What would be the simplest?

[three8six]

The simplest way to get my truck(86 SWB) Chevrolet to run in the 16-17 range in the quarter mile and still keep it very reliable. It only has a 4.3 v6 in it, so another engine would be required? Would it be easier just to swap an LS1 in? Can an LS1 bolt up to a th400? and also has anyone put an LT1 out of a caprice p71? or out of anything for that matter? and also would it boltup to a TH400? I guess thats alot of questions...haha

[Blue 82]

drop in a Ramjet 350

[choptop]

Ramjet 502 or 572

[Fordeatinz71]

an LS1 should do the job...and yea, it'll bolt to a Th400.  either that or a lot of guys now are dropping in a 6.0 Vortec...there's a couple on here i think...

[choptop]

an LS1 should do the job...and yea, it'll bolt to a Th400.  either that or a lot of guys now are dropping in a 6.0 Vortec...there's a couple on here i think...

Probably cheaper too

[Fordeatinz71]

good point...should be a lot cheaper...

[Stewart G Griffin]

The truck should already run 17's.  So, the simplest way would be to do nothing.

[three8six]

It won't not with a 4.3 v6 in it, it moves like a square block of lead.

[zieg85]

I am about to the the V-6 to V-8 swap.  You'll need the frame/motor mounts from a V-8 frame.

[Stewart G Griffin]

Have you taken it to the track?

We should get a verifiable time, and then we can work from there.  You may not need an engine change.  Actually, i'm positive you don't.

[three8six]

Naw its not rod reay let alone track ready now, I've got most everything off the truck(everything but one fender, the cab and hood) If you could give me some suggestions though on what to do with the motor I'd be very willing to listen. I got 600CFM Edelbrock electric choke,  I'm about to order a set of short headers for it, and put dual exhaust on it) If you could add onto that. I was interested in putting the lightweight pully system on it, electric fan, and maybe the edelbrock intake/cam package. I just don't know where to get the pully's from and I really dont wanna spend 400+ dollars on an electric fan either.

[choptop]

You will spend less time, and money getting a used v8 from pick a part, and the end results will be better than anything you can do to the v6. Unless you are trying to go outside the box with the 6, then go for the v8. Many times I have found a complete truck that runs good, just junk body for $400-$500 bucks, and you get eeverything you need for a v8 conversion. Look around. I bought a short bed once for $800 because the motor was bad, then turned around and bought a 3/4 ton with a 454 at an auction for $250, a little wrenching later, and I had a bigblock shortbed forless than $1500 total. Sold the truck for $2500 a week later, could have gotten more, but profit is profit, and it was going to a friend, who is in the 11's with it now.

[three8six]

I aint trying to go out of the box. I'm not trying for anything to ever take to the dragstrip. I just want to be able to tow a couple of 4 wheelers, yea thats great about you're finds but trucks around here are at a premium everybody has 2-3 of them, one for mudding, one for hunting, one for sunday(you get the picture). I know about the motor mounts. If I was to look for a V8 what would bring me 225+HP and 250lbs tq.(somewhere in there) What vehicle would i easily find it in? I am also about the ease of installation I have enough holding be back on getting this truck together.

[choptop]

Keep your eye oper for any 3/4 ton or 1 ton truck. You really only need the drive train, and these trucks are often ignored because every one wants a 1/2 ton. Any truck from 73-87 will have the drive train that will work for you, plus all the extra parts you will need for the swap. Now, since you have a v6, I assume it is an 85-87. This may make it complicated, if your area has strict emmissions laws, because you will then need to find a truck with the smog pump and have to go install catalytic convertors. A 350 would be perfect for what you want to do, but stock would be a little shy on the horsepower you want, but simple upgrades, i.e. carb, cam, intake, can easily get you there and then some. Also, don't overlook any passenger car like the old caprices, and impalas. You can use the majority of those components too, just have to get the proper motor mounts, and larger radiator.
     One other thing, I hope you didn't feel that my refernce to "thinking outside the box" was a bad thing. I personally think it is the way to go. Good luck.

[three8six]

Naw I didnt think it was bad. I've seen the incredible amount of work though it takes to get those 4.3s up to par. Emissions around here are nonexistent I live in Florida. I guess one more question how much more would it be to convert to a TBI engine instead of a Carb'd one? Also is there a power benefit as well as a MPG benefit.?