Good info there Blazerguy We are getting some good stuff in this thread lets keep it going.

Because at the end of the day, it's still 3/4ths of the engine you couldda had...

Everything (and then some) you can do to the 4.3, you can do to the 5.7.

And an Aluminum block Chevy 350 (or rev screaming 302) will weigh the same if not less. Slap on a set of Aero 4-v heads and go rip a SD4 a new drainplug.

Best!
Ben.

------------------

Ben Cannon
88 Formula, T-top, Metalic Red. (2:13.138 at Sears Point) "Every Man Dies, not every man really Lives"
88 Formula, Northstar, Silver, In-Progreess. -Mel Gibson, "Braveheart"

OK I stand corrected. The 3.8L Buick and the 4.3L Chevy are different engines. However, I am almost certain that what they both share is that they are 90* V6 engines.
Point is that if an 11 sec. 1/4 mile can be achieved with a 3.8L turbocharged 90* V6 in a 3600 lb Buick Grand National what would an engine of this type provide in a 2800 lb Fiero. I'm surprised that the 4.3L V6 is not more popular. It is a strong engine with lots of power potential.

------------------
87GT 3.4 Turbo Best 0-60 5.2 seconds
http://turbofiero.fierojoe.com/turbo.htm

quote I'm surprised that the 4.3L V6 is not more popular. It is a strong engine with lots of power potential.

Well, I must agree that it is a strong engine with lots of potential. I fabbed up a ProCharger intercooled system on my 94 S10 Blazer at 100k. With 10.5 psi @ 5400 rpm, I took power from 144 rwhp to 283 rwhp. After that, I was ruthless. I beat the living poo out of that engine constantly, and it took it admirably. I must admit that after 36,000 miles of constant, severe, unrelentless torture that I did eventually wear it out.

As to the 4.3 not being more popular, that can primarily be traced to GM. Take a look at how the 3.8/3800 was developed. It went from the halcyon days of the Grand National to the Series II and supercharged renditions with emphasis on performance.

By contrast, the best days of the 4.3 in factory trim was the Syclone/Typhoon engine. Much like anyhing remotely cool that GM does, they dumped the Sy/Ty after making very few of them. Other than the Sy/Ty's turbocharged engine, all there was for years was the wimpy TBI version with its idle and part throttle driveability compromises.

GM did eventually go to port fuel injection on the 4.3, one technically a batch fire and the other sequential. However, IMHO GM screwed up both of them as well. Instead of using regular Bosch-style injectors, they spent millions to develop a stupid poppet valve injector assembly that is quirky and quite failure prone. Also, this dumb move prevents you from using different injectors. Besides, the sequential EFI version has a much more restrictive intake than the Sy/Ty, or even the batch fire (called CPI) version that VortechFiero has in his car.

Despite all of the stupid things that GM has done to ensure that the 4.3 will not be used as a performance engine on the street, it is being used in various racing circles as a reliable, compact, potent power source.

quote Originally posted by Blazerguy: Other than the Sy/Ty's turbocharged engine, all there was for years was the wimpy TBI version with its idle and part throttle driveability compromises. I had a 92 Sonoma with the TBI 4.3. I never experienced any idle or part throttle drivability problems. It always felt like it needed more air at high RPMs, though. But it made tons of torque. Enough to break two left side motor mounts. The same mounts that are used on 350s, by the way. GM did eventually go to port fuel injection on the 4.3, one technically a batch fire and the other sequential. However, IMHO GM screwed up both of them as well. Instead of using regular Bosch-style injectors, they spent millions to develop a stupid poppet valve injector assembly that is quirky and quite failure prone. Also, this dumb move prevents you from using different injectors. Besides, the sequential EFI version has a much more restrictive intake than the Sy/Ty, or even the batch fire (called CPI) version that VortechFiero has in his car. My newest Sonoma (SFI) has a very small TB, smack in the middle of the manifold. I just have to wonder what kind of power this thing would make with a decent manifold and throttle body, and the same SFI setup. Woof! Despite all of the stupid things that GM has done to ensure that the 4.3 will not be used as a performance engine on the street, it is being used in various racing circles as a reliable, compact, potent power source.

There are also rumors, on the S-10 Forum, of a new 4.3 intake manifold being released in the near future. Good for around 240(?) HP, I think.
The S-10 guys are just salivating.

------------------
Raydar

From the Department of Redundancy Department.

I read threw most of this thread and there is a lot of decent information but there ain't no need in running down the v8 folks cause I got MY reasons for doing what I did when I added 4 more cylinders to my Fiero.

