I have been searching this site and google for a couple hours now and I can`t seem to find a lot of info on the 4.3L v6 vortec engines.

I have a 1980 chevette that is just begging for a v6 swap and I think the 4.3L is the best candidate I just can`t decide what year or what trans to use.

I would like to use an 2001 or newer 4.3L because HP Tuners supports these, and they have more HP that older engines.......but
1. Did GM ever switch these engines to drive by wire? I want to stay cable TB.
2. Can I bolt up a old style GEN I SBC trans to it? I am thinking of using a th350 or a muncie M21.
3. If I use the M21 what flywheel would I need?
4. Is the oil pan steel or cast aluminum?

TIA, any help is appreciated.

 

i think i can answer a couple of your questions..

1. i think 99-02 was a throttle cable and 03-06 was a drive by wire
4. and the pans are aluminum

 

I was fearing that GM changed the V6 over to a cast aluminum pan, thats going to make it a lot more effort if I need to cut the pan.

Thanks for the info.

 

never have looked at mine but i believe it is NOT DBW, its an 06, i'm gonna change my oil tomorrow and i'll look

 

oh ok..i wasn't sure if they changed the 4.3's to DBW or not

 

4.3s are not drive by wire.... and if you are gettinga new enough engine, you might as well get the overdrive to go along with it.....

 

It's easier to cut and rebuild the cross member than it is to cut/fabricate a new pan.

For a trans, I'd go with a 200R4 from a V6 Monte Carlo (early to mid 80's) or the 700R4 from a V8 TA or Camaro Z28. Both require fabrication, but the 200 is a lot closer to fitting without a big hammer.

Are you trying to maintain fuel injection on the swap? If not, just get an older 4.3 and rebuild it (that would cure the pan issues too with the older stamped steel rear sump pan). There are TONS of performance parts, including 18 degree heads/intake from GMPP, large valves, big cams, etc...

 

I am going to keep the EFI, I have no problem wiring or plumbing it and the driveability is better so why not.

Looks like I might be moving back a few years on the engine though, I think I might be getting a mid 90`s TBI 4.3L with pcm, trans, accys, etc for $300. If thats the case its just too good of a deal to pass up. I want the extra 40hp of the new engine and the ability to program without burning chips, but the price of the older engine screams buy me

I wasn`t too worried about OD on this car B/c I don`t see me putting deep rear gears in, maybe 3.08, but probably 2 series. I don`t think I need a 3.73 B/c the car is so light and the tires are short