[Gassman]

I want to put a 4.3 CPI engine and 4l60 trans from a 93 blazer into a 70 nova in place of a 307. Does anyone sell motor mounts for this swap? Does anyone have suggestion on the fuel sys, I have the complete blazer for parts. What should I do for a speedometer. I know this may be a strange question on a hotrod site but I think this would be a good daily driver(100 mi. a day) Thanks in advance.

[poncho62]

Just my opinion, but, if you are doing this for economy reasons........forget it. I would put money on it, that your mileage will not improve enough to make the swap worthwhile...

[Gassman]

I'm not doing the swap for just economy. I already have the nova body and I traded an old boat for the wrecked blazer. I think this combo can be fun to drive and economical. I already have an other nova with a 454 for a hotrod.

[Kevin Varnes]

Sounds like a neat swap. I'm not familiar enough with the GM 4.3, it does however share some similarities with the SBC. The engine mount bosses on the 4.3 block may be the same as on the SBC (I know someone will correct me on this). I'm sure no one sells engine mounts for this specific swap if new mounts are required. You will need to upgrade the fuel pump to a high pressure electrical pump and you will also need to add a return line to the tank. The 4L60 in '93 was just a renamed 700-R4 so you can follow documented trans swap advice on that regarding driveshaft length and crossmember location (if I recall the 700-R4 usually retains the crossmember location, but requires driveshaft alteration and the 2004R is the opposite). Obviously you'll have to plumb o2 sensors into the new exhaust. It's been a while since I've researched it, but there are options for running a mechanical speedo from a trans originally used in a car with an electrical unit. Search around for Howell Engine Development. I know they make/made kits for installing LT1's into older vehicles. They may be able to help with some of your questions.

[stevesauto]

They sell a kit for the s10 blazzer to make a v8 fit you may have to take mounts off of the car and set the v6 in and weld a plate with motor mounts on it where ever you would like it Iam not shure what year it was but the nova came with a v6

[Kevin Varnes]

I'm pretty sure the Nova's were only available with the trusty 250 I6.

[Gassman]

I've read that the engine needed to be moved back 8 in. but I measured from the stands to the firewall on both cars and the nova is only 4in. longer.Does anyone sell a aftermarket fuel pump that puts out the pressure I'll need. I've thought about cutting the top out of the blazer tank and welding to the nova tank. I would leave the old gauge sender alone and cut or bend the tube on the in tank pump for clearance. How does a v6 sound with dual exhaust?

[Kevin Varnes]

Probably your easiest bet for a fuel pump is an inline horizontal. Holley, ACCEL, and Bosch all make units that should fit your application. Look through your favorite catalog for one. You'll probably be fine with around 100lph.

**EDIT**
Oh yeah. V6 exhausts can be difficult to sound decent. You might want to shoot for quiet over loud. Otherwise you might end up with a veru buzzy exhaust note. SuperCoupes (supercharged 3.8 v6) generally sound best with converters, both pipes going into a resonator, output can be either single or dual out of the resonator, and then mufflers near the end of the tail pipes.

[Blazin72]

Im thinking you'd be better off sticking with the V8 and it probably wont be as fun to drive as you might think. That 4.3 probably doesnt make any more power than that 307 does and it sure as heck wont make as much torque.

[garretthes]

I had an 89 S10 Blazer w/ the 4.3. Great engine. They idle rough though. My mileage was around 18 mixed driving. Sold it with 220K and still running great.
What about a mid 70's GM car that ran a V6 for your motor mounts.

[Bugs]

The motor mounts on the 307 and on the 4.3 are in the same location, we pulled a tierd 4.3 TBI out of my brother in laws 86 chevy truck and replaced it with a 350 C.I. carburated engine, every thing bolted right back up without any problems, we even used the distributor out of the V6 on the V8, the exhaust bolted up too(stock exaust) with only have to make a slight bend on the passengers side cross over pipe, I hope this is as easy with a Nova, it should be

[97Z28]

everything should basically be the same. they call the 4.3L a 3/4 350, because the only major diference is 2 less cylinders....

[poncho62]

Originally Posted by Bugs

we even used the distributor out of the V6 on the V8,

That must have been a trick...........

[saabstorey]

but you should spend a lot of time surfing this site:

http://www.astrosafari.com/

This is another good online community and there are people there that know that 4.3 backwards and forewards. Also check out the info there about going from a V6 to a V8. there are even videos of some crazy vans outrunning this and that.
Also, for more info than you would like to know, Engine Builders magazine did a very in-depth article on the 4.3 a year or two ago. If I can find my copy, I'll be glad to scan it in or mail it to you. Otherwise, look them up, and just order the backcopy. It was the cover story, "Rebuilding GM's 4.3 V-6" and it had all the similarities to the SBC laid out for you.

Good Luck.

[V8 S-10]

4.3s are great engines,but the the '92-'96 CPI setups are known for being very troublesome. I don't think i'd want to go though the trouble of swapping one in with that induction.