Threaded View
-
05-24-2010 11:36 PM #8
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.Ed in Jeffersonville, IN
Street Rod Builder / Enthusiast
Journeyman Machinist / Welder / (Ret)
Viet Nam Vet (U.S. Army) USAF (Ret)
Disabled American Veteran
Patriot Guard Rider
Moderator Mortec Forum
John's ride to the cemetery, his beloved Billings OK bus, The Baby Elephant!! Traveling in style!! - -
John Norton aka johnboy