My 1993 2dr 2wd blazer is at 122xxx miles.

It has the 4.3 vortec and im wondering which will be a better deal in the long run

Bolting a chevy 350 small block into it or turb/supercharging the V6.
im leaning torwards the 350 but im concerned about fuel economy

 

The power to weight ratio is something to be considered. A 350 may see better gas mileage than a 4.3 because it takes less effort for the 350 to move the Blazer. Have you ever done an engine swap before? Have you ever done forced induction? Which ever you're most comfortable with is what I suggest. Unless you know someone who is good at one or the other or both. 350 has more potential.

 

Some people report better fuel economy after the V8 swap.

 

Just from a car enthuist standpoint and not really a gearhead, I'd say a 350 would be a better bet. The pros out weigh the cons.
Turbos can be very useful, but they have to be set-up just right like so or else you can have ALOT of problems with various componets. Superchargers are expensive and take power to make power, but are the better of the two as far as forced induction.

The 350 will give the power of forced inducted V6's, but without the look or sound of it from the outside. Shoot run a stock 4 banger muffler and you'd have a stock sounding sleeper. You may run stiffer springs up front to help with the added weight of the engine, but most would upgrade the suspension at all four corners with a swap like that anyway. Plus, it would just look great under the hood. With the 4.3, you can practicly see the road all around the engine, inparticularly on the 1st gens, and the V8 would fill in the engine bay nicely.

(Remember: My opinion is to be taken lightly with a grain of salt.)

 

I think a 350 would give you a lot more power and what sounds better than a V8?