Printable Version of Topic
Click here to view this topic in its original format
914World.com _ 914World Garage _ 95 ' F I Chevy 4.3 Ltr
Posted by: flmont Feb 17 2016, 10:56 PM
I have a 95' 4.3 Ltr FI engine that needs rebuilt,..what kind of power can U get from these engine's with factory ECU,..and spider FI system..?? Thanks
Posted by: Mueller Feb 17 2016, 11:12 PM
I'd think asking that question on a truck forum that the motor came from you'd get more answers. Can the ecu be chipped or reprogrammed ¿
Are you willing to change the pistons rods or heads?
$500 rebuild budget or 3 times that amount¿
Posted by: messix Feb 18 2016, 12:46 AM
it depends on what version you have.
you will need to look here to figure out what engine you have https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_Motors_90%C2%B0_V6_engine
then with less accessories and less restrictive exhaust you might add 10-15% in hp
also note how low these engines make their power, these are designed for torque to be used in trucks.
Posted by: jsaum Feb 18 2016, 09:47 AM
My boat has the marine 4.3 it makes 205hp.
Posted by: matthepcat Feb 18 2016, 10:37 AM
Just build it to GMC Syclone/Typhoon specs with a turbo for best power.
Posted by: mgp4591 Feb 18 2016, 10:48 AM
Just build it to GMC Syclone/Typhoon specs with a turbo for best power.
And then a really strong trans to handle the torque and hp - that'd be a monster in the right chassis!
Posted by: jmill Feb 18 2016, 01:47 PM
Go to the S10 Forums. Lots of high performance goodies are available for that engine (check Summit and JEGS). You can easily get 260 HP. I had one in an S10 Blazer. The turbo'd aluminum block GNX version would be insane in a teener.
Posted by: messix Feb 18 2016, 02:37 PM
Go to the S10 Forums. Lots of high performance goodies are available for that engine (check Summit and JEGS). You can easily get 260 HP. I had one in an S10 Blazer. The turbo'd aluminum block GNX version would be insane in a teener.
Gnx has the Buick 3.8
Not the same engine
Posted by: jmill Feb 18 2016, 06:45 PM
Gnx has the Buick 3.8
Not the same engine
Well dang. I thought the were based off the same block. My bad.
Posted by: Steve Pratel Feb 18 2016, 07:21 PM
Gnx has the Buick 3.8
Not the same engine
Well dang. I thought the were based off the same block. My bad.
Yeah, totally different engine. The 3.8 is a V-6 that dates back to the 60's as a 90degree V-6. A very stout motor...... The 4.3 is derived from the 350 V-8 minus two cylinders. Low rev, high torque. IMO, the 3.8 used in the GNX is a much better motor, even NA. In its later years was roller rocker and lifters, very smooth great Fuel Economy and an easy 200K. One benefit of the 4.3 was the plug and play of Pistons, Connecting Rods, Lifters, Rockers, Bearings, Timing chain, valves from the 350.....
I'd love to get my hands on one of the old Buick or Olds all aluminum V-8's. I had one in an Opel GT project years ago........ Back then they were all over the place. Now, impossible to find.... Ah the good old days.
Posted by: Mike Bellis Feb 18 2016, 07:34 PM
I would go with a 5.7L V8 and reap the benefit of cheaper parts and more power.
Posted by: spaceshuttle Feb 18 2016, 09:32 PM
I would go with a 5.7L V8 and reap the benefit of cheaper parts and more power.
Here ya go.
Posted by: flmont Feb 18 2016, 10:02 PM
Yea I know about the v8's,...but I have the 6 if I could build close to 300HP,..i would be happy with that, but I do want FI,....Otherwise its the subie EZ30R ...not sure what kinda pwr that can reach stk is 240 or so,..
Posted by: spaceshuttle Feb 18 2016, 10:10 PM
Yea I know about the v8's,...but I have the 6 if I could build close to 300HP,..i would be happy with that, but I do want FI,....Otherwise its the subie EZ30R ...not sure what kinda pwr that can reach stk is 240 or so,..
Look again. That is a 6. 4.3 Chevy. Confident that it will be over 450HP
Posted by: Mike Bellis Feb 18 2016, 10:19 PM
Yea I know about the v8's,...but I have the 6 if I could build close to 300HP,..i would be happy with that, but I do want FI,....Otherwise its the subie EZ30R ...not sure what kinda pwr that can reach stk is 240 or so,..
