Engine & Transmission Post your Engine and Transmission related problems here.

1984 4X4, 2.8L to a 1993 4.3L Engine Swap.

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 2, 2020 | 12:07 AM
  #1  
S10Life's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
New Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 6
S10Life is on a distinguished road
Default 1984 4X4, 2.8L to a 1993 4.3L Engine Swap.

Looking for some help on what I'd need to do, I've got a 1984 S10 Blazer, 4X4, 2.8L Carb/Auto and I've also got a 1993 S10 Blazer, 4X4, 4.3L CPI/Auto Donor that I'd like to take the 4.3L Engine out and put it into my Blazer, But I'm not sure exactly what I'd need to do without Having to change my Dash and I definitely don't want to change my Dash bc it's in Pristine condition and plus I don't want a different color Dash..... So can anyone help me with exactly what I'd need to do to make this Swap happen ????
I know I need to change the Wiring, ECM, Engine Mounts and stuff like that.
((( PLEASE DON'T SAY "LS SWAP IT" OR "MIGHT AS WELL JUST DO A SBC INSTEAD" BC I'VE ALREADY GOT THE 4.3L AND IM NOT BUYING ANOTHER ENGINE )))
 
Old Nov 2, 2020 | 02:18 AM
  #2  
error_401's Avatar
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,185
From: Zurich
error_401 will become famous soon enough
Default

Will depend on your existing dash. If it is still analog it may take some fumbling with the inputs from the new engine i.e. Tach signal, Coolant temp, oil press, etc.
It might be possible to fit two sensors on the V-engine one on each side for i.e. the coolant temp and run an old and new sensor where the old one goes to the dash and the new one feeds the ECU.

These things could turn out to be easier than expected, but you can run into issues at points you never thought about.
The donor wiring needs to be removed carefully. Also check every wire for damage and resistance. Fuel injection does not like bad signals.

At the same time the new ECU will eventually need some inputs from the vehicle as well. These ECU's are well documented and for some 25$ you should be able to get the service manual AND the electrical and diagnostic manual on DVD from Rockauto or so. (Make sure you get the right manual no HAYNES generic.)
These OEM manuals have all the wiring diagrams and In/Outputs from the ECU.
 
Old Nov 2, 2020 | 09:10 AM
  #3  
S10Life's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
New Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 6
S10Life is on a distinguished road
Default

Originally Posted by error_401
Will depend on your existing dash. If it is still analog it may take some fumbling with the inputs from the new engine i.e. Tach signal, Coolant temp, oil press, etc.
It might be possible to fit two sensors on the V-engine one on each side for i.e. the coolant temp and run an old and new sensor where the old one goes to the dash and the new one feeds the ECU.

These things could turn out to be easier than expected, but you can run into issues at points you never thought about.
The donor wiring needs to be removed carefully. Also check every wire for damage and resistance. Fuel injection does not like bad signals.

At the same time the new ECU will eventually need some inputs from the vehicle as well. These ECU's are well documented and for some 25$ you should be able to get the service manual AND the electrical and diagnostic manual on DVD from Rockauto or so. (Make sure you get the right manual no HAYNES generic.)
These OEM manuals have all the wiring diagrams and In/Outputs from the ECU.
I've got one of the HAYNES manuals Lol, The dash I've got tho is the Manual Gauge Cluster with a Cable Driven Speedo, I know there is a Adapter to go to the 4L60E transmission tho
 
Old Nov 2, 2020 | 09:18 AM
  #4  
S10Life's Avatar
Thread Starter
|
New Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 6
S10Life is on a distinguished road
Default

The Dash I've got is the Manual Gauge Cluster one, bc my Blazer is a 1984 2.8L Carburetor/700R4 Trans, The speedo is Cable Driven, I know that there is an Adapter for the 4L60E tho that I can get that way the Cable Speedo will work, But I'm more worried about going from a Carbureted Vehicle to a Fuel Injected vehicle tho
 
Old Nov 6, 2020 | 02:35 AM
  #5  
error_401's Avatar
Moderator
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,185
From: Zurich
error_401 will become famous soon enough
Default

This will be quite an undertaking.

Carb to EFI means a full modification to the fuel system with return line, inline pump, proper tank and modification to the fuel hoses up front.
The change from an inline to a V-engine will have some more problems, such as where to route the exhaust system.
The ECU needs to be removed from the donor carefully including all the relevant wiring. This includes the connectors at the firewall, relais, fuses etc.
Fitting the drivetrain may need some fabrication too. (Lenght of the drivetrain may not fit)
Another consideration is the cooling system. (More powerful engine - may need electric fans because of space)

Overall the question what you intend to do with that Blazer?
Why modify it at all?
Does it need to go back onto the road as normal drive? (Legal issues with emissions etc.)

That sounds like a long time project involving a lot of learning, fabrication, electronics. Sounds like a lot of fun...

...but my word of caution: Lot's of money could go down that pit, where fixing that 84 engine might be the cheaper way.
 
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Drivee
1st Generation S-series (1983-1994) Tech
2
Feb 28, 2014 06:13 AM
Lyn Williams
Engine & Transmission
1
Dec 7, 2013 08:23 PM
W9370291
Builds
9
Jan 17, 2013 12:10 PM
sammyboi
Engine & Transmission
17
Sep 23, 2010 12:25 AM
Blazer_boy
Builds
1
Apr 19, 2009 02:42 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 06:18 PM.