4.3 v6 ????

[Clyde65]

I’m thinking a modern 4.3 v6 would be real cool in my GMC, I got it with no drive train.
Wondering about input on installing one with a 4l60e

Thanks

[The Rocknrod]

May mean a cross member move depending on your current set up.

[Clyde65]

Thanks Rock! I have an 87 c10 front crossmember

[LostMy65]

The engine would be a 262 cubic inch. And I'm thinking it won't have a lot of torque, so what rear gears will you be running?

[Clyde65]

I have a Dana 44 with 335 I believe.

[The Rocknrod]

I was considering the trans xmember.

[Clyde65]

I have an aftermarket one for ls swaps, but I’m sure it will work on this as well. 4l60e

[AcampoDave]

My 2017 Silverado W/T has a V/6 and it would absolutely smoke my 283 powered '66 chevy 1/2 ton shorty in a drag race. The Silverado has 4 doors, is always loaded down with work gear, and the computer says 20mpg (city/hwy combined) with the A/C on all day. If I was into the "modern drivetrain in a classic truck thing" , the motor, tranny and rear gear combo in my 2017 Silverado is what I would want.
EDIT: Maybe head over to your local Chevy dealer and take one for a "test drive".

[Clyde65]

Dave

I have had 3 trucks with the 4.3 in them and they are no slouches with the right gearing.
I’m going to get a bare block and see about motor mounts. Even square bodies had them!

[The Rocknrod]

That's a cool idea actually. What or how do you control the 4l80e?

[cwcarpenter98]

I don't have experience with the 4.3l v6, but the 3.9l v6 in my 95 Dakota really likes the 3.55 rear gears.
I say go for it since you need a drivetrain. I bet you can find a v6 for pretty cheap too, compared to your favorite flavor of LS

[The Rocknrod]

I just looked over an lv3 v6, seems the radiator connections and the oil pan to crossmember would become an issue.

[Clyde65]

Lv3 v6?

[AcampoDave]

Originally Posted by Clyde65

Dave

I have had 3 trucks with the 4.3 in them and they are no slouches with the right gearing.
I’m going to get a bare block and see about motor mounts. Even square bodies had them!

But I guess newer ones are different.....I copied this from the web....

The 4.3 would last all the way until 2014, when it, like the shorter-lived LS family, would be replaced by GM's 'Gen V' six-cylinder and eight-cylinder motors. Although a 4.3L version of this new engine family is currently available, it's completely unrelated to the one that came before it.

Edit: here's where I cut and pasted that info from: https://www.drivingline.com/articles...-truck-motors/

[Clyde65]

Thanks Dave! I did not know that!

[LostMy65]

What's the most years built newer generation v6?

[AcampoDave]

No problem, when you said they went back to the squarebody days I got to wondering because mine looks like a present day V8 with two cylinders chopped off. It also has the cylinder de-activation technology for saving fuel.

Edit: i accidentally edited the earlier post with this link but here's where I got that bit about the old and the new engines:https://www.drivingline.com/articles...-truck-motors/

[LostMy65]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

What's the most years built newer generation v6?

Originally Posted by AcampoDave

But I guess newer ones are different.....I copied this from the web....

The 4.3 would last all the way until 2014, when it, like the shorter-lived LS family, would be replaced by GM's 'Gen V' six-cylinder and eight-cylinder motors. Although a 4.3L version of this new engine family is currently available, it's completely unrelated to the one that came before it.

Edit: here's where I cut and pasted that info from: https://www.drivingline.com/articles...-truck-motors/

Sounds like that article answers my question.
Thanks

[AcampoDave]

I don't know about the first generation 4.3's. But mine is E85 friendly too. It wont get 20mpg burning that stuff, but as of today it was about a buck and a quarter less per gallon.

[theastronaut]

Even if you already have the engine and it cost you nothing, resale value will be way down compared to a V8. Its the same amount of work to swap in a small block or 5.3, and whatever extra you spend swapping in the V8 would more than be repaid if you ever sold it. I think a 5.3 with sequential multiport efi and much better ignition mapping would get as good or better mileage than an older gen 4.3. We have a '97 S10 with a W code 4.3 and 5 speed, it's just ok in a small truck. My '89 Ford Festiva with only ~80 hp will keep up with it from a stop.

[vince1]

I've put a lot of miles on three different 4.3's and didn't really like any of them. 89 and 90 leaked coolant into the left rear cylinder due to head cracks I think. The 96? was a vortec and it burned a lot more fuel.

[61_FL_Apache]

Originally Posted by vince1

I've put a lot of miles on three different 4.3's and didn't really like any of them. 89 and 90 leaked coolant into the left rear cylinder due to head cracks I think. The 96? was a vortec and it burned a lot more fuel.

I have had 4 from 89 to 01 and have had almost no issues with any of them. Normal wear and tear issues, but not what you described.

[murdoc]

The 4.3 is a solid v6, don't listen to anyone who says otherwise. It has some minor issues from time to time, like any other motor, but just spend half an hour reading online on any forums and you will get the same answer.

Ive owned three, and they run forever if they are well maintained and not abused. Anyone considering a 4.3 over an ls swap is obviously doing it for specific reasons: Space, fuel economy, dependability, and cost.

One comparing power performance of a v6 to a v8 will easily find the deficits in the 4.3, but the fuel economy, versatility, and reliability of the 4.3 certainly makes it a good candidate for a cruising, light duty, daily driver c10.

Yes, rear end gearing is something that needs to be looked at closely, as the gear ratio is vital to achieving the best performance out of the 4.3.

[LostMy65]

What years can you find this generation v6 in?

[AcampoDave]

Originally Posted by LostMy65

What years can you find this generation v6 in?

Looks like 2015 was the first year for the "new version"