First off I considered putting in a 4.3 v6 in my Fiero but opted not for 2 main reasons.

1. The novelty of a v8 where it didn't come out. I started doing this engine mismatching on my first minibike and I haven't stopped to this day!

2. THERE IS NO REPLACEMENT FOR DISPLACEMENT.

4.3 v6 verses 5.7 v8
They are basically the same engines with 2 cylinders difference. With the same mods on both engines the bigger one will produce more power.

I realize that there can be a little better torque gain from the v6 due to the additional wieght of the crank assy. on the v8 but with the same mods the v8 still sits on top.

Now the way I see it if it wasn't for my reason number 1 above the 4.3 v6 would be the route for me too. I'm sure I could get all the power I wanted out of the v6 and not have to deal with some of the issues that a longer v8 presents.

If I had the 4.3 v6 I wouldn't have folks chase me down to see what they heard in the middle of my Fiero or ask to see the engine at the gas stations when I fill up. Nor would I have folks come up to me on the street and say how they like the sound of my nasty little car. Then ask how I got it to sound like it had a v8 in it. These would be some things I wouldn't have to deal with had I put in a v6.

Yes I am an ignort Hillbilly but I am not ignort to the fact of how to build a v6 to outrun a v8. It was preference as to the reason I chose the v8. That and the fact the v8 will always have more potential.

Now put that in your smoke and pipe it!

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quote Originally posted by artherd: Because at the end of the day, it's still 3/4ths of the engine you couldda had... Everything (and then some) you can do to the 4.3, you can do to the 5.7. And an Aluminum block Chevy 350 (or rev screaming 302) will weigh the same if not less. Slap on a set of Aero 4-v heads and go rip a SD4 a new drainplug. Best! Ben.

How is an Alum. SBC comparable to a $4000 V8 swap?

I would agree with butter,
Although you can get good performance from the 4.3, You will not get the "Awe" factor. at shows, the questions people will ask is-
why didnt you just do a V8? I know thats what I would have thought.

If your concern is cutting the frame or sheet metal, You dont need to do that with archie's kit. Yes you do need to cut sheet metal with a standard WP or CSI elec pump. but Not if you use a remote pump. I found a pump in Grainger for under $100 that has a 10year factory warranty. Its not for automotive, but industrial. As long as you don't exceed 300*F its covered. Its no bigger than a boat bilge pump.

Now how about guys with the S10 p'ups. I have one. Its probably going to need a motor someday. 200k and the motor hasn't ever been opened up. I could rebuild the engine for fairly cheap. Or I could go get a Junkyard SBC and install it. Probably for a few hundred more at the most.

Now best bang for the buck between the SBC and 4.3, I would say SBC wins. People around here(NW indiana) arent impressed with v6's. every other S truck has a v8. Now if I want to be fast with a v6, I would go SC3800. IMO

------------------
JOEJOE Aol:SSFiero
Two 88FORMULAS Red & Yellow
SSFiero@Aol.com

quote Originally posted by KissMySSFiero: I would agree with butter, Although you can get good performance from the 4.3, You will not get the "Awe" factor. Now best bang for the buck between the SBC and 4.3, I would say SBC wins. People around here(NW indiana) arent impressed with v6's. every other S truck has a v8. Now if I want to be fast with a v6, I would go SC3800. IMO

I would think you would get a pretty good "Awe" factor with a V6 pumping out 350HP
True it might have the most bang for the buck but there are a lot of V8s out there and SC3800 are even more plentiful. Like I said earlier in this thread, there is a lot to be said for just being different. Think about this. At the last big show you went to how many V8 were there and how many "built" 4.3s. That's the nice thing about this hobby, lots of options. Just my opinion

Gargoyle,
I do agree and I disagree.
At fiero shows a 4.3 is very uncommon, and there is a V8 in every other car.

I'm more interested in going to a chevy show and drawing the crowd away from the Vettes to see a corvette motor stuff sideways in the back of a fire hazzard fiero.

even at fiero shows, I look at the turbo fieros, SC3800's, 3.4's ect. But I will look at every detail on a v8 fiero from where the battery is, to what water pump they run. Thats my preference, and thats why I dont think more peope use the 4.3 engine. BUt thats not to say that a V6 will always lose to a SBC car. I know for sure that with a mildly modified SC3800 you can run with the mildly modified V8 guys and whip the guys with a stock TPI 305 swap. IM not in anyway against someone doing a 4.3 but I wouldnt do it. Nor would I do any other HiPerf V6 in my own car. My car's engine is completly stock because I'm not willing to go all out on it because that just not what I want.

By the way, I love the SC3800 for performance. Just not for me.

