I need to know as much about this engine, including which year is the best for modding, were i can get the best performance parts, and for the cheapest amount. Im planning on building a S-10 with a 4.3 and 5spd tranny that will pout v8's to shame. I also need to know what is the best 5spd manual to use, and rebuild with this engine. Thanx

 

a 4.3 with turbo is going to put out about as much hp as a bolt on 5.3 N/A

As far as years go.. 99+ for the tuning capabilities

 

Not trying to rain on your parade 'cause I like to see your kind of enthusiasm,but...in order to put V8s to shame, you're going to need 1) a very expensive 'built' motor, 2) nitrous or 3)forced induction. And the factory 5-speed won't hold up to any of those for very long. The 4.3 is a good motor (it's 3/4 of a GM 350 motor!) but it's going to cost $$$ 'to put V8s to shame'. Just my opinion.

 

I've been involved in quite a few 4.3L V6 S10 (and a few in full size's) projects. Trust me when I say that you can run with 5.3L's (in full size trucks) if you are up for the work that goes with it and your 4.3L is in an S10. What is your actuall performance goal? 12's, 13's, etc.

 

Here is an NA 4.3 S-10 that runs 12.80's on the stock decreened MAF, intake, distributer etc.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PBM4SjJzZOE

Here is a $200 marine intake that may be of interest. It comes complete with 24pph injectors(@43.5psi) thatw ill actually flow 28.3 pph at 58psi. Your stock 4.3 poppets flow 19 pph at 43.5psi.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MERCU...ssoriesQ5fGear
Theres around $3000 worth of stuff if you were to buy it all through Mercruiser. I wish mine was $200.

peace
Hog

 

What is done to it to make it run a 12.80? Does it weight like 2100lbs.?

 

http://www.brodix.com/heads/v6.html

 

Oh ****, I didnt know anybody still made heads for the 4.3, I figured when Edelbrock stopped theirs, they were the last.

 

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/perform...CATID=274.html

320 cubic inches!

 

Oh, I just noticed that last link is from 2000. I wonder if the GM block is still available?