I will be the first to admit that I haven't been too much into the 4.3 engine. I have had a couple in boats that have unexplained vibration that I wasn't crazy about. I later found out why.
Personally, I would not put $1100 in a valve job on a 4.3. I am just looking for alternatives for my nephew. I could pull the heads and do the valve job for him since I am a Journeyman Machinist. I even have most of old school equipment to do it with, but I am not looking for any work to do.
It is one thing to do something for yourself, especially when you need it. His truck would be easier to drop a small block V8 in than fool with the 4.3 but he is unsure what he wants to do. I ran across a really good deal on 2008 4.3 and was told about the impossibility of exchange into a 94. This just didn't ring a bell with me
I will wind up either rebuilding his 4.3 or dropping the small block in it's place to help him out. I can grind his valves, seats and resurface his heads for a little of nothing other than the trouble of doing it and the price of the gaskets providing they are not cracked. I think $1100 is way too much for the valve job anyway.
I have had three open heart surgeries, three heart attacks and two small strokes. Like I said, I am not looking for too much work right now. My main reason for asking about the 2008 4.3 was that I could find a use for the 4l60E that was attached and split the cost with him. I have found that the 4.3 doesn't really get much better, if any, mileage than a small V8 because they have to work harder to keep up. I am thinking that it would be just about as easy to install a 5.3 and better mileage too. 21 MPG in a 4X4 pick up truck. I haven't seen a 4.3 that will do that. Same transmission bolt pattern, different mounts but that is no problem.
I have found that in my case, it is easier to do something when you are interested than when you have to and not interested. Know what I mean?
Heck, I told him of another truck that I could get for $1000 that was 4X4 extended cab with a bad fuel pump. He is still thinking about it. Not too much to think about in my opinion, but it is his decision. It is a lot more fun to build a street rod anyway.
Thanks to all for the information. It is much appreciated.