I've been toying with the 4.3 option for a long time now. First, I will say that after all was said and done I have decided on an Archie small block kit.

But.

The only reason I didn't decide on the 4.3 was my lack of welding/fabrication skills.

If I had the skills I would longitudinally mount the 4.3 with twin turbos.
pro #1: no cutting wheel well
pro #2: BETTER than stock left/right balance.
pro #3: room on the sides for twin turbos...

con #1: definately have to take out some of the trunk, but could probably keep a functional trunk.
con #2: must be automatic for longitudinal mount...
con #3: must have welding fabrication skills.

unanswered #1: longitudinally mount a 4.3, rearward weight problem??? certainly not as bad as with a 350. Maybe not bad at all.

unanswered #2: can you really get 600hp out of a twin turbo 4.3 like the S10 guys claim?? With my skills, doubtful. How about 400 HP?? should be a breeze.

AS FOR "AWE POWER":
Theres nothing as awesome as smoking a vette or rustang, and then informing them it was done with 6 cylinders. Screw the shows. I want to see jaws drop in my rear view mirror.

================================
Back to reality: I have no welding/fabrication skills. I need a kit for my swap. Archie's the only one who supplies a semi-reasonably priced/designed package.

And that was not a bash on Archie just now. It's just a comment that I wish it were just as cheap and easy to put a 350 swap kit in my fiero as it is in my toyota truck.

quote Originally posted by artherd: Because at the end of the day, it's still 3/4ths of the engine you couldda had... Everything (and then some) you can do to the 4.3, you can do to the 5.7. And an Aluminum block Chevy 350 (or rev screaming 302) will weigh the same if not less. Slap on a set of Aero 4-v heads and go rip a SD4 a new drainplug. Best! Ben.

How do you "slap on" a $5000 set of cylinder heads?

Along those lines, it would be interesting to build a Kansas Racing Products SD4 with the Cheavy heads bolt pattern and top it off with one of the Arao 4 valve heads (still a $2500 head, though).

quote unanswered #2: can you really get 600hp out of a twin turbo 4.3 like the S10 guys claim?? With my skills, doubtful. How about 400 HP?? should be a breeze.

Yes, you can really get 600 hp out of a twin turbo 4.3, and you can get it out of a ProCharger equipped 4.3 as well. For proof you only need to go to any Syclone/Typhoon website or to http://www.machperformance.com .

As far as 400 hp, that would be no problem at all. For that all you would really need is a stock 4.3 with original engine management, 10 psi of boost, VERY efficient intercooling, and good flowing exhaust. Forged pistons and better rings would be great, but not totally mandatory for this boost level. As long as you are not racing it ALL THE TIME it would be okay.

As to the engine choice, yes there are other options that would draw more oohs and wows at shows. I am torn between the V8 sound, the high rpm scream of a 3.4 DOHC, and the fact that I have lots of parts for 4.3s right now. All things considered, I consider the 4.3 a very viable swap. My suggestion would be to get the V8 Archie swap with the bigger radiator (you can't have too much radiator) and go from there. Use the accessory brackets that he normally uses.

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I shall be kicking myself for selling my 87 GT until I replace it.

Dangit, I just gotta stic my nose in this mess too now. I've talked to erik a while back many times when i was RedHaze86SD4. I was rebuilding a duke with SD and HP parts. Well after something came up that idea died. But anyways.

I've had 3 S10/S15/sonomas all with 4.3's and they kicked butt. My 90 S10 was up to 330hp dyno'd. And my 96 before someone rearended me at a light, was pushing 275hp, was about to supercharge it. And I would gladly put one into a fiero if I could afford it.

However I'm going with 4.9 cadi's for two of my fieros. because I found it to be and eiser swap. And yes, if you look back at some posts from around march you'll see that i WAS in the process of mounting a 500ci cadi longitude setup in thew back of a fiero just for sh!ts and grins.

We already swapped a duke for a 2.8 from a GT into the other one. and my 4th is trading its duke for YES, YET ANOTHER DUKE.

Ever watched sprint racing? depending on which class your in, alot of the motors are, guess what.... dukes... A friend builds 2.5R motors for sprint racing. Hes rebuilding one of mine after I made a nice sized mistake while rebuilding one of mine. He also has been working on some secret project stuff with dukes. Like building and running his own head and intake setup on a duke.

