262 potential?

[Cobra]

I have a 92 4.3L 262 vin "z" engine sitting in storage along with a transmission so i'm curious about getting the most reliable power as possible out of it. what newer parts can i put on and in the block probably going to leave it throttle body or carb. this is just and inquire no really plans yet. please also keep in mind i've yet to rip an engine apart (can't wait tho) and intend to ask newb questions. please also keep in mind the the engine is probably going to be used on a dune buggy type utility vehicle mainly pulling logs and joy-riding (hopefully alot of joyriding). since emissions aren't an issue i wanna remove anything i don't need or that can clog and cause downtime (i absolutly hate looking at toys i can't use)

HMB
Cobra

PS:for some reason i sem to have something against the egr system (first on chopping block) and am fuzzy on how/what the vacuum system operates (can i remove it completly)

[GEJ]

If you want to get rid of the smog stuff,I would think a carb would be a good answer.Something like a 390 Holley would do a good job for you with a decent intake.I have seen some cams around for them.Mostly RV type cams.I suggest gearing will be a consideration that you can have the engine in it's RPM power band.Just some brief thoughts,depends on how far you want to go.

[peter]

And I'd go the opposite route. I tried to figure out what the heck you have for an engine using Blazers incredibly informative guide to 4.3 engines. I finished reading that thread feeling more confused, though. How stoopid is it for GM to designate an engine as being a "Z" type, yet be available with/without a balance shaft and a particular injection system?

I'd pull the 'puter and harness off've the donour and reinstall it all on your project vehicle. It'd be awesome to have an off-road vehicle with the reliability of fuel injection. Vehicle angles have no effect on injected engines, the engine'll run smoother and cleaner than a carburated version...it'd be awesome. 'Specially if you take your time with the wiring and everything looks neat. I almost have the urge to build one......almost

PS: The EGR valve is now our friend, not our enemy. Used with the 'puter, it helps keep engine detonation at bay.

[GEJ]

Dito with what Peter said.If you want the injector.He brought up a good point with a carb use and being level The injector would be better for that.The carb application would be simpler.As I said,all depends on what you want to put into it and how much you want to put into it.

[Cobra]

well engine detonation is definetly a bad thing i was sortta thinking of building it for dual fuel propane/gas with carb or T-body it'll be relitively easy (for a experience mechanic maybe) i did keep the wiring harness and comp from the 92 it's in storage with engine and trany. the engine will be levelish %99 of the time so it won't be an issue.

how much i wanna put into it... hmmmm never even consided a price limit yet just feeling the idea out still

HMB
Cobra

[SoCalli V8]

i wanna remove anything i don't need or that can clog and cause downtime

I agree with the Smurf and stick with the f i for all the reasons he stated, a carb + dirt and mud will create alot more downtime. I see many sandrails, dunebuggies and 4 X 4 vehicles using the GM 4.3 and f i with reliable results.

An adapter plate is available to mate the V6 to a VW bus trans if you are building a buggy.

[Cobra]

funny someone else said i should chop up a VW o use as the base chassis. anyways back on topic

so you say leave the current TBI oh it ok.. what about intake manifold and heads how interchangeable are they... can i build this block to say a bullet proof 300HP or is something like 230ish max

HMB
Cobra
PS: peter i had to read through the 4.3l grail twice i had to finally just completly disregard (well not completly) it for the most part that's why i'm in this thread now it killed my brain, mind you it was 3am

[Mr_Roboto]

For an M-van, I would probably build a buggy and put it in stock with some decent exhaust bits coming off of it like dual 2.25s with some straight through glass packs, maybe pull the intake and put something else on and port the exhaust manis/use the early tubular ones from an 85 van. The reason I say this is that with it being 1/4 the weight of an Astro you may wanna be careful what you wish for about 300HP!

[Cobra]

would i be able to strap a vortec setup on this block, new intake manifold and a port job to hit 200+hp?
dammit i had a whole bunch of questions but phone keeps ringing and i keep forgetting them i'll edit this if i remember

HMB
Cobra