I'm Starting to rebuild my 99' Blazer Im not sure what I'm going to encounter but I know the engine needs work because its a 6cyl that has the power of a 4Cyl, the transmission shifts like a lose rubber band and the suppression feels like I'm riding on a waterbed. Im pulling the engine, transmission and rear axle to rebuild them all.

Im looking for advice on what Kits to use for the Transmission and Engine,

Engine - Using only summit racing as an example I'm having problems finding a "total" rebuild kit. When I search under my truck it only comes up with gasket and re-ring kits. I'm looking to replace the pistons, oil pump, freeze plugs.... When i search for only a 4.3L rebuild kit I find some but How do i know if they will work?


Transmission - On summit racing there are about 10 different transmission kits to chose from for the 4L60E. There's "master race", "Pro Super", "Premium Race", "lockup"... I'm not sure which one to pick. Im Just putting the V6 back to stock so I don't need a super transmission. Im guessing the lockup will work? Sadly its also the most expensive kit at $700, I'm also going to replace the shift solenoids.

 

As for the engine rebuild, the kits you find on Google will work. There's no difference in the internals of the 4.3 vortec throughout the years

 

Cool, Im thinking Im going to go with this one http://www.summitracing.com/parts/fem-mkp6020c-000 because it come with Pistons and a new pump

 

thats a good price for the kit.

 

Thats actualy not true depending on which factory your engine was made Either Romulus Mi or Tanawanda New York these engines used different cranks and rods.Also 5 different pistons were used through out the years of 4.3 manufactured engines.The Z or W engine will tell you which block you have.
Also if you need a new cam and lifters thats going to set you back close to $400 smack a roos

 

Wow i didnt have any idea about that. Thank you for correcting me. But two different factory's used different cranks and rods..? I believe it but that is strange. The decisions made by GM dont surprise me anymore lol. I knew different pistons were used throughout the years, but thats why i said "vortec 4.3" thinking that they were all the same in the vortec series. but pre 96' vortec probably used different pistons then different from 98+ i would imagine?

 

You can use a tanawanda crank,rods and pistons in a romulus block and visa versa but you cant mix and match rods and cranks.
Also gm used lighter weight cranks or heavy cranks in these engines.The with pistons.Even though the 350 is the same bore you cant use them in the 4.3 because the skirts are longer and would hit the counter balances on the crank.It would be posible is the skirts were trimed down and each piston balanced.Also the made engines with the x crank and rods and pistons which were heavy duty versions of these engines.Also the pistons used in the cyclone and typhoon versions had a deeper dish with lower compression because of the turbo chargers and inter coolers.They also made non balance shaft engines along with engines that have the balance shaft.So as you can tell theres alot of differences between engines that were made over the years.