Need help on building a 4.3 up.

[The Big Green]

First off, not mine, my buddy has a '87 Blazer with a little TB 4.3 with auto. I have seen these things built up, and remember one, but that was like 6 years ago. He doesn't want a 5.7 swap, and just wants things to make it a little more powerful. Maybe a cam, headers, and maybe swap it to a carb, or something. I'm lost, at where to get anything, and what to do.


Far as I know, its basically a 5.7 minus 2 pistons. I'm sure there is a lot more. Can anyone help me?

[skchevota]

Originally Posted by The Big Green

First off, not mine, my buddy has a '87 Blazer with a little TB 4.3 with auto. I have seen these things built up, and remember one, but that was like 6 years ago. He doesn't want a 5.7 swap, and just wants things to make it a little more powerful. Maybe a cam, headers, and maybe swap it to a carb, or something. I'm lost, at where to get anything, and what to do.


Far as I know, its basically a 5.7 minus 2 pistons. I'm sure there is a lot more. Can anyone help me?

Sounds like your on the right track. You could go to a mild cam, and headers and kep the injection or put a little more cam in it and go with a carb. as for parts, check out Summit racing.com, they have everything you will need.

[gchemist]

Call this company for TBI upgrades. http://www.cfm-tech.com/GM_tbi_tuning_tips.htm

[The Big Green]

Thanks guys. He doesn't know anything about what he wants, but he know he wants sound, or lopey cam. I'm trying to dig up what I can, and get him prices. I'll be the one that does the work, but I have only done SB, and BBC's, with the exception of some ricer engines.

Is there a site, or something that I can get some tourqe specs? Are the rods, and pistons the same as the 350, or am I on the wrong track?


Thanks for the sites.

[corn]

Here's some good 4.3 V6 reading...

http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/e...ild/index.html
http://www.hotrod.com/pitstop/hrdp_0...nce/index.html
http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge...l_block_v6.htm

[The Big Green]

I could use 1 more piece of advice. Lets say we do a noticeable lopey cam, then the TB is gone of course for the size. I think, IMO, that it may be cheaper to find a good 350 block, and build it up with a little cam, use the 4.3 mounts, and get a 350t under there.


Would that be a better way to go? Last I checked, 4.3 headers, intake, TB upgrade, and cam was over a grand. Now, this is after I ran into problems with this shop, and now I dislike them...lol, and it was like 4 years ago too.


Thanks for the sites.

[corn]

V8 V8 V8 V8 V8 V8 V8! I think you know how I feel. I like my 4.3, but a V8 would be saweeeeeeeeeeeeeet!

[68C15]

check into a CPI setup. you could get a used one and I think he may be happy.
they came in the 92-95 S10s. they are snappier than the later CSFI.

[The Big Green]

He's on a budget, and thats not the way to go, because its better to save up for whats best for your goal. Thats why after being on this site, I have made a list for my '67, and I save up, and buy whats next on it when I can.


He's goal is sound, and nothing else. He wants that lope, something so people can know your there. I know a V-8 would be best, but I don't think he's up to that kinda money for a swap, because he has a good 4.3 now. I'll look at the sites posted on here.

[streetstar]

If we're dickering over a grand --- making a V-6 sound and run strong is out of the guys price range (well, they run pretty strong stock .....but)

A 350 swap should be done if we're not worried about AC. Or he could put a set of Flowmaster 40 duals on it

[Damien]

4.3s cost as much or more to build compared to a 350. You have to buy a lot of the v8 parts and not use or modify them. I had to buy 16 of everything for my valve train. I had to cut the windage tray and valley pan.
Unless you want to be a little different and build the 4.3 I would get a 350 or something cooler like a LSx or a turbo 3.8. I would do the 3.8 if I had to start over with mine.

[Damien]

I saw yesterday that Edelbrock has an cam and tbi intake kit for the 4.3. LMC has it priced at about $500. That might be something to look at.

[The Big Green]

Originally Posted by Damien

I saw yesterday that Edelbrock has an cam and tbi intake kit for the 4.3. LMC has it priced at about $500. That might be something to look at.

Will do, thanks.

[69halfton]

well, want a cheap lump cam, pull a spark plug wire off

i know, not funny, id swap the v8. even if its stock for now, there is so much room for improvment later.