Look again. That is a 6. 4.3 Chevy. Confident that it will be over 450HP
But how much did you spend on it?
Posted by: spaceshuttle Feb 18 2016, 10:21 PM
Yea I know about the v8's,...but I have the 6 if I could build close to 300HP,..i would be happy with that, but I do want FI,....Otherwise its the subie EZ30R ...not sure what kinda pwr that can reach stk is 240 or so,..
Look again. That is a 6. 4.3 Chevy. Confident that it will be over 450HP
But how much did you spend on it?
Way too much but it sure is fun! I had the engine and thought it would be fun in a 1750lb. car
Posted by: Mike Bellis Feb 18 2016, 10:29 PM
Look again. That is a 6. 4.3 Chevy. Confident that it will be over 450HP
Way too much but it sure is fun! I had the engine and thought it would be fun in a 1750lb. carMight be fun and all but a V8 will make more power for less money.
So it all depends on your budget...
Posted by: flmont Feb 18 2016, 10:33 PM
I think 300-350 HP is about right for a 914,..being I have the engine a supposed vortec at 200hp should'nt take much to get 250 275,..,..the subie engines are around 1500.00 plus all the ECU expense,..at near 2500.00 from outfront,..hell 4 k already,..and I
have all that already for 250.00 bucks
Posted by: spaceshuttle Feb 18 2016, 10:33 PM
Yea I know about the v8's,...but I have the 6 if I could build close to 300HP,..i would be happy with that, but I do want FI,....Otherwise its the subie EZ30R ...not sure what kinda pwr that can reach stk is 240 or so,..
Look again. That is a 6. 4.3 Chevy. Confident that it will be over 450HP
But how much did you spend on it?
Way too much but it sure is fun! I had the engine and thought it would be fun in a 1750lb. carI do have another one that I broke the crank in. I have a set of the little Brody aluminum heads and it has a kickin little .600 cam. If you are interested, I would sell you some of the parts. It made 300 with just the heads and the cam.
Posted by: flmont Feb 18 2016, 10:35 PM
Mike,..your car is 325 HP are u happy with that,..and with the handeling,..of course your set up is more than stk,..I know..
Posted by: spaceshuttle Feb 18 2016, 10:36 PM
Look again. That is a 6. 4.3 Chevy. Confident that it will be over 450HP
Way too much but it sure is fun! I had the engine and thought it would be fun in a 1750lb. carMight be fun and all but a V8 will make more power for less money.
So it all depends on your budget...
True, but it only weighs 300lbs dressed.
Posted by: flmont Feb 18 2016, 10:36 PM
if I could only find a chevy 302..I could live with that
Posted by: flmont Feb 18 2016, 10:41 PM
if I could only find a chevy 302..I could live with that,..Do a FI system,..But why cant I up the crank size,do some hd wk and B done,..Oh thanks for the link MESSIX,...
Posted by: Mike Bellis Feb 18 2016, 10:42 PM
Find a 283 and put a 327 crank in it and you have a 302.
Posted by: messix Feb 18 2016, 11:33 PM
Find a 283 and put a 327 crank in it and you have a 302.
no
find a early 327 [small journal crank] and put a 283 crank in it, and then fin really small combustion chamber heads to get the compression up then you will have a cheap 302.
a real z28 dz302 is a large journal block and crank.
and the buick v6 was never offered in a production car with a aluminum block
Posted by: messix Feb 18 2016, 11:34 PM
Find a 283 and put a 327 crank in it and you have a 302.
that would be a 307..... really small bore/long stroke
Posted by: Steve Pratel Feb 19 2016, 12:14 AM
I think if your going to do a custom built V-8 in a 914, a 383 SBC stroker is the way to go. 400 crank in a 350, and you have an easy 6000 rpm redline. A great motor overall. Of course you can build more into it, but this is a very easy build, and the only build I would do on a small block.
