Junkyard engine experiences

[haystax]

I am looking for a complere TBI/TPI 4.3 V6 to swap into my '76 40 this fall. Does anyone have a good junkyard source they want to share? I'm not looking for what vehicle to pull, what junkyard has a good rep for selling complete takeouts?

Also looking for recommendations on clutch, bellhouseing, adapters, exhaust, etc.

Thanks

 

[HI^C]

Well i strongly suggest you verify the engine condition before purchasing, this will help
satisfiy your questions on the engine.

How about purchasing a whole vehicle? IMO this is the only way to do it, $$$ per $$$
you can come out close to purchasing a engine only from a junkyard.

I have had good luck through a local PNP yard, but after i get them running, to make sure
they are ok. $150 a engine complete cant beat it.

A few early tbi vortec v6 have come through the PNP in astro vans.

why a v6? just curious. and i assume your talking a chevy V6?

just seen the 4.3 after rereading.

 

[haystax]

I would rather just get a coplete engine, i hate dealing with more junk piled up around the place. I like the V6 because it has the same displacement as my 2F, a little more power and way more mileage. I plan on installing a Toybox at the same time, I only run 33's and maybe will go to 34x9.5's next time. I think I can move the engine ahead more to help with drivetrain length issues. The 2F I'm running has good power, just would like to go with fuel injection and a little bump in hp. Torque loss shouldn't be an issue with extra reduction box.

Mainly because Butch Lewis runs one and that's enough reason for me to be a poser and do the same.

 

[HI^C]

lol

FI can be added to the 2f, but i understand the driveline length.

Pull out motor is $600 through the local salvage yard, already pulled, unknown condition, without
electronics. OR like i said above my PNP that engine is $150 with as much stuff piled on top the engine as you can fit, and you can verify engine condition, little labor pulling the engine.

just something to look at, what about a buick V6? 231, 3.8, 3800 are all basically the same, differences between FWD and RWD is the bellhousing, came factory optioned with carb, tbi, mpi, supercharged, turbocharged in both carb and FI. Usually cheaper then the chevy conterpart.

Just look around local, shipping is just a Pain, and costly on something this large. OR if you have a national salvage yard local, talk with them as they should be able to get whatever you need from their other yards, and offer a warrenty on the engine (maybe).

 

[haystax]

Thanks for the input. I am leaning towards the Chevy just for the parts availibility. A buddy's Heep has the odd fire Buick and he has trouble with parts availability sometimes on stupid stuff. I will keep looking for a donor van or truck but I just hate dealing with getting rid of the rest of the vehicle. Who really wants to be seen towing an Astro van on a trailer?

PnP makes me mad when they won't let me drive my Peterbilt w/service bed in to pull a power steering box. It's early still, when the snow flies I will really get going, just hoping something will fall in my lap right now. Thanks

 

[HI^C]

Please do not rule out the buick v6 because of the odd fire! odd fire hasnt been produced since like 77? and yes it is a pain in the ass to find some parts for, (doing a front main rope seal on one), buddies rig.

these buick V6 i am talking about are used much like the SBC V8 was used for many yrs, and in many different models and makes of vehicles. redesigned and based off the buick 350 engine. 25+ yrs it has been produced, 77-? not sure if a model is produced or not anymore. just found a 04 park avenue that runs a 3.8 buick v6.

towing a astro van? i think you could find one running and driving, drive it home strip it, cut it up in quarters load it in the truck go dump it did this for many yrs. Now we have a yard that will come pickup your dead vehicles and pay you at least its weight in scrap !!!!!!!! heaven now.

can you go to a auction, or insurance yard and buy a wrecked one? look to see!

BTW at the PNP yard today, have a nice AWD astro complete, engine looked clean. lol wish you were local?

 

[haystax]

Maybe i am or can be, where is local?

 

[hammerhead]

I agree with HI^C when he says get the whole car. I picked up my donor astro for helping a guy start his heep that had been sitting for a few years and he didn't know how to bring it back to life. The astro ran so I couldn't complain. It'll make my wifes toy-mini really haul. If you get the whole rig you won't have the headache of trying to chase down the right parts to make it run. By the way the Astro was reportedly one of the better torque motors for a V6. The Buick mentioned by HI^C is also a good choice. A friend of mine has one in a toy-mini.

 

[haystax]

Dude, I can't believe you guys are trying to get me to buy a minivan. I'm gonna need a ski mask.