New to the site, but already have found some great info here. I have an 84 s10 with the 2 putt8. The shop that I work at has a 4.3 vortec out of a98 blazer in the back that I can have for the price of scrap metal. I know my trans won't work for this due to the incorrect bolt pattern and if it did I would probably not use it anyway for fear of it crapping out the first time I... Well had any kind of fun in it. Lol my question is what would be the best bet for a trans and transfer case for this engine? What would be the best donor vehicle that I could get a trans, transfer case, and maybe a tougher front and rear diff out of. I know a few people with junk yards I could get deals from, I just have to let them know what I want. Any help will be appreciated.

 

You will need more than that, the 4.3 vortecs have real high fuel pressure ect. Someone else will chime in on this.

 

Off the top of my head you will need new motor mounts for the 4.3, any kind of 4l60E tranny should work because like you said you dont wanna hook a 4.3 up to the 2.8 tranny. Unless you switch the 4.3 to carbureted you will need to do a lot with the wiring (someone else will have to chime in on that one) You will also need a new fuel pump that can get 63 PSI to the intake, like rich said

Shouldnt be too hard as long as you have time and patients.

 

The 700r4 behind 60 degree v6 has the same parts as a 700r4 behind a 90 degree v6. Only difference is the case bellhousing and TC on a 60 degree smaller due to the bell housing. When I rebuilt mine behind my 3.4 I used 5.7 trans internal parts. Just kept the 60 degree case and TC.

A 2.8 to a a 90 degree v6 or v8 requires the same exact parts. Look into v8 swaps and get your list.

 

yeah, go with a carb on the 4.3 and 700r4....

 

Just as far as the transmission goes correct? obviously v8 requires different motor mounts, headers, oil pan, rad, and so on.. Just clearing that up cuz thats something i would get confused about when reading for the first time lol

 

2.8s, 4.3s, v8s all use different mounts. 2.8 and 4.3 mounts both swap out on the s-series frame. V8s use adaptor plates to reuse 2.8 or 4.3 mounts (never use 4.3 v8 swap mounts).

Headers or manifolds. None interchange between the 3. You can spend the money on headers but there is factory manifolds that work. The 2.8 y pipe has to be swapped out for a 4.3 or v8 swap.

Oil pans are all different. The 4.3 pan can have a piece welded in to make it work on a v8. The 2.8 oil pans won't work on anything else.

2.8 rads have the water necks on the wrong sides for a 4.3 or v8.

For the trouble putting a 4.3 in a 2.8 truck you might as well step up to a v8. Since all the same parts have to be swapped out for both why stick with v6 power and v8 gas mileage if you can get v8 power. Imho I'd sell that 4.3 and start shopping.

If something more bolt in is needed a 3.4 or 3.1 out of a camaro/firebird is a direct swap for a 2.8. Only required mod is electric fuel pump since newer blocks don't have the boss on the side for mech pumps.

 

why not? Ive yet to try it. And i didnt know the frame mounts were the same as the 2.8.

 

Ohh thats what you meant... All the same parts have to be swapped out for 4.3 to v8. But yes i do agree to putting a v8 in instead of the 4.3... it probably wouldnt be too hard because you have more room in the engine bay in a 85 to work with.

 

Thanks for all the help guys. I was actually thinking of going with a v8 swap instead but thought if the 4.3 was easier I'd go with that, plus I have a 4.3. I'll start looking for the v8 stuff if thats just as easy. So, to kind of recap, id need fuel pump, engine, mount adapter, radiator, transmission, transfer case. What should I do when it comes to front and rear differentials?