Posted by: messix Feb 19 2016, 12:44 AM
I think if your going to do a custom built V-8 in a 914, a 383 SBC stroker is the way to go. 400 crank in a 350, and you have an easy 6000 rpm redline. A great motor overall. Of course you can build more into it, but this is a very easy build, and the only build I would do on a small block.
this motor would be so outside the nature of what a 914 would need.
a 914 doesn't need stump pulling torque that a stoked out 350 would have.
better builds would be a 283, 327 sbc
or a 4.8 5.3 ls gm v8 and there are hybrid builds to do from these engines also
you could take the crank and rods out of a 4.8 and use the pistons nad block from a ls1 [5.7] or a 6.0L block and have the short stoke and large bore to allow better breathing heads.
the mid '90s lt1 v8's could build a hybrid from the "mini" lt1 that was a 4.3 v8 using the crank and rods and transferring them to 350 one piece main seal block and pistons for a 302.
Posted by: whitetwinturbo Feb 19 2016, 01:40 AM
..........or go BIG 
Posted by: moorepower Feb 19 2016, 05:39 PM
383 is a 400 crank in a 350 block. Heck a 283 with some small aluminum heads would be perfect.
Posted by: flmont Feb 19 2016, 05:45 PM
Yea,...No...not going that big,..just want 300 ponies at the wheels and the ability to cruise,..8 hr hiway or a 3 hr blast thru the mountains,...V8 seems to be the cheapest easiest way to go,..my V6 can only punch out to about 250 HP I need 325 for 300 at the wheels,..I belive,...Or agin I go Subie,...,..the wife want to keep it stk,...but that's due to to much HP in such a car,..and I said,..Baby that's were the fun is,...!!!! Thanks For all the info,...Guys...
Posted by: Mike Bellis Feb 19 2016, 06:04 PM
Find a 283 and put a 327 crank in it and you have a 302.
no
find a early 327 [small journal crank] and put a 283 crank in it, and then fin really small combustion chamber heads to get the compression up then you will have a cheap 302.
a real z28 dz302 is a large journal block and crank.
and the buick v6 was never offered in a production car with a aluminum block
Yea, flip it. What he said
Posted by: Mike Bellis Feb 19 2016, 06:11 PM
383 is a 400 crank in a 350 block. Heck a 283 with some small aluminum heads would be perfect.
I had a 283 with iron heads. It was heavy and made a reliable 250hp. good heads and a bigger cam could make an easy 300hp.
Posted by: messix Feb 19 2016, 06:25 PM
383 is a 400 crank in a 350 block. Heck a 283 with some small aluminum heads would be perfect.
I had a 283 with iron heads. It was heavy and made a reliable 250hp. good heads and a bigger cam could make an easy 300hp.
the very small bore of the 283 presents valve shrouding challenges, finding a set of aftermarket "vortec" heads with small chambers to keep up the compression or milling the heads would solve this.
Posted by: Steve Pratel Feb 19 2016, 08:17 PM
I think if your going to do a custom built V-8 in a 914, a 383 SBC stroker is the way to go. 400 crank in a 350, and you have an easy 6000 rpm redline. A great motor overall. Of course you can build more into it, but this is a very easy build, and the only build I would do on a small block.
this motor would be so outside the nature of what a 914 would need.
a 914 doesn't need stump pulling torque that a stoked out 350 would have.
better builds would be a 283, 327 sbc
or a 4.8 5.3 ls gm v8 and there are hybrid builds to do from these engines also
you could take the crank and rods out of a 4.8 and use the pistons nad block from a ls1 [5.7] or a 6.0L block and have the short stoke and large bore to allow better breathing heads.
the mid '90s lt1 v8's could build a hybrid from the "mini" lt1 that was a 4.3 v8 using the crank and rods and transferring them to 350 one piece main seal block and pistons for a 302.
Ah, to each his own. A 383 stroker loves to rev, makes power a bit higher in the rev range without sacrificing the benefits of low end torque. At least the ones I built. Is a much more tractable motor, with solid progressive power. That was my thinking.
Posted by: flmont Feb 19 2016, 08:21 PM
So I will now switch gears completely,...and ask about a 4.6 ford V8 in a 914 any experience with that motor,.?? anyone
Posted by: Cracker Feb 19 2016, 08:22 PM
FYI: Even being optimistic...you'll need 340-345 crank hp to achieve 300 at the wheels. Also, getting a small displacement engine that has good streetability (and more important - reliability) isn't a trivial pursuit. The Subies blow up often on the track...in Subies. It just isn't stupid easy, be careful and do your homework.
