View Full Version : Would like your input on 4.3 vortec W rebuild
it's a 92 blazer 4dr vortec W engine.
I would like to rebuild for performance, but don't want to spend more than maybe 2k. Somewhere between 250-300hp would be nice.
I am not a mechanic, but I can get by for most things. I will prolly have to get some of the things done by a 3rd party.
Would like your input on parts/products and tips. Links of best place to buy would be nice too.
If anyone is in the Triad area of NC and can help out. hit me up.
THanks,
D
Jongo88
10-01-08, 11:23 AM
The problem you are going to have the the injector. The "W" 4.3 is about maxed out. You will never get 300 hp out of it Unless you go with a tbi or carb.
Don't want to sound ignorant or anything, but is that possible to do with this engine? Have you done anything performance wise to yours?
D
right just wasn't sure if I would need a non-cpi engine to do that.
spideyjected
10-01-08, 01:51 PM
Nope, just a different computer and wiring harness. Although I guess the 92's did not have the computer controlled tranny.
BigTruckDrivah
10-01-08, 03:45 PM
The problem you are going to have the the injector. The "W" 4.3 is about maxed out. You will never get 300 hp out of it Unless you go with a tbi or carb.
So, I could swap my cpi unit for carb, possibly a better cam?
ok, well, i guess I will be doing that.
I checked out that article. I don't think those pistons exist anymore. Can't find them anywhere.
Any other comments/suggestions?
Thanks,
D
the exact ones that they mentioned in that article don't seem to exist.
Speed Pro LW2256-F-060
I was pondering building a CPI 4.3L for a Camaro down the road... I wondered if it was possible to chop off that throttle body and put an LT1 or LS1 throttle body on it to get more fuel...
On pistons, any 350 pistons will work since the bore is the same. On the cams, I'd probably go with comp cams since they make balance shaft cams. OR you could disconnect and/or remove the balance shaft all together.
balance shaft gives a smoother ride correct?
Basically 'smooths' the idle... I wouldn't know for sure, cause my 92 idles like crap...
If you remove the balance shaft, you can plug the holes with freeze plugs...
Jongo88
10-01-08, 04:22 PM
It gives you a better idle. You have a 700r4 tranny so you can do alot with the motor. The problem is the spidrer valve. If you change out the the intake and run a carb you can build what ever you want. You can change out the computer and intake and change it over to tbi and get the numbers you want too. But with the cpi you a limited... Then it you want more you can add a turbo...
any recommendations for intake and carb?
Jongo88
10-01-08, 04:38 PM
You have to look at different builds. You have to marry everything together. You want everything to work together like cam,carb., intake,pistons, compression,exhaust, to name a few. There is all kinds of builds on the internet and hp numbers and I'm sure there are members here that can tell you what they have...
I have never built a 4.3 other than stock. I have rebuilt 350's and 327's and so on. I have built 454's too. But that was back in the day.
I was debating a 350, but i have this already. would have buy a 350 with no way to get here unless it's shipped and most places won't ship to a residence AFAIK. So much to figure out. :/
Is there anyone building 350's for these trucks that u can buy? I guess it would be way more expensive as well. :(
D
Jongo88
10-01-08, 07:35 PM
It would be about the same price eather way. Just V8 it and be done with it.
What about something like this?
http://greensboro.craigslist.org/pts/829491826.html
That seems like a good deal... I'd ask for cam specs or a cam card, and I'd want to know the cc on the heads and what the pistons are (dished, flattop, domed) and how much the block was bored. Might also be nice to know if it is a 2 bolt or 4 bolt main block... although the 2 bolt main blocks hold up well enough. A 670 Holley would probably finish it off nicely.
Keep in mind though, that you will need a special oil pan and headers to put that in the S10... and you'll need to change the wiring to run it. Plus, you might have to put the radiator in the core and run electric fans. Hopefully, depending on the bore and what-not your S10 radiator will cool it OK. Looks like you'll need a dizzy too... I bought a MSD Street Fire HEI from Summit for the 350 in my S10. Also, you'll want to make sure a carbed motor in a 92 is OK for emissions/inspection in your state.
Unfortunately, 4.3Ls are expensive to build... mostly due to the cost of parts. Someday, I'll build one for my Camaro... looks like not a CPI though... Thank You JONGO8, for the spider info. Guess I'll go TBI.
one benefit of the 4.3, i can buy parts over time and not come up with a $1000+ at once. But i guess I could save up the 1k over buying parts, just not as fun. :)
Jongo88
10-02-08, 11:59 AM
Look around. I have been seeing alot of V8 Blazers and trucks for sale.