Sorry to go off a bit erik, I know my post doesnt quite follow your topic

I have to agree with Butter and KissMySSFiero on this one. I've been there and done that. I've sunk a ton of money into my V6. Yes, it runs like a scolded rat. Yes, I take 5.0 Mudstains like they are going out of style. Yes I can get 425 HP out of my 2.8! Why do swap at all?? And for those that don't believe the numbers, look up Steven Hamm. I was going to model my 2.8 after his. The problem is MONEY. Lets face it, performance parts for a V6 are A) Expensive and B) Hard to find. So dollar for dollar a small block Chevy starts looking more and more appealing. In order to get the same HP/TQ out of a 6 I'd have to spend TWICE what it cost me for my 455/468 383 V8 (that just arrived today, coincidently) Then there is the "WOW" factor. Every show I have gone to, the fist question is "Is it fast?" I reply "sure" next question, "Does it have a V8" , "ah, well no" away they go without another look. Another drawback, especially in the show arena is that most people know the car came with either a 4 or 6 cylinder. Most of the time they look at a 3800 Supercharged motor and think its stock where as with a V8 there is NO DOUBT that it WAS modified. And of course there is the old saying - "There's no replacement for displacement!" or the throaty sound of a V8

Rob D.

Disclaimer: This is MY opinion

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Modified 2.8 (Soon to be a 383 V8 )
2.5" Drop
11" Brakes
17" Revolutions
RCC Coilover Suspension
New web site! www.dirtyratracing.org

Not a help technically, but the 4.3 is the Camero engine(correct me if I'm wrong), one of our members is running one, pretty damn sweet, kind feel inadequette with my headless duke, looks like I may have a winter project.

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Ottawa Fiero

Depends on the year, but since '82 the V6 Camaros have either had the 2.8 (82-89), the 3.1 (90-92), 3.4 (93-95) and 3.8L (96- ) (might be off by a year or two here or there)

V6 Camaro's weren't fuel injected until 1985.

quote Originally posted by sentinel_76ca: Not a help technically, but the 4.3 is the Camero engine(correct me if I'm wrong), one of our members is running one, pretty damn sweet, kind feel inadequette with my headless duke, looks like I may have a winter project.

want a 4.3 buy a van take your kids to school have fun

want performance how much?

3800, or sbc chev should satisfy any macho craving you may have if you have money buy a vette good reasale

i have a 3800sc i can kill myself in that very easily if you want speed remember that
someone will always be faster

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mike

Reality check!

Putting twin turbos on a 4.3 is no different than putting twin turbos on a 3800, except that the 4.3 will entail the extra expense of the V8 kit.

Supercharging a 3800 is easier than SC'ing a 4.3 since the 3800 already comes with a supercharger, and doesn't require a V8 kit.

If you've got to do the same thing to each engine, it only makes sense to go with the 3800 since it requires less work and expense otherwise.

If you want to do it to be different, go right ahead. I had the opportunity to buy a 4.3 Fiero once, but didn't move quickly enough. I took it for a test drive. It was a carbed engine that wasn't that impressive. Even after the swap it still needed some work to be quick.

That's my take on it.

quote Originally posted by crypto1079: Uh oh, there's alot of people talking out of their ass again, even the person complaining about it... "Why is it moot? They made 3.8l FWD blocks." Well of course they did, and they've been around for awhile now. BUT THE GNX BLOCK is different. And to the guy who says "the 3800 isn't the 3.8". Um, don't believe I'll exactly go along with that one either. The 3800 is a 3.8L engine. It's the later model FWD 3.8 offered in many cars. And it sounds like Will's kinda pulling some jargon from the rectal orfice too with his bolt-pattern explainations. And someone PLEASE sum this up for me.. when was the 4.3 ever offered as a FWD engine??? I thought NEVER, but I could be mistaken on that one. Dennis, you ask why not go ahead with the SBC, or that the torque from a 4.3 is all you'd need? Oh well, that's probably because the Getrag couldn't handle that kind of power as it is so weak.... (right??) [This message has been edited by crypto1079 (edited 06-22-2002).]

Sorry for the LONG quote, but this is necessary.. I think.

I never made this post. I can't explain it, it's under my name, but I didn't write that... isn't that wierd?
But hey look, it's (as other's have pointed out) GTFiero1 is talking some again.

quote Originally posted by Will: Reality check! Putting twin turbos on a 4.3 is no different than putting twin turbos on a 3800, except that the 4.3 will entail the extra expense of the V8 kit. Supercharging a 3800 is easier than SC'ing a 4.3 since the 3800 already comes with a supercharger, and doesn't require a V8 kit. If you've got to do the same thing to each engine, it only makes sense to go with the 3800 since it requires less work and expense otherwise. That's my take on it.

