Updating an 86 C10 with a 4.3L

[82oldskid]

Recently I picked up another truck.  Coincidentally, its also an 1986, but its a C10 with a 4.3L 4bbl and TH400 Auto.  Unfortunetly, the 4.3 thats in it is getting tired.  But, here was my solution, if it will work... 

Sitting on my engine stand is a 4.3 TBI out of a 93 S10.  I rebuilt this motor for my S10, but sadly I may have to sell that truck before I can put it in.  When I got this motor, I got the transmission with it (4L60e with only about 5k miles on it) and the whole engine wiring harness with the computer.  So my question is, how difficult would it be to put the 4.3 TBI and 4L60e in place of the carb'd 4.3 and TH400?  Doesn't seem like it would be too bad to swap, but I could be wrong.

I know, some of you are probley thinkin I should swap in a V8, and to some degree, I feel the same way but seeing as I have a practically new motor and trans sitting here, it would likely be cheaper in the long run.  Any info is welcome, and as always, Thanks in Advance!

Evan

[zieg85]

I don't see why it wouldn't work especially if you got the wiring for it

[82oldskid]

From what I can tell, its gonna be a pretty direct swap.  So far, the only thing concerning me is getting the speeometer to work, as currently it has a mechanical speedo, where the 4l60e has an electronic output.  everything else seems straight forward.  May have to change the driveshaft yolk, but I've got one.  Gonna have to put an electronic pump and sender in the tank out of a truck that was TBI.  Maybe change the crossmember, or modify it.  if theres something I'm missing, please let me know.  And any help on the speedometer situation, please chime in.  Thanks Again!

[FlatBlack77]

the shift linkage is another thing to think about. they may be completely different


i think this is a cool idea dude im looking forward to fallowing this thread

[Irish_Alley]

you could go with a digital dash so it accepts the electric impulses or
http://www.dakotadigital.com/index.cfm/page/ptype=product/product_id=886/category_id=287/mode=prod/prd886.htm

[Irish_Alley]

im sure you can find it cheaper but this what i know of. and you ecm has to use the electric signal for the shift control. so i dont know what will happen if you splice another wire in the system. it should work but not sure

[82oldskid]

FlatBlack77:  I didn't think about that, will have to look into that.  I suppose, worst case though, i could always get an aftermarket floor shifter, so we'll cross that bridge when we get there.  Thanks for the support too!

Irish_Alley:  That looks like what I need!  Thanks for the link!  Yea, definitely a bit expensive, but then again, its cheaper than some of the other converters i was finding.  I think a TCI one was closer to $400.

Thanks again for the info!  Keep em coming!

[Stewart G Griffin]

Do you still have the 93 s-10?

[Stewart G Griffin]

BTW, the 4.3 i have on the stand also came out of an 86 c-10 with a turbo 400.  i wonder why they equipped them this way?

[82oldskid]

Yea, still got my S10.  Its a 92 though, 4.3L and 700r4 auto.

Not sure why they did em that way either.  I got a buddy who has been messing with the trucks longer than me, and he told me its the work truck package.  its got a smaller engine, yet the heavier suspension and transmission.  don't know what GM was thinking on that one, but hey, my truck just needs to haul scrap, and it does that efficiently, lol.

[Irish_Alley]

run that Dakota part by capt (chris). since hes a dealer he gets a little discount

[Captkaos]

I actually get a more than just a little discount depending on the part...

[FlatBlack77]

depending if its lunchbox size or smaller? 

[Irish_Alley]

lol, yeah didnt mean little as in small amount. but little as in a little something extra.