Hello all,
I just picked up a 96 blazer 4 door 4x4 with a blown 4.3.
A friend of mine (mechanic) has a 4.3 that came out of a 98 blazer 4x4.
I was wondering if anyone can tell me what I needto swap over from the 96 block to the 98 block, what can stay what has to change, intake, sensors, etc.

Thanks in advance,

Jeff.

 

You should have no problems using the 98 engine in your 96. The only difference will likely be in the oil pan. I believe your 96 has a stamped steel pan while the 98 should have a cast aluminum pan. Reuse your pan. I am not sure when they did away with the transmission supports and switched to the aluminum pan, but I think it was sometime in 97...

For more information (although lacking in the post 95 information so it may not be all that beneficial...), check out the link below:

Rebuilding the Chevy 262 by Doug Anderson courtesy of EngineBuilderMag.com

 

my 97 have the aluminum pan.... so yes 97 it is... you may have to swap pcm? the 98 had the newer dash. anytime you buy a motor you should always get the pcm just in case...

 

You should swap any sensor over that is different. The 96-97 trucks had 4 O2 sensors so the 98 PCM would not know what to do with the extra one. Other sensors may be different as well. Unless you want to get into wiring modifications, it is just best to leave the PCM alone.

 

Thanks for the fast response guys!
I don't have the PCM for the engine as it is a freebie from a buddy of mine.
A customer came in with a 98 blazer, and a engine from the boneyard and said he wanted to swap them because it was overheating.
My buddy took it for a haul before yanking the engine and said it ran great, tons of power and it ran smooth. He suggested they try the water pump, and check the stat and cooling system, but the guy didn't want to hear it. He wanted the engine replaced.
So I have a free 98 4.3.
Going to do the head gaskets and intake gasket while it's on the stand just to be sure.

I was mainly wondering if the injection system was the same, or if I have to take the injection system off of the 96 engine.

Thanks again, this forum rocks!

 

Everything should be the same, but go through and check all of the connectors for the sensors just to be sure. I know that in 2001, some things changed with the rear knock sensor, but the differences between 96 and 98 should only be in the oil pan.

 

Thanks for the help.