95 4.3 into an 89 Astro RS

markmitchinnh · Post by **markmitchinnh** » Mon Oct 08, 2012 5:02 am

Ok so I am just interested in possibly swapping a newer 4.3 into my 89 astro simply because if I do go V8 I would need to have custom pipe work done to continue to use my rear heat and AC. So I was thinking if I bought a used yet newer 4.3 and swapped the TBI onto it I could have a bit more power and still remain legal in California.

1Gary · Post by **1Gary** » Mon Oct 08, 2012 6:07 am

The CFI's and SEFI's have more torque down low.

This link is all about the parts of 4.3's and what works with what:

http://www.enginebuildermag.com/Article ... y_262.aspx

doyoulikeithere · Post by **doyoulikeithere** » Mon Oct 08, 2012 11:29 am

I found that:
of all the stock engines that a 12 bolt TBI manifold will just bolt too the 1994 and/or 1995 VIN W CPI engines are probably the best for power/torque.
Thats because they use lightweight pistons/rods/crank, and they come with a really hot cam compared to the VIN z engines. But VIN-W has its own drawbacks too.
I was shocked how much extra power/torque I got after I pulled out a nearly brand new VINZ engine and replaced it with an old VINW with 350000KMs on it.
Hardest problem I found was, I had to shave the bottom of the TBI manifold to clear the balancer shaft in the CPI engine, but that was real easy.
There could have been other factors in the "improved power" like a bigger exhaust, and of course, i went from a 3.08 rear axle to a 3.73, so that just feels different too.
But, The VIN-W specs speak for themselves.
Also good to note - the 1995 exhaust manifolds & Y pipe that came from my stock 95 cpi awd donor van , were a lot larger and better flowing than the older VIN-Z Ypipe and manifolds.
I would bet that those mani's and Y-pipe accounted for a large part of the boost I got, but not all by any means.

That article Gary posted has been around for a long time but has all the VIN-Z vs VIN-W info I mentioned, in it.
Its a good read, but doesn't say anything about exhaust manifolds.

markmitchinnh · Post by **markmitchinnh** » Mon Oct 08, 2012 2:18 pm

basically I need to know if I can put a TBI on vortec heads (V6) if so what do I need to do this?

1Gary · Post by **1Gary** » Thu Oct 11, 2012 3:33 am

Man.I snoozed on this one. Care to guess what I have??. Well the engine to come out of Ole Yellar is a rebuild with 50,000 miles on it and yes it is a 1989 TBI.

](*,) Oh well.

My 1994 CPI would run circles around my carbed 1985. I really don't have enough time to comment about Ole Yellar's 1989 TBI engine other than it is a strong runner and seems to be as the previous owner stated 50,000 miles on a rebuild.

markmitchinnh · Post by **markmitchinnh** » Thu Oct 11, 2012 4:48 am

Well this is what is going into the 89. 1995 4.3 converted to TBI with a custom built exhaust a modified (per turbo city.com) TBI unit. A super coil, and possibly an Edelbrock TBI intake with the corresponding Chip that comes with the intake. The trans is a 1992 700R4 rebuilt with shiftkit and corvette servo. and rear axle is 3:42 posi. I think it will do fine and get me to California and back without problems.

1Gary · Post by **1Gary** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 3:35 am

The only 4.3 I was involved in was a bowtie race version. My partner told me not to do that build and he was right that it cost me three times as much vs building a SBC.

Being a older hot rodder Mark,your plan to use a updated 4.3 ends up being still a stock 4.3 with maybe some bolt on decorations. Do those V8 swaps while your still young enough to enjoy them Mark. I guess that is the main suggestion in this post.

markmitchinnh · Post by **markmitchinnh** » Fri Oct 12, 2012 2:57 pm

Well I am kinda stuck since my truck is not worth fixing, I am putting a used V6 in the van till next spring. I still have a ton of V8 parts so it is still a possibility of a V8 in the future just not now. I am however going to spray the bottom and a few other known areas with a rust preventative. I appreciate your input and I know that a V8 would be better all around.

markmitchinnh · Post by **markmitchinnh** » Thu Oct 18, 2012 7:08 am

My Astro is an RS and has front and rear AC & heat and with a V8 it would have cost me approx. $300+ to retain that heat and AC in the rear due to the v8 being longer I would have had to have 2 lines custom made. So I decided to put a 4.3 back into it. I found a 1995 4.3 with 83,000 miles on it from an Astro for $300.00. I am picking it up next week. My plan is to install all new gaskets, reuse the TBI from the original engine but with an edelbrock intake and modified TBI unit. I bought all new plugs, wires, cap, rotor, a super coil, and will be ordering a stage 1 chip from Harris performance. My exhaust will be stock till the cat con which will be replaced by a high performance converter. then split to go to dual mufflers and tailpipes. Air intake is via hood scoop into a K&N filter. This is stage one of the engine, I will eventually rebuild this engine but for now I need it on the road. If anyone knows of a good aftermarket ignition system that is computer compatible please let me know, I will get it for the rebuild. I am open to ideas on the engine too... IE cam, etc

markmitchinnh · Post by **markmitchinnh** » Tue Oct 23, 2012 7:01 pm

is the distributor from a CPI engine usable on a TBI engine?
has anyone used a high pressure oil pump in a 4.3 without problems?
My new acquired V6 has two knock sensors can I just leave the extra one in place and not use it?
Thank You, Mark

markmitchinnh · Post by **markmitchinnh** » Thu Oct 25, 2012 1:52 pm

Ok so I installed the 95 4.3 into the van today, got the motor mount bolts in and two trans to engine bolts in. I will get back out there in the morning and finish it up.

markmitchinnh · Post by **markmitchinnh** » Tue Oct 30, 2012 8:59 am

OK this is what I have so far- 1995 4.3 vortec engine with 93 TBI intake modified with a cut out in between the two holes on top of the intake. Port matched to heads. TBI bored out and all raised areas on top cut off. injectors were shipped out to be cleaned and pressure matched. injector pod riser added and fuel pressure regulator swapped for adjustable one. MSD Super coil, cap & rotor. AC delco plugs. Msd Wires. New fuel pump & filter. Replaced all gaskets and seals in engine. Exhaust is all new starting with Y pipe, cat con is high flow unit from magnaflow into 2.5 pipe then into a dynomax welded turbo muffler. electric fan. I may buy one of these:
Hypertech Power Charger for Full Size Truck GM TBI 5.0/5.7

doyoulikeithere · Post by **doyoulikeithere** » Tue Oct 30, 2012 6:18 pm

Ya Ya, Its not a V8.
But, Your gonna like it.
A 5 speed too?

markmitchinnh · Post by **markmitchinnh** » Tue Oct 30, 2012 7:27 pm

Thats right, but thats ok cause when I move to california I will find an old chevelle or Camaro and build it and enjoy both my car and my van and possibly even buy a motor cycle too.

Chevy & GMC Vans

Chevy & GMC Vans

95 4.3 into an 89 Astro RS

best 4.3 V6 for power and torque?

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Re: best 4.3 V6 for power and torque?

Re: best 4.3 V6 for power and torque?

Re: best 4.3 V6 for power and torque?

Re: best 4.3 V6 for power and torque?

Re: best 4.3 V6 for power and torque?

Re: best 4.3 V6 for power and torque?

95 4.3 into an 89 Astro RS

I have a couple questions....................

Re: 95 4.3 into an 89 Astro RS

Re: 95 4.3 into an 89 Astro RS

Re: 95 4.3 into an 89 Astro RS

Re: 95 4.3 into an 89 Astro RS