Tony
Yea,...No...not going that big,..just want 300 ponies at the wheels and the ability to cruise,..8 hr hiway or a 3 hr blast thru the mountains,...V8 seems to be the cheapest easiest way to go,..my V6 can only punch out to about 250 HP I need 325 for 300 at the wheels,..I belive,...
Posted by: flmont Feb 19 2016, 08:31 PM
well now Iam thinking small blk ford 4.6 v8 will they fit in a 914
Posted by: Mueller Feb 19 2016, 08:32 PM
well now Iam thinking small blk ford 4.6 v8 will they fit in a 914
NO
Posted by: Steve Pratel Feb 19 2016, 08:45 PM
So I will now switch gears completely,...and ask about a 4.6 ford V8 in a 914 any experience with that motor,.?? anyone
I dont have the measurements off hand, but the Ford 4.6 is a very wide and tall motor, VERY unlikely it will fit.
Has anyone ever done the Fox Body 302 Ford in a 914? I'm not a Ford man, but this is a widely available and easily built motor
Posted by: Mueller Feb 19 2016, 08:59 PM
So I will now switch gears completely,...and ask about a 4.6 ford V8 in a 914 any experience with that motor,.?? anyone
I dont have the measurements off hand, but the Ford 4.6 is a very wide and tall motor, VERY unlikely it will fit.
Has anyone ever done the Fox Body 302 Ford in a 914? I'm not a Ford man, but this is a widely available and easily built motor
A few pictures online showing the difference between the old 5.0 and the mod motors...yep it is wide.
"Fit" is a relative term, with enough fabrication anything can fit, if you have to ask if can fit, well the answer is no.
Posted by: messix Feb 19 2016, 09:04 PM
right now it looks like the gm ls v8 engine is the most compact, lightest engine per hp and very affordable with nearly unlimited parts and support.
Posted by: flmont Feb 19 2016, 09:06 PM
Damn that figures,..I was just cking the 4.6 gt mustang eng.all Alm. and 300 ponies,..
Posted by: flmont Feb 19 2016, 09:09 PM
Yes,..the LS1 is popular,..fords have front facing intake,systems and some nice dress up engine covers,that kinda hide the whole engine...
Posted by: messix Feb 19 2016, 09:13 PM
a gm 4.8 or 5.3 is cheap to find at wrecking yards and with very easy and not so difficult or expensive mods will make your target power with ease.
http://oppositelock.kinja.com/speed-on-a-budget-build-a-400hp-chevy-ls-motor-for-und-1125469009
Posted by: Steve Pratel Feb 19 2016, 09:15 PM
For fun
Engine Measurements
SBC Chevrolet 262-400
Dimensions: 26 inches wide, 28 inches long, and 27 inches tall
Weight: 575 pounds
Sump Location: Rear
Starter Location: Right
BBC Chevrolet 396-454
Dimensions: 28 inches wide, 30.5 inches long, and 29 inches tall
Weight: 685 pounds
Sump Location: Rear
Starter Location: Right
GM LS1/LS6
Width: 26 inches wide
Length: 28 inches
Height: 25 inches
Weight: 425 pounds
Ford 221-351W
Dimensions: 24 inches wide, 29 inches long, and 27.5 inches tall
Weight: 460 pounds
Sump Location: Front
Starter Location: Left
NOTES: 351W height to carburetor pad in 23-3/4 inches. 289-302 height to top of pad is 20-3/4 inches. Length for all 221-351W Ford is with short serpentine water pump.
Ford 351C
Dimensions: 24.5 inches wide, 29 inches long, and 28.5 tall
Weight: 550 pounds
Sump Location: Front
Starter Location: Right
Ford 4.6L SOHC
Dimensions: 28-5/8 inches wide, 28 inches long, and 26 inches tall
Weight: 600 pounds
Sump Location: Front
Starter Location: Right
NOTE: Width is valve cover to valve cover. Height is to top of valve covers.
Ford 4.6L DOHC
Dimensions: 30 inches wide, 28 inches long, and 29-7/8 inches tall
Weight: 576 pounds
Sump Location: Front
Starter Location: Right
NOTE: Width is valve cover to valve cover. Height is to top of valve covers.
