73-87chevytrucks.com
73-87 Chevy _ GMC Trucks => Performance => Topic started by: three8six on May 08, 2008, 06:56:21 pm
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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
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drop in a Ramjet 350 :)
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Ramjet 502 or 572
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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...
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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
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good point...should be a lot cheaper...
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The truck should already run 17's. So, the simplest way would be to do nothing.
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It won't not with a 4.3 v6 in it, it moves like a square block of lead.
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I am about to the the V-6 to V-8 swap. You'll need the frame/motor mounts from a V-8 frame.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.?
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Fuel injection is cool as far as being easier to start and less adjustments, but as far as better gas mileage, I am on the edge. A fuel injection system is great, but a well tuned carberator will get similar mileage. It takes x amount of fuel to produce a certain amount of horsepower, so it is not necassarly fuel injection that makes the mpg, but it is more forgiving.
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If you just want to tow some 4-wheelers around and not race it, the stock engine should be adequate.
Maybe i'm misunderstanding; Do you just want more power?
The electric fan thing is a good move and you don't have to spend a whole lot to convert. i'll probably be doing that myself. There are some links pertaining to this which i'll post soon.
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It won't not with a 4.3 v6 in it, it moves like a square block of lead.
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 bet these two have something to do with how weak it is....have you done a full tune-up on it? i mean a FULL tune-up, to include setting the carb up like it needs to be set-up? don't get me wrong, i LOVE V8s but those 4.3's can put out some pretty decent power when built right. if you wanna go "outside the box" then why not have a "rounded line" (73-87) with a 4.3 that runs BELOW a 16? it can be done. it's called turbocharging/supercharging. if you haven't heard about it, research a couple lil trucks known as the Syclone and the Typhoon. the Typhoon weighs just a LITTLE less than your truck (depending on options there can be as little as a 40 lb difference) and those trucks can run 12's in the 1/4...guess what's under the hood? your friend and mine, the 262 V6. it has a turbo and is intercooled but nonetheless, it is a V6.
it's up to you what you do, but if you really want to be different, you have the "tools" right underneath your hood...
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Yea I've read into it. I've read two separate articles on how these guys built 300HP 4.3's naturally aspirated. I would be curious to see the article on the electric fan. Yea I mean it sounds cool to me sometimes to build it up, esp. when I look at the price of a crate motor(1800 plus freight on the low side) plus accesories and such. I have done a full tuneup though but I haven't drove it since.(rebuilt a good carb, wires, plugs, cap, air filter). Realistically what could I expect from the edelbrock intake/cam package(I know its mild cam) and shorty headers?
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Bolt on a set of these
(http://www.brodix.com/heads/images/v6info.jpg)
http://www.brodix.com/heads/v6.html
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they look like heads, only smaller ; ;D ;)
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haha I'm sure. I'd like to put a 572 or just big ass motor period in it, but I just can't afford it.
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I nearly got smoked by a truck with a vortec 4.3L. I was in my 2000 Sierra when it had the 5.3 with bolt-ons and tune. It was at the track and he took me off the line,but right at the end I pulled ahead of him to barely win. I was embarrassed. He only had bolt-ons and a tune. I believe he was running low 16's before he swapped in a v8.