Dug around the forum and found higher lift (1.6) rockers suggested as a possible, good mod. Combined with air intake, chip, and exhaust mods.

Have been digging around the net trying to find and understand the differences regarding the 4.3 from 98 > 02. Particularly head design and any differences that may exist within them.

Is there a site with the comparisons & differences in head\stud type? Self aligning rockers or not.

Are 1.6 rockers even feasible on later model Blazer(98 and up 4.3`s).

Some rockers are labeled as not legal for use with while others are not.

Love doing research like this just sometimes need a push in the right direction.

 

The stock setup uses a bolt and saddle. The heads can be modified for screw in studs to change over to self aligning rockers, but it isn't something I would attempt with the heads installed on the engine.

As far as differences in heads on the later engines, I am not aware of any changes that were made to the heads through the end of production. They should basically be the same from 96-'05 or whenever the actual end of production of the iron block 4.3L was.

 

Well, if the time has to be taken to pull heads, tap and thread heads, might as well go ahead and opt for a cam. Really did`t want to crack open the motor.

Looks like only air intake and exhaust. Will count on a custom programed chip to bring out what can be had.

Thank you.

 

Yeah, and if you're pulling the heads, why not p&p them? Seems like a lot of work unless your goal is respectable strip machine.

 

Not looking for a strip machine. A solid DD that will rarely\never see mud is what I`m looking for.

Tired of cabin fever when the winds howl and the snow blows and drifts. But hoping to squeeze some MPGs out of it during the warm months. Will probably go with the mileage flashed chip I`v read about elsewhere on the board.

 

Mileage flashed chip? You mean a tuned PCM or a chip like what you see on eBay? Because those chips are worthless, but a tuned PCM will put a BIG smile on your face.

 

Tuned PCM is what I should have said.

Bear with me guys, still learning the proper verbiage.

 

Haha no problem bud, I'm still a noob as well.

 

So if u have the heads off all u have to do is use a tap and die kit to change the studs so u can use sbc roller rockers? Also would u run higher pound springs for just a small rocker setup. Sorry for the highjack

 

If the heads are off, you could drill and tap for screw in rocker studs. This would allow you to run regular SBC rockers. If all you were doing is dropping in 1.6 ratio rockers, you shouldn't need to change the springs. If you were to change the cam to a higher lift cam that bumped the HP peak up in the RPM range, boosting higher RPM power and lifted the rev limiter and shift timings to use it, then you would want to look into upgrading the springs.