Chrysler 273-360
Dimensions: 24 inches wide, 29 inches long, and 27 inches tall
Weight: 550 pounds
Sump Location: Front
Starter Location: Left
Chrysler 361-440
Dimensions: 29-1/2 inches wide, 30 inches long, and 29 inches tall
Weight: 670 pounds
Sump Location: Front
Starter Location: Left
Chrysler 426 HEMI
Dimensions: 29 inches wide, 32 inches long, and 32 inches tall
Weight: 690 pounds
Sump Location: Middle
Starter Location: Left
Posted by: Mueller Feb 19 2016, 09:26 PM
I'd bet you could do a dirt cheap rebuild on the 4.3, add an ebay'd turbo for a few hundred and get over 300hp
Posted by: flmont Feb 19 2016, 09:26 PM
Thanks Messix,...I will ck those out also,..I need to pick something and get started,..no sports car is no Fun,..!!!
Posted by: Mueller Feb 19 2016, 09:31 PM
The advantage to the 4.3 V6 or 305/307/350 SBC is that people often sell the adapters and other parts for the swaps pretty darn cheap when they decide to part the car out or install a much more expensive to do LS1 conversion.
Posted by: Cracker Feb 19 2016, 09:36 PM
At this rate, maybe a strategy using "ine meenie (300hp!) miney mo" would work best. 
T
Posted by: jimkelly Feb 19 2016, 09:59 PM
hp is one thing but a 914 with 200 hp and stock trans, hustles. ideal would be a 200 hp (or stronger) engine that can run steady at type 4 engine rpms (6000+-) to match the stock 914 trans.
Posted by: flmont Feb 19 2016, 10:17 PM
WOW,..those engines are heavy,..almost to heavy,.LS 1 is the only real option ..or as Mueller said,..but I bet that v6 is heavy enough too,...
Posted by: flmont Feb 19 2016, 10:21 PM
Too damn many options,..I will decide over the week end pick something and start running,...The info here is unreal a lot to think about already,...I forgot about the tranny and RPM matching,..Thanks jimkelly...!!
Posted by: flmont Feb 19 2016, 10:28 PM
That original yellow 914 302 from porchev that sold on bring a trailer,really got me thinking about that install the least expensive and a lot of pwr, and I bet nice and smooth and quiet while crusing,I don't want a lumpy cam for pwr just stk pwr,..
Posted by: flmont Feb 19 2016, 10:30 PM
How do u like ur set-up Jimkelly,..???
Posted by: Mike Bellis Feb 19 2016, 10:50 PM
My first 914 V8 conversion was with a 1988 5.0L EFI from a Mustang. I loved that car! It was awesome! I had to make 90% of the conversion. I could only buy the adapter plate, flywheel and clutch. Everything else was fabbed from scratch.
Posted by: 914GT Feb 20 2016, 11:07 AM
Hi Frank,
Sorry we weren't able to meet up over the holidays for you to see my car. Regarding engine weights, the 575 lbs shown for a SBC is probably for a fully-assembled factory set-up with all brackets, accessories and emissions controls. I think that number is higher than typical for a 914 conversion. I measured various parts several years ago on a digital scale and this is what I got:
Cast iron block with bearings/main caps/bolts - 164 lbs
Assembled cast iron heads (x2) - 90 lbs
Crankshaft - 48 lbs
Cam - 8 lbs
Piston/rods (x8) - 24 lbs
Flywheel (stock, not KEP) - 28 lbs
Oil pan - 6 lbs
Hydraulic lifters - 3 lbs
Rockers - 3 lbs
Distributor - 5 lbs
Aluminum intake (Edelbrock Performer) 15 lbs
Total of above - 394 lbs
Aluminum heads would take about 36 lbs off this weight, to 358 lbs.
A KEP stage 3 clutch weighs 11 lbs.
I use a Dedenbear electric water pump and water header, less than 15 lbs.
Other parts adding to the weight are the carburetor, air cleaner, plugs, wires, headers, timing chain/cover, alternator, balancer, brackets/belt(s), gaskets, bolts and other hardware. These might add another 50 - 60 lbs or so but I have not measured them. Therefore I think the total weight for a Gen I SBC is more around 450 lbs with cast-iron heads. Obviously these weights are going to be different with the actual bore/stroke combo and use of aftermarket parts.
Best wishes on your project!
