So in case some of you are not aware, GM is still putting the 4.3 in the base model trucks and vans, same basic engine that in the 98+ S10's and Blazers, with a few tweaks. One of them being the deletion of the mechanical distributor and instead going with a coil pack.

Has any one ever heard of, or even done the swap to the coil pack that comes on the newer 4.3's?

I work in a junk yard and I'm about to look into this a little more since we have a 2009 Silverado here with a 4.3, engine looks IDENTICAL to my 10 year old 4.3 in my Blazer lol, accept to the AC system and the coil pack where the distributor usually is. I would imagine there's some sort of gear drive that goes down to at least turn the oil pump over, I just wonder if there's something else electronically that's different, or if all that would be required is to pull the wiring loom apart where the coil and module are on the older 4.3's so that the wires can reach back to the back of the intake?

Be an interesting thing to do if no one's ever tried it before Could possibly provide a MPG, possibly a HP upgrade!

 

I don't know why it's so hard to find a photo of this, I'm assuming that means it's something that doesn't go bad that often, which is a good thing I guess lol

but take a look at where the distributor normally is on this photo





it's got one of these guys on it

 

AHA!

Gotta love eBay lol

 

There are 6 terminals in the electrical connector of the coil pack and the case is externally grounded. The PCM fires each cylinder through a separate wire, (no ignition module). It would require retro fitting at least a new PCM and engine wire harness. I suppose it would be possible, but a lot of electrical work involved. Not sure about the tone ring on the crankshaft, it might be different too.

 

hmmm

yeah I haven't had the chance to look at any plugs yet

after a little more looking up specs, it seems the two generations 4.3 are pretty close as far as MPG and HP they produce. so in the end it looks like the only benefit to the swap would be the getting rid of the mechanical spark distribution and going to a full electrical setup

 

Yup, lotta work with very few benefits.

 

now the 4.8, that has a bit more horse and torque

 

I plan on a 5.3 if I ever have to yank this 4.3 out but that'll be WAY down the road once I have something to get back and forth to work in while I park the Blazer and do it up right lol