Hi Itoldyouso,

Looks as though we are in the same boat, or at least in the same lake. Sometimes it feels like a whirlpool. I questioned him about how the mechanic knew the heads needed a valve job just by looking at the plugs. He must be a lot better than I am. I have worked at 4 different GM dealerships before I became a Journeyman Machinist.
My Nephew is a good kid and I want to help him save some money. He is self employed in home construction and needs his truck. Like I said, I would prefer to replace the engine with a 305 or 350 of similar vintage. Most of the wiring will hook up with a few changes and the exhaust. Being self employed money counts so I can see why he needs to try and do it his self.
Not necessarily in this case, but most of the time when I try to help someone out I wind up doing all the work, they are gone and I am still wondering how I will get my own stuff done. Seems it is vastly one-sided.
The 4.3 is a good engine but it stands to reason when it has to work so hard and require more throttle to keep up that sometimes the larger engine is a better choice.