4.3 in a C10

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

At my job someone wrecked a 2003 Astro Van, and it has about 60,000 miles.

I get to drive it alot, and it does run very well. So my manager is handling the insurance claim partially, and I jokingly said I'll give you $400 right now for it. Anyway he has asked our carrier if it is ok because the van is totaled, but the adjuster said they have to go through the settlement process first. That is all part of the negotiating, and they would have to talk to me first to confirm interest and payment. Either way if it were to happen its at least 5-6 weeks away. With a ok chance of getting it in the end, and by the time I have the parts I need/want I should be plus $500 or so.

So for you guys who have the 4.3 in your C10. How do you like it, and what kind of mileage do you get. I have read on S10 forums that guys claim better mileage with a 350, but I don't see why. I know its not the best motor in the world, but I feel it maybe better then my tired 350. Plus get me down the road a couple of year easily to where I can really build up something nice.

[Tx Firefighter]

I've been looking pretty steady to score a 4.3 for my little short bed I'm building. Lots of fellows on here will poo on the little V6 idea but I've owned several full size trucks with them and been happy. I like trucks I can drive to work, 80 miles round trip, and have some folding money left in my pocket after filling the tank.

Before all the naysayers poke in with the claim that a 350 will match it in mileage, I haven't found that to be the case on an unloaded truck at 60 miles per hour on the highway. And I've had a good number of both configurations and put a lot of miles on them.

You can also find Mercruiser carburetor intake manifolds all over eBay to convert your late model efi engine to a carburetor if you want to go that route.
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[Keith Seymore]

I've had a steady stream of 6 cylinder C/K/R/V trucks.

My current is a 4.3L fuel injected short box, 3.73 rear with overdrive (manual) trans. I get around 20 - 22 mpg with that.

It's not a tire burning hot rod, and you don't get that V8 sound. But - it does everything I want it to do, even when I shouldn't be asking it. I wouldn't change a thing.

K

[gchemist]

I drive a 96 four door Jimmy. It weighs as much as my SWB 83. A stock 4.3 MPFI makes more HP and torque than 305s and 350s our truck era. For a daily driver, a 4.3 would be great. I manage 16-17 MPG with city driving. 20-23 on the highway. 20 doing 80 MPH! With 29" tall tires and 3.42 gears. You should consider 3.42 or 3.73 gears in your truck. Grab the transmission for a complete swap. You can program the ECM for gains in power and function. I spent $86 to program my 96 ECM. Did wonders for transmission control, MPG, power, and idle. If you go to carb, you can sell several parts off the drive train. I would be interested in a few parts.

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Well if I can get it I will go for the swap then. I would prefer a few of the other motors I have asked about, but for the price I don't think I can go wrong. Plus I should be able to have money in the pocket after I pull the motor, trans, and wiring out that I will need. Either way it has to be better all around then a tired 350, and I can also sell that for a few hundred because it has a 4 bolt.

So hopefully they will sell me the salvaged truck.

[AntiGov]

my 2006 2wd long bed work truck i bought new has the 4.3, 145k on it, runs great gets 20mpg empty. and I pull a 2800 lb enclosed work trailer around with no problems....has been a great motor

[gchemist]

If you get it, here is my suggestion on removing the drive train. Disconnect everthing from the body. Lift the body off the frame. Now you have the template on installing it in your truck. You will need the cat and exhaust. The engine has four oxygen sensors. The engine will also have all the upgrades made to a 4.3 from the factory. I have 221800+ miles on my 4.3. It shows no signs of slowing down. I would replace the lower intake gaskets while it's out. It will save time later. The fuel tank may be added or you can put an electric pump in yours.

[Keith Seymore]

Originally Posted by gchemist

If you get it, here is my suggestion on removing the drive train. Disconnect everthing from the body. Lift the body off the frame. Now you have the template on installing it in your truck. You will need the cat and exhaust. The engine has four oxygen sensors. The engine will also have all the upgrades made to a 4.3 from the factory. I have 221800+ miles on my 4.3. It shows no signs of slowing down. I would replace the lower intake gaskets while it's out. It will save time later. The fuel tank may be added or you can put an electric pump in yours.

Good thought.

An Astro van has a front sub frame (like an F car), so you could leave everything intact and perhaps even roll it around on the front wheels (to help with shipping and handling).

K

[buffle]

I own a factory 1987 r-10 w/FI v-6 and 400 turbo. Runs great gets good mileage. My only problem is traction when it rains or snows, this combination puts a lot of low end torque to the road.

[school boy]

I think it would a good little engine. nice fuel injection with good milage and decent power!