Nick_R_23

4.3L V6 is on it's way out. It will be getting rebuilt and used to power a 4runner. The 4runner currently has a hopped up 327, but it's a little too much for the truck, so the 327 will be used in another car. The 4.3 should be much tamer, better mileage, and not work the cooling system so much.

Nick_R_23

Annnnnd it's out! So much emissions crap in the way, I ended up just taking everything off for easier access. Who thought this tiny little thing belonged in a full size truck?

NoSloZ_1

lookin good! your gonna love the ls power. even "stock" its gonna make driving your truck way more enjoyable than that 4.3 ever did.

Nick_R_23

Thanks! This particular 4.3 was well due for replacement, and was embarrassing when trying to pass someone. I wasn't kidding when I said it used more oil than gas, there was oil dripping right out of the exhaust bolts.

I wanted to get the engine set in today, but I found out that the V6 frame mounts are different than the V8/Inline 6 ones, so I spent most of the day running around sourcing a pair.

I at least got the flexplate and spacer bolted on, and the holes machined out for the 700r4 pattern. Also bought a brand new set of motor mounts, just need some more bolts from the hardware store in the morning and I'll be set to drop the engine in.

Blackpony

iTrader: (6)

Good luck with the swap! I am almost done with mine, it has been a breeze.

Nick_R_23

I found a set of F-body exhaust manifolds locally for $100, says they are off an '04 (what?!). Will these fit, or should I hold out for a 2010 Camaro set?

Nick_R_23

I got the crossmember cleaned up a bit, and got the frame mounts and motor mounts bolted down.



Perfect fit! Didn't even have to pull the hood!



Getting everything aligned.



And completely bolted in!



Now I have a question about the tranny dipstick for you guys running 700r4's...what do I bolt it to? Can I use a dipstick from a 99-03 truck, do those bolt up in a different spot?

darren roar

iTrader: (1)

How's that oil pan fit? Im in the middle of the same swap and i used the gm musclecar pan for fear of clearance problems.

Nick_R_23

The stock truck pan has tons of room. Mine is 2wd, and it clears the crossmember by several inches. I kept my transmission in the stock location, so I guess I have 1-1.5" setback.



I started working on some of the little stuff, I got the torque converter bolted up and modified the tranny cover so it would bolt up.

This is the initial cut I made. At first, I thought getting rid of the raised lip would solve the problem.



But I figured out that it was hitting on the two lower 10mm bolts holding the rear main seal cover on, so I made another small notch to clear.



Close up



It also required grinding just a hair off of the bottom of the cover, right where it meets the tranny pan. It also required removing that little plastic cover on the driver's side of the block, no big deal.



And this is how it fits. I may still need to modify it a bit more for the starter, but I doubt it. I will find out once I pick up a new one.



Perfect fit!





I also got the power steering hooked up at the end. The pressure side bolted right on, the return side I just made some slight adjustments to the metal line and shortened the rubber hose, and it looks factory.



Now I need a starter, alternator, belt, radiator and hoses, and an exhaust mainly.

darren roar

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for the info. Good luck with the rest.

Nick_R_23

I picked up a set of Camaro LS1 exhaust manifolds today but they didn't fit, so I guess 2010+ Camaro manifolds it is!

I did get a little bit done, made up the bracket for the MAP sensor using one of the now unused wiring harness brackets from the driver's side of the engine, and put it where the coolant line bracket used to go. Relocated that bracket to where the crappy stock clip for the cooling lines went on the fender well.





You almost can't even see it!





Also, from this



To this. Much cleaner!



Going to try and source a radiator and fan shroud tomorrow.

Nick_R_23

One last bit of fun before I head in for the night. Turned down and re-threaded the coolant temperature sensor from the 4.3L.



Like it was meant to be!

darren roar

iTrader: (1)

That sucks about the f-body manifolds that's what i planned on using. How bad did they fit. Any time with a lathe is a good time. I got a killer blueprint for a radiator hose coupler if you want it.

Nick_R_23

The manifolds I got look like the bottom set in this picture, I'm not sure what year they are. The other years (more truck-style F-body ones) may work, but I couldn't be sure. I measured my engine setback, which is 1 1/4". Even with that setback, I couldn't install them with the heat shields, both flanges hit the bottom of the frame rail (just barely, but they did). The passenger side hit the brake and fuel lines pretty bad, and to top it off, the flanges came out really close to the control arm bushings. I wouldn't feel comfortable running the pipe that close to them.

84hernandezc10

The ones on the bottom look like gto manifolds.

Nick_R_23

It looks like you're right, thanks for pointing that out!

84hernandezc10

No problem. I used some lt schoenfeld headers fit great

Blackpony

iTrader: (6)

how much would you charge me to make a coolant sensor like that! nice idea

Nick_R_23

I know there is a member on here (I forget his name) that sells these already turned down and ready to go, I think he charges $25 for the sensor, very reasonable in my opinion. I'll try and look him up later if nobody else finds him. I might consider doing a few sets if nobody else is currently making them.

I also made up a T-adapter to act as a coolant crossover tube. The small fitting will connect to the steam tube from the heads. Made from a 3.5" long piece of 1" aluminum round stock. This will be a one-off piece, damn thing took forever! This should give a general rundown of the process if anyone was interested in making their own.

darren roar

iTrader: (1)

I never thought to put that coolant bypass tube in the heater hose. I made mine to go in the upper radiator hose.