Good afternoon all, I am new here, and wanted to get some brainstorming going about next steps for my aging Blazer.

I have a 1999 Chevy Blazer, 2door, 4.3V6....I am at about 204,000 miles, and its still running, and makes the day to day trips. But its in need of some help. Small oil leaks, engine starting issues...on top of many smaller things happening that come with age.

I LOVE the Blazer, and am at the crossroads on if I keep it, and replace the engine and start to mod out the truck...or go with getting a new vehicle. I would like to keep it, but need some ideas on what this model/year could fit....how much more would it take if I wanted to go to a V8....stuff like that. I know I could get a rebuilt 4.3...but it would obviously be cooler to step it up.

I am just shopping around ideas, and if its feasible. And just any ideas would be fun to hear. I don't have many truck enthusiast friends to bounce ideas off of.

 

1996-2000 Chevrolet Vortec 5.7 is the slick way to go in a late model Blazer. I wouldn't hack one up trying to put anything else in, unless it was race-only. Using the factory fuel injection for the V-8 with the 4.3 computer is really pretty easy, and you will need that original PCM to interface with a lot of other systems on your Blazer. Everyting from fuel gauge to speedo to transmission to 4WD and A/C compressor (much more) is operated through, or requires it to be present. Requires addition of wiring for the extra 2 injectors and flashing the PCM for the different engine. Brackets and belt driven accessories from the 4.3 fit on the V8. V-8 swaps in Blazers and S10s do require custom oil pans, motor mounts, and exhaust systems. They also require a considerable amount of expertise. I wouldn't recommend it unless you are certain you have the skills. If so they are pretty cool swaps. Here is one such swap that is not a hack job. Just Google 5.7 Vortec Blazer for more. Also they can be emissions legal if you use same year or newer engine and retain cat converters:

ZR2MIKE's 5.7 V8 BlaZeR2

Crate Engines are quite reasonable but you will still need the intake and fuel injection setup for the V8 as well as the aftermarket swap exhaust, oil pan, etc.

GM Goodwrench 1996-2000 Truck 350ci/255HP 5.7L Crate Engine | JEGS

But of course then you still have 200,000 miles on the rest of the vehicle....

 

My wife wants to put the LT1 motor from chevy in our blazer.

 

have your wife install it LOL