Swapping 4.3 V6

[b1v3r]

I have an 85 CK that has a great body and nice running 4.3. V6. It only has about 68,/70,000 miles original miles on it because the previous owner died and it sat dorment for 2 years. I am fearful of the engine because of the age, (but it runs great). Would it be better to have the v6 rebuilt or go ahead and swap out for a rebuilt 305. Im not into speed, but I am into original and semi-custom. I was told that a 305 would bolt right up to thr recently rebuilt tranny and all I would need would be a/c brackets. It doesnt have ac now. I live on a very limited budget.

[old Rusty C10]

id just run the truck.. the 305 gives you no more power than the six, and the gas mileage stinks not that the six is much better but i had a truck (86) that had the 4.3 and it ran like a champ and did whatever i needed it to.. change your fluids and just drive dont fix what aint broke

[cjracing15]

I just did this swap on a 4X4 86. IT IS DEFINITLY NOT JUST A BOLT IN SWAP!!!

You need V-8 motor mounts, exaust manafoilds, new carb linkage brackets, along with new acc cable a tv cable for trans, new exaust pipes,(4.3 uses very small pipe size) v-8 radator and shroud, plus you need to find a good running 305 350. but all of your accs. on the front of the motor will bolt to a small block.

If you are going to be on a small budget and the 4.3 runs sweet I would do the needed mantance on the motor and drive it. Then start your search for all of the parts you need for the swap. Then buy them as you go.

What I did was I bought a running but well used suburban with a 350 in it and used all stuff I needed off of that.

If you have any questions post them and I would be glad to help.

[motopatzo]

I also agree. If you don't mind the power you have know, I would leave it alone. I had a 4.3 in my truck, and it is not a straight swap.

[Pyrotechnic]

I agree, if you are on a budget you just answered your own question. Engine swaps are time consuming and will nickel and dime you along the way, at least if you want something that starts up every morning.

[60-66 Nut]

I have to agree with everyone else. I've done lots of engine swaps over the years, and if you don't have a parts donor vehicle it can run you crazy rounding up part after part, not to mention the cost. And if you did decide to do it, you might want to consider a 350. It fits in the same place as the 305, with much better power and probably about the same mileage.

The early(pre-vortec) 4.3's were very reliable engines. The one in my 92' GMC has 384,000 miles, it's never been rebuilt, and it still doesn't use any oil between changes(5,000 miles). I drive it 80 miles a day to work and back, and I still get 22-23mpg(5 spd).

So if yours runs good and doesn't leak or burn a bunch of oil, just run it and enjoy. Best of luck.

60-66 Nut