Fuel rail replacement. How common is it?
 

I was told that I needed a fuel rail kit on my 98 blazer. I was also told that it is common for vortec engine to need a new fuel rail kit install after about the 150k mark. I'm looking through the site and I'm not seeing this. How true is the statement above.

The 4.3L Vortec does not have a fuel rail, that's why you can't find one ;) What problems are you having? What reason did they give you for needing one?

Going through gas like it out of style. lot of fume smell. starts right up when cold, but a hell of a time when warmed up. rough idle. Recently, it will not start. if it does, then the idle will go from 3k to almost dead and back to 3k rpms and I'll shut it down.

parts needed

17113273
17091432
17113205
89060422

Check fuel pressure and leakdown, this thread explains how: https://blazerforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45941

Then post your results.