Thread: Need information on fitment of 95-96 4.3 Chevy engine

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About 10 years ago I could have quoted chapter and verse to you about all the differences because I was knee deep in that same swap myself, but today I just can't remember everything I had to do to make it work. I do know that I was painted into a corner because I rebuilt the new motor before I realized so much was different about it, so I had to continue on. In the end I had a whole lot more money in it than if I would have simply gotten the same year engine to start with, not to mention weeks and weeks of poring over parts books to find parts to make it work.

You are right that the bell housing and motor mounts are the same, and being hot rodders we have this optimism that if it is mechanical we can MAKE it work. What you are not seeing is that Chevy developed groupings of 4.3 engines and all they shared in common was the displacement. They changed the heads, internals (balance shaft vs non balance shaft) pulleys, pan shape, timing cover, damper, flexplate, etc, etc. There are so many differences that it becomes expensive to try to make a newer one fit where an old one once lived. I understand only too well what you are saying about "it doesn't make sense" because I was saying those same words when I was trying to salvage my boat engine swap back then.

You would be far better off buying a rebuilt long block 94 engine, or rebuilding yours than trying this swap. I think your quote of $ 1100.00 for the valve job is nuts. We had lots of these heads (and 350's too) redone and the bill never was higher than $ 500.00, and that included ss valves. Plus, if you do get this engine down in there you will have to contend with two different computerized systems, and we all know how much fun that can be. Finally, we are talking about a 1994 pickup with 130 K on the clock. With all due respect, it isn't worth the amount of money you are going to lay out to make this thing work.

Just trying to save your sanity bud.

Don