1990 astro 4.3l swap into my 1980 c10???

[dadsc10]

Hello everyone,
If this has been discussed before (which I'm sure it has) please send me the link.
Okay, now back on point. I was just given an astro van with a 4.3l v6 that runs pretty well. I would like to know if it's possible to swap out the engine, trans, wiring to my 1980 c10 that came with a 250 inline 6, the engine in the c10 is shot and there is no tranny, I would like to have this setup so i can use my truck as a daily driver so will the 4.3l bolt up? Will I have an issue getting an accelerator cable that fits correctly? Or any issues that will get in them way? Your help will be greatly appreciated!

[zieg85]

Anything can be done...  You will need entirely different frame/motor mounts out of a V-6 85-87 2 wheel drive...  There is a thread showing the differences. 

[1980c10]

I believe you can use the same motor mounts from your truck that were used with the 250, Then use some mounts from a small block v6 or v8 frame from a 73-87 you'll just move them to the other set of predrilled holes then what was used. The inline mounts won't work.

[bake74]

     In any case, that should make for a good daily driver.

[dadsc10]

Would i have to get a new accelerator cable or can I reuse the one for the Inline? Would i have to buy a new engine cradle or can i use the same motor mounts? There's 2 conflicting posts there, lol. Thanks for the Input guys!

[dadsc10]

Nevermind I re-read the posts and understand what I need to do.

[1980c10]

Heres some other random but maybe useful info.
Accelorator cables can be bought new for around $15 from any local auto parts store. The inline 6 cable is longer than what you need. The cable for a 350 is shorter and probably will better suited for the V6.
85+ p/u's were available with the 4.3 so the cable for an 85-87 might be an even better match.
Be aware that 88+ 4.3 were externally balanced when matching other parts.
A 4bbl intake with a q-jet were used on the 85s as well as pretty nice factory exhaust manifolds that were made out of steel tubes and not cast.
A 4.3 is essentially a 350 with the back 6 cylinders. They share a lot of the same parts such as accesory brackets, starter, flywheel/flexplate as well as internal parts.  This is why the same motor mounts work as a 350. The 4.3's power is very similar to that of the 305. The heads are modeled the same as the cast #882 head.

[dadsc10]

Thanks 1980 c10, this is exactly the sort of stuff I'd like to know, I'll probably snag an 85 carb setup in the near future

[1980c10]

Another thing to consider;
You should have some kind of fan shroud the 4.3 will sit back a lot further than the 4.1 or even better and easier; convert it to an electric fan and you won't need a shroud.

[dadsc10]

Yeah, that's what i was thinking of doing soon after the swap, electric fans are much better IMHO