1998 c1500 4.3

[hillbillyjr]

i have a 1998 c1500 that has the 4.3 vortec motor and a 5-speed transmission, it is a 2 wheel drive short wheel base truck. i was wondering if it is able to get close to 300 horses outta that motor with just bolt-ons like headers,programmer,CAI ect.I would appreciate any suggestions.thanks alot

[Tweaks]

If 1998 era 4.3's were rated at 200 hp stock, then finding another 100hp with some simple bolt-ons is not going to happen. You would need to go for some aggressive internal mods to get that much more power.

[1sick4.3]

i have a buddy that has a 4.3 pushin 430 to the wheels with an sts turbo kit it goes for 3,ooo on ststurbo.com its the universal kit. you might want to upgrade your fuel injecters though.

[hillbillyjr]

i don't want to put that much into it, i was just wanting to build me something i could get out and sling around every now and then, not a racer. thanks

[hornsfan10609]

It can be done, but I would just do some bolt ons and see how much power you can make, then build a motor (V8) that makes as much power as possible.

[1sick4.3]

you can probably get about 275 out of the 4.3 with minor bolt ons.

[hillbillyjr]

how difficult would it be to swap the v6 with a v8, what all is invovled and would i have to change the tranny. what would be the best motor to go with. thanks

[hornsfan10609]

You can keep your tranny, go with a 350. There are tons of threads on the swap, do a search.

[98GreenMachine]

a new cam, some long tube headers, full exhaust, and a PCM tune will net you a nice, noticeable gain.

I love working on fullsizes with a 4.3, tons of room

[98GreenMachine]

This intake spacer will also help, gives your intake some more breathing room:

http://www.streetandperformanceelectronics.com/vmax.htm

Its been dyno tested on here and has shown improvements.

[1sick4.3]

dont go 5.7 if u have one newer than 98 go 5.3

[Koots]

Listen to 98greenmachine, pretty much listed what i was gonna say.
Do some work on the 4.3L, make a few upgrades (exhaust, tune) and if you like the new found power, keep it going.

[951500]

i would put a 350 in it and that will solve alot of your problems. for power. then drop some headers on it and little odds and ends. all you have to do is find a 96-98 that is selling for parts with a good 350 motor and swap the motor ,wiring harnes, and PCM. thats only if you have the extra cash to do so . but if you plan on puting about 500 or more into your 4.3 , just go and try and find a 350 parts truck first.

[Koots]

i would put a 350 in it and that will solve alot of your problems. for power. then drop some headers on it and little odds and ends. all you have to do is find a 96-98 that is selling for parts with a good 350 motor and swap the motor ,wiring harnes, and PCM. thats only if you have the extra cash to do so . but if you plan on puting about 500 or more into your 4.3 , just go and try and find a 350 parts truck first.

That is very true, but an engine swap is not always the answer for everyone. I have the ability and know how to swap an engine no problem, but i kept the 4.3L. gonna keep it until it dies on me, then a 350 is going in.

BTW, whereabouts in atlantic canada are you?

[Pauly]

A Vortec 4.3 to Vortec 350 is about tehe asiest swap you can do. All of the front accessories fit, as does the air intake, exhaust will bolt right up(although teh Vortec 350's use a dual cat setup).
Even use the same PCM, just with a different tune.
The trans will bolt right up, as will teh V6 torque converter.

You will just need to run 4 extra wires from the PCM to run teh extra 2 poppet injectors, there may be a couple pins in teh PCM you'll need to swap.

easy easy swap.

You could even do a 305 if you wanted to.

I owuldnt wait for an engine to die before I swapped up to a V8, why not swap up while teh V6 is fresh, then its WORTH something, once it blown its toast. And really waiting for an engine to blow up could leave you driving a V6 for MANY years. These engines just keep going and going. Its not the 70's anymore with carbs that wash down the cylinders.

peace
Pauly

[Pauly]

heres an NA 4.3 running the stock poppets doing 12.8's in the 1/4.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBM4SjJzZOE

Heres a Procharged S10 doing a 13.29 at 102mph

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jzz9RaApdNs

peace
PAuly

[Ironroad9c1]

seems like every frigging fullsize truck around here for sale has a damn 4.3 in it.