Stupid Question of the day: 4.3 anyone?

[Heater63]

Originally Posted by sailed2japan

I've given this topic alot of thought and if it were my ride I would roll with a 292 inline 6, I think they may have only been in the big trucks. Anyway I would get it breathing throught TBI from a late 80's/ early 90's 350, since they still used a distributor. Then I would bolt a 5 speed overdrive to it and run a 3.42 axle ration or whatever worked best to keep my RPM's in the sweet spot doing 70-80 on the highway. I'd also use some moderate width tires. skinnier would be better for ultimate mpg's, but it's no use if you can't jump into traffic or corner worth a crap. That's why I think a 235 or 245 width is about right.

Only problem is he's interested in fuel efficiency too. The 292 is a long stroke torque monster, but not fuel efficient because the heads sucked- and it's not cheap to hot rod one or do the mods to make it more efficient. Mine has cost way more than any modified SBC! But your correct on the T5 (or $$$ TKO-500) with gears of the 3:4-3:73 range.
For different, put in the I6 from a new Trailblazer.
For best value, ease, and efficiency, Clemdaddy may have right approach by modernizing the induction, ignition, and heads of a 327, or a 305 for a miser.
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