Last sunday the wifes "new" 96 blazer developed a bad knock, wont go over 30 mph, has a bearing squeal and is safe to say in need of a new engine, at the farm theres a parked 94 blazer with a engine that did run when it was parked. The 2 blazers are both 4.3's but have different fuel injection setups. Are the base blocks the same? I know i'll have to change intakes out, thats the least of my worries, i seem to remember the 94 had a steel oil pan while the 96 has a aluminum pan. Want to hopefully put the 94 engine in the 96 chassis. I suspect the original motor in the 96 has crankshaft damage, have to pull it out first to see. For now the wife is back in the well- worn 97 (207k) i think the 96 had a oil pump failure, it started slowing down while driving, engine stalled, got it jumpstarted to drive it home (about a mile) rattled like a diesel, wouldnt go over 30mph and stalled as soon as i pulled in the driveway, was overheating by this point too. It does still have compression, will still start, comes to a quick stop when key is turned off. Only had 185k on it. The 94 has 198k on it, ran when parked. ( transmission died) if im able to use the 94 engine i'll probly put new bearings and a oil pump in it.-at the very least.

 

the 94 not only has a different intake but the heads are different. Some sensors are different or not even there. To use the 94 block you need to use the 96 heads and intake. There is likely a few sensors that will need to be played with. A direct fit would be to use a 96-97 motor. The 98+ changed a few sensors. Also a 2wd oil pan is needed for a 2wd and 4x4 oil pan is needed for a 4x4. Accessories bolt up differently on a 94 and idk if they are interchangeable.

 

Ok, thanks. Hoping i can have the crank turned and use the original motor.

 

well, every rod bearing spun in this engine, the middle 2 mains did also. local auto parts websites dont list connecting rods for sale. so far it looks like im at about $500 for parts on this. (without new rods or knowing what it would be to turn the crank) getting the motor out was a real pain, i doubt it will go back in any easier. might be better off with a rebuilt engine than trying to rebuild this, not sure if i had oil pump failure or what, defintly putting a new one in if i rebuild it though. i do wonder how bad the cam bearings might be, havent got that far in the teardown yet. might have found a '97 for $1700, i could have that much in this old '96 when its all said and done...where do i find connecting rods though? i see summit has them listed, but i really dont need performance parts in this thing. dealer only item?