chev 4.3 vortec in my fj40 - advice?

[torfab]

why is everyone putting a 350 in their 40's (Me being one of them), when the chev 4.3 vortec is readily available, and more fuel efficient?

the 4.3 vortec runs about 800 bucks including the ecu, and has 200hp with 250 lb/ft of torque.

I'm curious why more people are choosing the 5.7?

I currently have a '69 with a fuel injected chev 350, and I use a sh!tload of fuel... I'm considering the swap to a vortec engine, with better efficiency.

My cost of doing the project will be ZERO after selling the fuel injection and engine to pay for the 4.3.

any thoughts on this???

 

[Poser]

I have a couple thoughts:


Get your right foot off the floor. The power is fun, but comes at a cost.


You have a vehicle with the aerodynamics of a brick. You want mileage, get a TDI Jetta.


Do you have any hard data to provide that installing a 4.3 in a Land Cruiser compared to an identical Land Cruiser with a 5.7 in it is going to net you a mileage increase and gas cost savings?

 

[inkpot]

why is everyone putting a 350 in their 40's (Me being one of them), when the chev 4.3 vortec is readily available, and more fuel efficient?

the 4.3 vortec runs about 800 bucks including the ecu, and has 200hp with 250 lb/ft of torque.

I'm curious why more people are choosing the 5.7?

I currently have a '69 with a fuel injected chev 350, and I use a sh!tload of fuel... I'm considering the swap to a vortec engine, with better efficiency.

My cost of doing the project will be ZERO after selling the fuel injection and engine to pay for the 4.3.

any thoughts on this???

Howdy! You might as well go back to an F or 2F engine, cause the available power is about the same. the Toyota engine will perform better under 1000 rpm in the woods. Save the 4.3 for a mini truck application. John

 

[Senor Aguas]

I question an improvement, too. Smaller engine doesn't always equal better mileage in the same vehicle.

Compare the 2WD auto trucks (4.3 vs 4.8 liter):

Gas Mileage of 2000 Chevrolet Silverado

2000 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 2WD
6 cyl, 4.3 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular 15 City 19 Hwy
8 cyl, 4.8 L, Automatic 4-spd, Regular 14 City 19 Hwy

If these numbers look low, its b/c they were adjusted for the new '08 standards. But, still, I remember truck shopping in 2000 and noticing this trend.

A smaller engine has to work harder to perform the same task, so there's not as much difference as you might think.

You'll just be lowering your resale value (only if you ever sell it)
Here's the only advantage that I see---A 4.3 could let you have a longer rear driveshaft...

 

[LT]

6.0L or go home ;p

 

[torfab]

Thanks for all the responses, these are all good comments...

It seems to me that the technology improvements of a vortec engine with MPFI will provide the same horsepower as a tbi or carburated v8, with better fuel economy.

This is the same reason mileage will change from year to year in vehicles with the same engine block. Technology improvements will continually increase horsepower, decrease fuel consumption, and make engines more reliable.

Also, take into account the variable valve timing in a vortec engine, giving it better low end grunt, and higher HP at the same time.

oh yeah, and LT? I managed to bend my tube fenders... but thanks to a handy hi-lift, I was able to bend it back.

 

[TURNMEOVER]

weight. you already shed 200 + pounds wit the v8 conversion. the 4.3 will make it to light .

 

[LT]

Thanks for all the responses, these are all good comments...

It seems to me that the technology improvements of a vortec engine with MPFI will provide the same horsepower as a tbi or carburated v8, with better fuel economy.

This is the same reason mileage will change from year to year in vehicles with the same engine block. Technology improvements will continually increase horsepower, decrease fuel consumption, and make engines more reliable.

Also, take into account the variable valve timing in a vortec engine, giving it better low end grunt, and higher HP at the same time.

oh yeah, and LT? I managed to bend my tube fenders... but thanks to a handy hi-lift, I was able to bend it back.

Damn, nice work

 

[Poser]

Thanks for all the responses, these are all good comments...

It seems to me that the technology improvements of a vortec engine with MPFI will provide the same horsepower as a tbi or carburated v8, with better fuel economy.