There cheep too. Look at all the work you will save... Someone else allready did all the agro for you...
ya, i already bought the blazer tho. plus I want to learn and have a project. I have to keep myself busy.
What about an LT1?
I believe I read that ppl have used this in their S10's?
http://winstonsalem.craigslist.org/pts/826325256.html
Good deal?
D
1993blazerlt
10-02-08, 05:06 PM
i would look into later lsx engines, i picked up a 5.3 complete with harness and computer for 1000 and it only had 40,000 miles on it. These engines are around 300 hp stock and a simple cam swap and exaust puts that near 350 hp!!
Depends on the mileage on the LT1... I'd take that fresh carbed motor over a high mileage LT1. However, the LT1s or LSX motors as 1993blazerlt mentioned would be better for keeping emissions/inspection legal...
Maybe this thread should be moved to motor swapping?
ur right, i haven't committed. I like the idea of the 6 cause nobody really does that, but the 8 would prolly be so much easier, especially to source parts. if i do the 8, the 700r4 will bolt up correct? would that need to be rebuilt? What about the rear end? should that be done at the same time, or should i wait and see? I will not be racing. just want that extra oomph.
D
Somebody is going to build a 4.3L when that somebody has time and money... ;) Plus, I've got to finish my other 'dumpster' motor project first.
Bu anyhow, if you aren't looking to race and just want a little more... is more 'reliable hp' as DOJ puts it that you'd get from a V8 all that important?
spideyjected
10-03-08, 07:03 AM
Drive a gutless 4 banger for several years, then the CPI seems a wicked power monster!! (o:
is more 'reliable hp' as DOJ puts it that you'd get from a V8 all that important?
Not sure I understand this question. Is what all that important?
spideyjected
10-03-08, 07:19 AM
I think she's asking if the V8 power is worth the cost and work involved, i think...
Bone Crusher
10-03-08, 08:21 AM
I think she's asking if the V8 power is worth the cost and work involved, i think...
X2 thats how I perceive it as well........
A cam, exhaust and a few other goodies go net you some some solid gains of around 30-40 hp
So ur saying just to add those to the 4.3? Stock 4.3 vortec was what, 180hp at the flywheel? whats that about 140-150whp? Those gains u mentioned are at the fly or wheel? I assume fly.So maybe another 20hp? If all this is somewhat correct, that's kinda weak. I had an 07 Altima V6 which was 3.5-liter, 270 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. That was nice. If I could get something around that level or better since the blazer is prolly heavier than the altima, I would most likely be content with that.
btw, the current engine is pretty rough right now. smoking, weak almost like a 4cyl. so i would have to rebuild. 143k on it.
Bone Crusher
10-03-08, 09:01 AM
I had an 07 Altima V6 which was 3.5-liter, 270 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 258 pound-feet of torque at 4,400 rpm. That was nice. If I could get something around that level or better since the blazer is prolly heavier than the altima, I would most likely be content with that.
btw, the current engine is pretty rough right now. smoking, weak almost like a 4cyl. so i would have to rebuild. 143k on it.
Technology has advanced quite a bit from your truck to an 07 vehicle no doubt. You can make anything more power, just have to have deep pockets for it. So I guess for your purpose, dropping a V8 in would be your best bet IMO. Especially if you have a tired motor in there now that has to be pulled and rebuilt
spideyjected
10-03-08, 09:22 AM
Although my old 350 with a cast iron intake NEVER needed intake gaskets (o: IDk, I thinl I'd just rebuild the 4.3. Even if you left it stock the difference would blow you away. I think if you put a bit of a cam and some headers on the CPI injectors would still be able to handle it "i'd think".
hmmm....i feel like a politician, flip flopping all over.
I read at LMC truck that in 92 they came out with a 200hp V6. Would that have been the vortec? The "W". The "Z" was not vortec correct?
Got this from wikipedia
1992-1993 - 4.3 L (262 in3) Vortec 4300 V6, CPFI, 195 hp (145 kW)/260 lb·ft (353 N·m) (VIN W/Z)
torque still eludes me. is that a good number?
ok, so I think I have finally decided on the v8 swap with TPI hopefully.
ok, changed mind again. Gonna rebuild 4.3, but only because I am bartering for it. So I will most likely pay nothing.
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