good, reliable engine. it won't rip the paint off with amazing acceleration, but a huge number of 350 mods will apply directly to the 4.3 with similar results, proportional to its size.

as far as sound goes, with the right exhaust, it will give a nice rumble. a little different from a v8, but i get compliments on the sound of mine.

my 2 cents. have fun, man.