Anyone ever swap in a late model Chevy V6?

[Blake]

Motor is going south on my waggy (360). I am researching a 5.3/4l60E swap.

But what about a V6 swap? Anyone have any comments on this? Better mileage? Maybe cheaper?

[Carnuck]

Vortec 4.3L with O/D would be okay with lower axle ratios or small tires for a freeway cruiser.

[addicted]

Not a worthwhile swap IMO. Unless you're thinking something cool like a 3.8 turbo out of a Grand National. Probably not a great swap either but cool.

[Blake]

Has anyone done a late model v6 swap?

[billyj7175]

Just food for thought, if you look at the listed mileage for the 4.3's, the only large difference is in the S10's. If you compare the full size sierra's/silverado's, the 4.3 only gains a 1-2 mpg difference...but there's almost a 90 hp loss between the 5.3 and 4.3.

http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bymod...ilverado.shtml

[Carnuck]

Try driving a full size with a 4.3 first. I considered a Caddy 4.3 V6 diesel swap with a turbo, but the seller changed his mind

[AKJ20]

I've been think about the ford 3.7L V-6 Engine, 302HP , 6 speed tranmisssion and transfer case.

16 city/21 hwy/18 combined mpg (4x4)

[derf]

A Vortech 4.3 can be and has been done. But it's really too small to be an effective power plant for our heavy rigs. A V8 swap costs just as much and requires just as much work but you end up with an engine that has the power you need.

As stated above, you have to gear the axles a little shorter to get the torque to where you need and that kills any mileage benefits you may gain from the smaller engine.

You can do it, and if you do you should take a lot of pictures. But if you're going to go to all the trouble, the best choice is a V8.

[csuengr]

Well, a late 4.3 makes more hp and about the same, if not more torque than a stock 360 did in 1988.

That being said, smaller doesn't mean it will use less gas.

I am inclined to think that a 5.0 Vortec and 4L60E or a 4.8 and same tranny would pretty darn good for gas and power. Would need to run 4.56 gears though.

[710 Burner]

Fueleconomy.gov is biased.

[sld]

I understand that it really isn't feasible to this swap. My 2010 V6 Camaro is putting out around 330 HP and gets 29 HWY MPG and has a 6 speed automatic. Guys on the Camaro forum have turned mid 13s with it in a +3700lb Camaro. I have a Cold Air Intake and Long tube headers. Where I live, there is only a 1/8 mile track. My best was a 8.92 and just under 80 MPH. Next years V6 comes from the factory with +320 HP. Mine was 312.

[talntar]

my brothers j400 had a dauntless v6 swappedinby someoneat sometime
it was more then enough to push it along
it was the 231
http://www.earlycj5.com/technical/en...k-231-oddfire/

[ricbee]

Originally Posted by talntar

my brothers j400 had a dauntless v6 swappedinby someoneat sometime
it was more then enough to push it along
it was the 231
http://www.earlycj5.com/technical/en...k-231-oddfire/

Afew years back,I found a'69 wagoneer in a northern Michigan that had an odd-fire 231 swapped in it.It looked like it had always been there,I'm assuming it was replacing a blown Buick 350.They even cut part of the donor cars core support were the timing/tune up info was to make a bolt in tag!The whole back of the wag body was cut off,and some kind of rack was welded to the frame,i t looked like to haul logs or poles.I bought the entire engine/turbo400/20 tcase out of it!It's sitting in my barn,until I install it in A willys wagon.

[gsmikie]

to answer the question..... yes i did a 1987 chev 4.3 into a 1979 wagon i really liked i went with projection got 18 mpg ran better .... smoother....could get parts anywhere and dig this...... it did not break down

[billyj7175]

Originally Posted by 710 Burner

Fueleconomy.gov is biased.

No argument there...my only point was that the mileage difference (mostly highway) between the 4.3 and 5.3 in a full sized truck was minimal. IMO, If a person already had a 4.3 setup laying around, then it makes sense...but to go source/purchase one, I would imagine would only be slightly cheaper than a 5.3 setup.

[gsmikie]

but then i did a toyota supra 3.0turbo in a 78 but i liked the northstar that i put in the isuzu rodeo the best

[tgreese]

Nothing wrong with the 4.3L Chevy V6. I think it would look strange in the long FSJ engine compartment. But functionally it would be ok. They are very popular as a swap into pre-72 CJ-5s.