Chevy 4.3 V/6 education needed
 

I need to talk with someone in ref to 4.3 Chevy V/6 This is a unique build up for me, if it were a SBC I would have no questions.

And I realize this is not a Class Racer drag race question, however, I expect we have some racers on this board with 4.3 V/6 knowledge.

This build up was inspired by the Youtube video "Radio Flyer Car" I will be using an S-10 chassis and drivetrain. Because space will be tight the V/6 package is ideal.

Questions;

*Which 4.3 block will accept a conventional /HEI style distributor?
*I see post about 1996 - 1999? using a "Vortec" head. Will that head bolt onto any 4.3 block?
*For simplicity and nostalgia I will use a carb and HEI ignition
*I am OK with a flat tapped or roller, depending on what parts I can find easily.

*Because the builder/driver is an OLD hotrodder I will want a slight lope at idle :)

*I will use a T-5 five speed because the owner/driver/builder wants a manual shift :)

NOTE: This is not a race of high performance build, just fun, simple, something to ride children in at parades, car shows, benefits, fundraisers, church events, etc.

Basically, I need to be up-to-speed in ref to interchangeably with the 4.3 combinations.

Re: Chevy 4.3 V/6 education needed
 

*Which 4.3 block will accept a conventional /HEI style distributor?

as long as it's a even fire 6 cyl (4.3 only, the 200/229's will not work)

*I see post about 1996 - 1999? using a "Vortec" head. Will that head bolt onto any 4.3 block?

they'll bolt up BUT if you are using a counter balanced 4.3, you may have an issue with the intake hitting the counter balance shaft

*For simplicity and nostalgia I will use a carb and HEI ignition
*I am OK with a flat tapped or roller, depending on what parts I can find easily.


go with the roller,more money but MOST of the 4.3's already have roller cams in 'em already

Re: Chevy 4.3 V/6 education needed
 

Use hydraulic roller camshaft. Use the Vortec head and eliminate the balance shaft. Look for early 4.3 distributor, or use aftermarket. Start lining up your intake now. Unsure of how availability is currently. I just sold one last week and the buyer thought he hit jackpot by finding one.

Re: Chevy 4.3 V/6 education needed
 

Re: Chevy 4.3 V/6 education needed
 

Only tip I can think of is if removing balance shaft,block oil hole to bearing.
Intake tip,alot of boats w/ 4.3 have intake for 2bbl. rochester,or quadrajet, you may be able to pick some of that stuff up @ marine shop,here in KY we see alot of frozen boat engines,that you can get about anything except a block.
A non computer HEI maybe hard to come up with,can use computer version w/ ign. box like msd etc,just will have no mech. adv. if budget allowed could use digital and program timing curve
Mike Taylor3601

Re: Chevy 4.3 V/6 education needed
 

The engine responds real well to aftermarket parts.
Like Mike said, do away with the balance shaft.
I helped a friend do some mods on his engine some years ago.

He retrofitted the engine with a pair of late model Vortec heads with clean up port work, rocker studs, stiffer springs and steel retainers. Comp Cams hydraulic roller cam, timing set and rockers, Edelbrock Performer intake, 600 CFM Holley carb and a Performance Distributors Non-computer HEI. It really woke up the engine.

Here are links to some good articles he used:

http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/e...d/viewall.html

http://www.hotrod.com/pitstop/hrdp_0...6_performance/

Re: Chevy 4.3 V/6 education needed
 

Use 88-91 tbi engine block, OE Roller cam, no balance shaft to mess with. Edelbrock has intakes, as well as the mentioned marine ones are all over ebay. Also there is a few guys on ebay selling complete new hei ditributors for 42.95

Re: Chevy 4.3 V/6 education needed
 

for heads i would stay with the stockers just the basics 3 angle,if you really want to get aggressive have them fitted with 2.02 but that all depends on what cam you run. The bottom ends being 2 bolt mains were a weak point on spinning it up or anything with boost. I have converted mine to 4 and keep boost at 22-25 with the stock cast cranks with no problems now.