that the new I-5s with mods are "small block killers" with tons of torque...could be very cool

[hotrod 80]

Mine was a 2003 4x4 . The 4200 is the same as the I5 + one cylinder . The 4,5, & 6 cylinders share alot of common part . I did alot of research on these before the purchase . I work with a guy that has a 2003 with 5.3 V-8 and his always got better mpg . These motors with a turbo set up make killer power . I just wouldn't go through all the work to swap one in . A 4.3 tbi on an inline 250 would seem like a better swap . I did this on a Jeep 258 I-6 and it really woke it up . Again this is just my opinion and probably infuenced by a bad experience with the Trailblazer .

[jorgensensc]

Originally Posted by hotrod 80

My trailblazer got around 9 in town and 15-16 on the highway . I was not very happy with the 4200 I-6 . Just my opinion.

Something was definately wrong then. We have an '06 TBSS with the 6.0 V8 and I consistently get 14.1 MPG. And you know I have my foot in it 90% of the time. It doesn't have the weird demand thing that turns off half the cylinders either.

[67_C-30]

Originally Posted by 69halfton

i dont know what I-6 you guys are talking about...

chevy makes an I-5 in their new colorados, but they dont put them in any trailer blazers i know of.

i know of a 4.3 V-6 that goes in trailerblazers?

...ive herd that the new I-5s with mods are "small block killers" with tons of torque...could be very cool

They have never put 4.3's in Trailblazers. They put the 4.3 in Blazers. The 4200 L-6 came out a long time before the I-5 and I-4's in the Colorados. The 4200 has been being produced since 2000, and the original version was 270HP. The latest version is 285HP. These things run really good for what they are.




Vortec 4200 I-6 Engine
Standard in TrailBlazer LT models, the Vortec 4.2L I-6 engine generates 285 hp — unsurpassed in its class(1) — at 6000 rpm and 276 lb.-ft. of torque at 4600 rpm.

Some important features of the Vortec 4.2L I-6 engine:

A broad torque curve through the majority of the speed range helps this engine deliver 90 percent of peak torque from 2000 to 6000 rpm. This provides ample torque at low rpm and high rpm, giving you an SUV that responds with the torque you need, when you need it.
Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) relays accelerator pedal position information to the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). The PCM then positions the throttle air valve in the best position to help achieve optimum vehicle drivability.
Pistons and rods are lightweight, helping this engine run comfortably at high rpm and producing more power from smaller displacements.
Variable Valve Timing offers a number of advantages over conventional valve timing in the areas of power, efficiency and emissions and helps produce near-peak levels of torque over an extended range.
An advanced heat treatment process give the aluminum engine block and cylinder heads light weight with exceptional strength.
Nodular iron crankshafts were optimized using the most advanced math-based computer tools available to GM to help provide quiet operation, long-term reliability and remarkable durability.
Iridium-tip spark plugs help this engine travel up to 100,000 miles before the plugs need to be replaced. The recommended engine coolant change interval is up to 5 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first. And the accessory drive belt is designed to operate up to 150,000 miles before requiring replacement. Maintenance needs vary with different uses and driving conditions. See the Owner’s Manual for more information. See your dealer for the Chevy TrailBlazer maintenance schedule.

[67_C-30]

BTW, the base model Trailblazer weighs 4350, so this engine would do OK in our trucks despite the non-aerodynamic styling.

[68C15]

I knew these things had a real nice torque curve but I had no idea they were that good. 276 lb-ft@ 4600? that variable cam timing really pays off. they can now get the combustion pressure up there without the worry of burning a piston AND they can go without an EGR.

[Ackattack]

when I get done with my 68, my wife wants a nova....so I'm going to put a 4200 I6 in there.....with a hair dryer!

[special-K]

I don`t see a huge difference in aerodynamics between a Trailblazer and a 67/72,other than the rain gutter.

[69halfton]

hmmm i thought that there were definatly V-6s in the trailblazers...

maybe in canada they are different?...alothough i doubt it.

Theres a racing class at the local stock car track here that runs Hopped-up I-6 motors, and they sound awsum. ive always thought itd be cool to have a totally stock I-6 truck, and have it look normal. but then you start it up and fry the skinny tires all the way down the street

[dwaite72lnghrn]

I like the 4.2 I6 we have in the 2002 trailblazer. On a trip out west we got as high as 25mpg and in the mountain passes around wolf creek, Durango and Cortez we got about 21mpg. They are computer controlled and I think drive by wire also. Around here low mountains and hills we get about 19-20 daily.
I think the first year trailblazers were the old s10 type with the 4.3l engines.

[OhNoJoe]

With the drive by wire then you got to goof around with the pedal arangement????? Plus I would have to get all the puter stuff for it and find nice mounting spots. I'm guessing it's not any different than putting a newer 350 with IF into on or these truck... Might even be cheaper than building up a 72 292.

[Bowtie001]

It's either that or a Diesel for me when I'm done. I want economy and mild towing capability. That thing produces more power and torque than my old worn out 350, costs about the same as a rebuild, and won't leak or have a choke. They are good engines. If I can get 17 with the 350 I am sure the 4.2 will bring me into the 20's. You're forgetting something comparing the Trailblazers with these trucks - Trailblazers are HEAVY.

The only thing I don't like about the I-6's is that (I think) the four wheel drive versions have the half shafts coming out of the oil pan... yeah that's what I meant.


I still want one.

Bottom line - it's your truck. Put a 4 banger turbo dodge motor in it if you want.

-Brian

[OhNoJoe]

Here is the most complete write I have found for this swap. It seems too hard for me to do. This guy and to fab up an oil pan get a different IF system different motor mounts.

http://www.inliners.org/cgi-bin/ulti...=001014#000000


I just used the search feature at inliners.org term 4200. I might be able to find some more stuff.

It would be great to find someone here who has done this swap.

[RamAirZ]

There are a few guys I've talked to that have done this swap, a few are building turbo setups. I had planned on doing this swap into my 69' pontiac but decided against it due to what I wanted the car for. I have an exhaust flange for the 4200 if anyone wants one lol

[OhNoJoe]

I got the 4.2 but now that I'm looking at it it seems a bit more than I can handle I think I'll go back to the 292 I got everything I need for that ps/ac...ect ect ect.
I'm trying to selling 4.2 for what I got into it. I had it on ebay for $250 All I got was nine lookers and no bids.

[Bowtie001]

I might be interested in it depending on what accessories you have with it and price and location, of course. PM me if you're interested in selling.

-Brian

[RamAirZ]

It's fairly easy to swap, the wiring is pretty straightforward especially if you use something like Megasquirt to control it

[Deuce]

There is a guy (efi-diy) the was looking into a carbed version of the 4200 on www.performance-shop.com

Send him a PM maybe if interested.

[tdave00]

Originally Posted by OhNoJoe

I got the 4.2 but now that I'm looking at it it seems a bit more than I can handle I think I'll go back to the 292 I got everything I need for that ps/ac...ect ect ect.
I'm trying to selling 4.2 for what I got into it. I had it on ebay for $250 All I got was nine lookers and no bids.

I have never gotten my password for inliners so I haven't been able to view those posts. Why is the swap so difficult?