W Code vs. Z Code
 

I am a bit confused on something. I have a 96 Jimmy with a 4.3 engine code W. The engine has spun a rod bearing, I found a engine from a guy for $200 he claims the engine is from a 96-97 Blazer with TBI and the engine code he thinks is Z.

If I am understanding everything the W code indicates TBI and the Z code is multi port FI.

It is about a 2 hour drive for me to go and look at the engine, so want to get some basic facts before I go up there and waste my time.

Secondly if it is indeed a Z engine will it work if i change out intakes and such? Basically just use the block and heads?

Thanks everyone
Clint

Other way around Vin Z = TBI, Vin W = CPI or SCFI depending on year.

You need a 96-01 SCFI engine for it to be a direct swap.

Am I able to use everything from the heads down and swap out intake and injection from my W engine to the Z engine?

I would ideally like to get the right engine code, but I have to get something quick.

No. Heads are different as well as the block, but you could use the short block with the newer heads and intake. The problem would be the front cover is different and does not have provisions for a CKP sensor. I do not believe that any Z code engines were equipped with a balance shaft either.

i had an odd ball in my '92 Jimmy. it had the factory Z code engine in it, but had the aforementioned balance shaft in it. and considering i bought the truck when it was 4 years old, and from the original owner (who was a salesman), i can say with 99.999% certainty that the truck was never messed with before i bought it.

it was also the only Z code (that i had apart) that had a balance shaft in it, not that i took apart alot of these engines anyways.

I have heard of many people having problems with the balance shaft interfering with the TBI intake manifold. Could have been an odd ball though.

I am even more confused now. I went out and double checked my engine cause i could have swore it was TBI and it is a W Code.

First lets make sure I am correct on identifying the code from what I remember it is the 8th digit in the VIN which mine is W.

The following image is identical to what is in my Jimmy, which that looks like a TBI to me.

http://articles.d-tips.com/43intakea...s/image001.jpg

It has been way too long since I have had to work on stuff like this.

That image is of the 96+ SCFI engine. Not TBI since the throttle body has nothing to do with fuel delivery on your engine.

Thanks, I just popped the air cleaner off before reading your post and realized for myself it is not TBI, sigh back to the drawing board on finding an engine for this truck.

Thanks everyone for the education.

Regards,
Clint