Posted by: moorepower Feb 20 2016, 01:25 PM
Hi Frank,
Sorry we weren't able to meet up over the holidays for you to see my car. Regarding engine weights, the 575 lbs shown for a SBC is probably for a fully-assembled factory set-up with all brackets, accessories and emissions controls. I think that number is higher than typical for a 914 conversion. I measured various parts several years ago on a digital scale and this is what I got:
Cast iron block with bearings/main caps/bolts - 164 lbs
Assembled cast iron heads (x2) - 90 lbs
Crankshaft - 48 lbs
Cam - 8 lbs
Piston/rods (x8) - 24 lbs
Flywheel (stock, not KEP) - 28 lbs
Oil pan - 6 lbs
Hydraulic lifters - 3 lbs
Rockers - 3 lbs
Distributor - 5 lbs
Aluminum intake (Edelbrock Performer) 15 lbs
Total of above - 394 lbs
Aluminum heads would take about 36 lbs off this weight, to 358 lbs.
A KEP stage 3 clutch weighs 11 lbs.
I use a Dedenbear electric water pump and water header, less than 15 lbs.
Other parts adding to the weight are the carburetor, air cleaner, plugs, wires, headers, timing chain/cover, alternator, balancer, brackets/belt(s), gaskets, bolts and other hardware. These might add another 50 - 60 lbs or so but I have not measured them. Therefore I think the total weight for a Gen I SBC is more around 450 lbs with cast-iron heads. Obviously these weights are going to be different with the actual bore/stroke combo and use of aftermarket parts.
Best wishes on your project!
Exactly. Add aluminum heads, use a mini starter and a small denso alternator. The little 283 will rev higher, longer than the 2.0. Of coarse the LS is a much better engine, but for cheap, the 283 would be hard to beat. F.Y.I. I am not a Chevy guy!!! What does a dressed 2.0 weigh??
Posted by: jmill Feb 20 2016, 01:44 PM
That 4.3 would be plenty at 260 hp. Besides, what trans are you going to have on the back of that? If you stick with the 901, that 260 hp is stretching the limit already.
Posted by: spaceshuttle Feb 21 2016, 03:06 PM
Frank, here are the pics of the stuff we were talking about. I couldn't figure out how to send them in the private Message.
[attachmentid=542150] [attachmentid=542151] [attachmentid=542150][attachmentid=542150]
Attached image(s)
Posted by: spaceshuttle Feb 21 2016, 03:07 PM
Frank, here are the pics of the stuff we were talking about. I couldn't figure out how to send them in the private Message.
[attachmentid=542150] [attachmentid=542151] [attachmentid=542150][attachmentid=542150]
Posted by: Cracker Feb 21 2016, 03:12 PM
...that's some serious hardware there Larry!
T
Posted by: jmill Feb 21 2016, 03:27 PM
...that's some serious hardware there Larry!
No kidding!
Looks like a screamer. What's the redline of that bad boy.
Posted by: spaceshuttle Feb 21 2016, 06:24 PM
...that's some serious hardware there Larry!
No kidding!
Looks like a screamer. What's the redline of that bad boy.
I was at 7000 when the crank let go.
Posted by: spaceshuttle Feb 21 2016, 06:31 PM
WOW,..those engines are heavy,..almost to heavy,.LS 1 is the only real option ..or as Mueller said,..but I bet that v6 is heavy enough too,...
MY V6 weighs 300lbs dressed.
Posted by: tomrev Feb 21 2016, 06:52 PM
283 Chevy, .030 over bore, al. heads, 600 cfm carb, mild cam delivered 312 hp, and 301 ft. lbs. IMO perfect for a 914. Weight dressed was very close to 500 lbs.
Attached thumbnail(s)
Posted by: tomrev Feb 21 2016, 06:55 PM
In it's 9`14 guise.
Attached thumbnail(s)
Posted by: gandalf_025 Feb 21 2016, 08:37 PM
I wouldn't rule out the aluminum block V8's like
Buick and Oldsmobile made years ago.
You can still find those engines in Rovers because
GM sold the rights to build those engines years ago
MG and Triumph guys use them in conversions.
I remember an old Hot Rod Magazine made a graph
showing bore, stroke, crank and heads to make an
aluminum 350.. Was pretty light weight..
Powered by Invision Power Board (http://www.invisionboard.com)
© Invision Power Services (http://www.invisionpower.com)