This is the same reason mileage will change from year to year in vehicles with the same engine block. Technology improvements will continually increase horsepower, decrease fuel consumption, and make engines more reliable.

Also, take into account the variable valve timing in a vortec engine, giving it better low end grunt, and higher HP at the same time.

What year 4.3 V6 are you talking about here?

 

[bigndn]

What year 4.3 V6 are you talking about here?

Any tips for a '96 (I think) with CPI? This thing is freaking killing us.

 

[torfab]

I will buy a 1995 or newer model. I can buy one for 800 with warranty, and sell my sbc350 for about the same ( maybe more )

 

[Fast Eddy]

The fuel economy is more due to weight, friction, crappy aerodynamics and driving style. Assuming you don't change your driving style, you're going to have to use more right pedal, and thus more gas. It will be a whole lot less work to take your foot out of it. You are always going to use a lot of fuel in a '40. Swap in a 3b turbo diesel if you want economy, but calculate how long it will take to pay for the swap before you do it.

 

[TURNMEOVER]

I spent 600 in parts alone with downey to make my 94 350 tbi to work in my cruiser the vss alone is around 250.

And yes you do need a vss. If you find a cheaper way please let me know I searched for 3 months and found nothing.

If i had to do it again I would have used a carbed v8 with dual fuel and propane. less of a pia and cheaper.

 

[Poser]

I will buy a 1995 or newer model. I can buy one for 800 with warranty, and sell my sbc350 for about the same ( maybe more )

Variable valve timing?

Which 4.3 V6 has that?

 

[torfab]

I thought the 4.3 vortec had vvt. Am I wrong?

 

[Poser]

It is a conventional push-rod engine, and does not have a hydraulic system or an electrical system controlled by the computer actuating the valves.


And just an FYI-


The CPI injector on the higher HP Vortec V6’s have not proven to have the same reliability compared to the fuel control nozzles on the GM throttle body units, and are at least twice if not three times as expensive to replace.


I have two friends that are running CPI 4.3’s and I would not take one if it were free.

I would install a throttle body unit if I were bent about a 4.3, strictly based on reliability of the fuel system.


Seriously, if you are really concerned about mileage, get some other vehicle that gets better mileage stock out of the box. You are not ever going to ‘get your money back’ out of a conversion like this.



Like motorcycles?


Get a KLR 650 anything from about 1996 to the present.

 

[Fast Eddy]

Get a KLR 650 anything from about 1996 to the present.

Or an 85 mini truck with a 22re and a 5 speed.

 

[handcannon]

I have a 97 Astro with the 4.3. I think it is TBI. Great motor. Currently at 209k, running strong still, uses no oil, powerful motor for a 6. But, gas mileage is lousy, about 15 for local driving. I love the Astro/4.3 combo, BUT, do NOT expect great mileage.

 

[CruzrDave]

I'm just finishing up a 1999 4.3 in my 1969. I had the opportunity to drive a fj40 with a 2002 4.3 and a 4L60E a few years ago and I was impressed. I don't have prof but the customer claimed 20 MPG on the Hwy. We also did a 3.4 5VZE (185 HP and the TRD super charger produces 75 HP more) swamp on a FJ40 with a R151F turbo 5spd trans about four years ago and that was also a blast to drive. Sure its not the same output as any EFI SB but its still worth looking into and defiantly more power then any F or 2F I have every driven.

My '99 4.3 is 195 HP and 260 torque ( I've seen different numbers but all with in 5-10 HP, the Chevy "extreme" is supposed to be 215?). I went with a 4L60 and the A/A adapter (didn't see the need for a second ToyBox, the lengths are very close) which produced a 18-3/4" rear shaft length. Its a little lighter which might be a concern. Once I drive it and the suspension settles I know if the shackle angle was effected.



Also, its nice to have about a foot of space between the engine and fire wall. The 4.3 is about 5.5" shorter then a SB from he engine mounts to the bell housing face. From the engine mounts forward its the same.

 

[Senor Aguas]

AFAIK, there's no variable valve timing on the 4.3. The DOHC straight six in the Trailblazer is the only one that I can think of offhand that has it.