Camaro Project

Does anyone know if I need custom motor mounts to mount an '89 90 deg 4.3L TBI V6 from an S-10 in an 89 Camaro that previously had a 60 deg 2.8 in it? Can I use 4.3 mounts or 5.7 mounts? If I need custom ones, where should I go for them? Thanks for your help.

wesilva

iTrader: (35)

I mounted my thirdgen transmission, in my case, a T5 to the 4.3. I used V8 block mounts. I installed the engine/transmission combination together. With the transmission in it's proper place, I was able to figure out where the V8 frame mounts needed to be redrilled. The 4.3 V6 is the same width as the V8 so you will be redrilling along the same plane front to back. Does that make sense? In other words, the mounts should only shifted front to back, not very much higher or lower on the frame member.

Most will tell you the V8 swap is better and easier...and they are correct unless you have a slant towards the unusual or you are looking for better handling than a V8. The properly placed V6 is nearly a 50/50 weight bias especially if you mount the battery in the rear. Use properly modified Vortec V6 heads (redrill the factory rocker studs for V8 studs and use V8 roller rockers) and the new Edelbrock Vortec V6 intake manifold. Coupled with a Comp Cams 280HR hydraulic roller cam/recommended springs, the motor will be approaching 300 hp. You'll also have to modify the guides for more lift.

Projek: 85 3800

Jegs/Summit has the mounts for putting in a V8 in place of the 2.8, the same company that makes it may have the mounts for the 4.3, if different.

And what's all this slant talk about other V6 engines????

wesilva

iTrader: (35)

The 4.3 is a totally different animal than the 2.8. They share absolutely no parts or dimensions that I can think of. The 4.3 is basically a 350 with two cylinders removed.

Absolutely nothing against the V6 third gens but to put in a 4.3 will require a little more work than a V8 and one would question motives for doing the swap. It is not a bolt in swap. There are a few good, even great reasons for doing a 4.3 swap but the question arises....can a V8 do the same thing with less work.

Camaro Project

Thanks a lot for the infor. The reasons I want to do the swap is a s follows:

1. I own a fully functional, strong running 4.3 setup

2. I'm friends with someone at a shop I used to work at that will help me build it.

3. Initial cost of the v6 Camaro and following insurance costs will be less.'

4. The Camaro will handle better and be more effificient than a 350.

5. It will be unique with the option of going to a Syclone / Typhoon turbo setup------with a few more g's of course.

Thanks again for your comments. If you can think of anything else, please post it.

wesilva

iTrader: (35)

Here's something that might wet your appetite.

http://www.speedomotive.com/4.3%20V-...OKER%20KIT.htm

I like the Syclone/Typhoon plan. Here is a website dedicated to them with great porting tips for the V6 Vortec heads (hot with the Sy/Ty crowd), as well as some other 4.3 mods

http://syty.huryde.com/html/engine/772_cut.htm

Camaro Project

Thanks for the links. They might come in handy one day. Are there any critical things that you can think of that held you up during the swap? I don't think I mentioned it, but I want to mate my 4.3 to a T-5 also. Right now, the 4.3 is bolted to a 4x4 700R4.

wesilva

iTrader: (35)

Not many snags. First off let me make it clear that I just mocked the 4.3 in MY Thirdgen because, like you, I had a well built 4.3 that's going into a Triumph TR7. I felt like I needed to drive my IROC while my V8 was being built so I was going to use the 4.3. After mounting the motor, I realized that the Global West HD springs that were on the car hardly budged with the flyweight V6. That gave my IROC an ugly nose up attitude. I didn't want to change springs or cut them. A friend of mine liked the idea so much we built a 4.3 for his Camaro to replace his 2.8. Just needed to clear that up. His car drives great and I kind of wished I would have completed my project with the V6 but that's water under the bridge.
The T5 your after is a V8 T-5, preferably a World Class unit. Use a internally balanced V8 flywheel and harmonic balancer. Since the V6 lacks a little torque compared to the V8, I would consider a 3:73 gear. We used factory headers from an Astro Van. The heads were changed to the 95 or newer Vortec heads that are a copy of the desired V8 Vortecs. We drilled out the factory stud holes and tapped them to V8 ARP studs so we could use the V8 Comp Cam roller rockers. We also had to modify the guides and spring pads to accomodate a larger spring and more lift. He was on a budget but wanted a stouter main cap so we used factory 350 four bolt caps, drilling the extra hole. I used the 350 Manley splayed caps on my 4.3 and would recommend them if your going NOS or high rpm. The factory 4.3 rods are different than 350 rods. The big end diameter is larger. We polished the beams, had them peened and installed ARP bolts. We used the Edelbrock Performer Vortec #2114 manifold and a Holley DP 600. We used the same Comp Cam 280 HR roller rocker cam as mine. It is the biggest cam that will still utilize the factory roller rocker spider retainer set-up. He wants to make a dyno run but hasn't as of yet. I can tell you that it rocks. Retaining the 2.8 badges doesn't hurt either.

wesilva

iTrader: (35)

Here's a pic of the block with the main cap modification. Sorry I dont' have any other pics at this time.

Camaro Project

Thanks again for the info. It will be really useful if I do this. Also, I wanted to let you know that my 4.3 is an '89 TBI unit, not a CPI Vortech. Do you know what external changes were done between the generations? Are the mounts in the same location, etc...?

wesilva

iTrader: (35)

You actually have a great starter motor. Somewhere in the evolution of the 4.3, after your model year, a special internal balancer was used. You have a hydraulic roller block ( a good thing) without the complications with the balancing system. If I were you, I would seriously consider the '95 or newer Vortec heads and the Edelbrock #2114 manifold especially if your looking for big power. Those Vortecs outflow yours by a long shot. Hot Rod Magazine did a 4.3 build up and used your earlier style heads. Even with 2.02 valves and extensive porting, they could not outflow stock Vortec heads. Again, they are the '95 or newer style. They are very easy to identify because they have a heart shaped combustion chambers. There is a set that sells on eBay almost every day so they are plentiful. I picked up a perfectly good set for $150 including shipping. Your only other alternative for heads are the very rare Brodix 4.3's or the factory racing 18 degree heads which require special pistons and valve train. Both are well over $2000 new for the complete set-up. The Edelbrock manifold is a standard squarebore and I believe you can adapt your TBI if you desired but you'll find you will need larger injectors and a serious chip program to get that TBI to meet your performance goals especially after adding a larger camshaft. Good luck and if you like, feel free to PM.

wesilva

iTrader: (35)

Oops...sorry but my picture is too big and I'm to stupid to make it smaller. PM your e-mail address and I'll be glad to show you my friends block with the adapted 350 four bolt mains and the modified Mildon 350 windage tray.