I hope this isn't too far OT but can you bolt up the 3800SC to a five speed straight up or does it only bolt up to the auto with out mods? This could be a difference in cost. The adapter plate for the 4.3 really isn't that big of an expense to add to the swap.
I forgot to add that one other consideration which should be NA versus non-NA. If a person want a NA V6, the 4.3 has more potential than the 3800. Now I'll admit I'm not entirely sure but can you even build a NA 3800? I know you could with the 3.8. Now I'm just comparing V6s here not V8s. Let's leave them out for the moment.

[This message has been edited by gargoyle (edited 06-27-2002).]

The 3800 bolts to all stock Fiero transmissions. I agree that the NA 4.3 has more potential than the NA 3800 (more displacement afterall! and wider selection of cams, etc.), but the 4.3 still has the extra expense and hassle of the V8 adapter components.
The adapter plate is hardly the only expense. You also have to deal with a custom flywheel, or flywheel or flexplate spacer/adapter, which also must be made or bought.

Check out this months Hot Rod. The do a complete build up of a 4.3! They were able to get 300 HP @ 5500 RPM with a relativly mild build up. They say that if you do the same build part for part it would cost $3000 including machine work. Now if you shopped around for the parts and put it together yourself, I am sure you could get the price down around $2000. That's not bad for a fresh 300 hp engine.

Yeah, the heads that they used absolutely SUCK! The better heads are 98 & newer, with 2000 & newer being the absolute best of the cast iron GM heads. Long story short, the 96 & up heads use the exact same port design/specs as the Vortec "fast burn" V8 heads. With bigger valves and some work these heads have been taken into the 270cfm @ .500" range by several people. Hot Rod didn't do their homework very well before taking that shop's word as the last & final word.

300 flywheel hp? Good numbers, but not a big deal for an EFI NA 4.3.

Hey guys, I am new to this site and I just picked up a FieroSE w/5 speed Getrag for the soul purpose of converting a 3.8 buick (GN motor style setup). I know the stick will slow a turbo car down compare to an automatic,(low RPM motor 5500 red line) but I like to try it any way.If you look at my signature it will show that I have both GN and a Typhoon and let me tell you even though 4.3 chevy v6 is bigger than the 3.8 Buick v6, the buick v6 is a much stonger motor and lot more aftermarket stuff. Of course if you build a bow-tie motor it will hold up to good power power.Stock 3.8 buick block v/s the stock 4.3 chevy block, the buick block will take more abuse.My GN runs 10.70's on stock block, my Typhoon runs high 13's. The pistons,rods and the crank are much weaker in 4.3 chevy. For my Fiero,I am useing a FWD 3.8 block out of an 87 Bonneville which would bolt right up to the Getrag, I have to get custom flywheel that is drilled for the buick crank bolt pattern.The crank in the FWD 3.8 is similar to the Grand National crank, they are both fillet rolled, the rods are the same, I have to put turbo pistons in them so I could run 20psi with race gas or Alky injection. The heads and the manifold out of GN will bolt right up to the FWD 3.8 block. When the project is complete, it should be able to produce around 450+HP & 550+/lbs tq (slighty modified).We will see how well the clutch and the trans holds up.I still think that SBC is best way to go. I am just a Turbo buick nut.

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87SE 2.8 w/5speed(waiting for a 3.8 Buick GN setup trasplant)
85SE 2.5 w/5speed (for sale)
1987 Buick GN(10.70@124MPH)
1987 Turbo T
1992 GMC Typhoon
Other cars; JaguarXJ6, AMG 500SEL,Astro & Legacy

quote Originally posted by WikedV6: For my Fiero,I am useing a FWD 3.8 block out of an 87 Bonneville which would bolt right up to the Getrag, I have to get custom flywheel that is drilled for the buick crank bolt pattern.The crank in the FWD 3.8 is similar to the Grand National crank, they are both fillet rolled, the rods are the same, I have to put turbo pistons in them so

I've always wondered about that.
Everyone I've ever asked about the FWD block had never given me an answer.

quote Originally posted by erikred: It's too bad you did not actually read both of the post entirely. If you did, you would not have wasted the space with your post. A clogged fuel filter caused the engine to go lean and he burned 3 pistons. Now if something comes apart in a SBC, do you think it's not goin to knock a hole in it? Erik-

Yea and you apparently didn't read the whole post either. A clogged fuel filter caused a cracked block?? BWWAHHAHAHAAH You believe that? If so you are a fu<knut

And stop hanging from FastFieros nutsack. Quit talking about going out and building a SD4 for $4k and just do it and prove us all wrong about the reliablility and power you will get. Go spend the money to get the parts. OR QUIT TALKING ABOUT IT!! YOU HAVEN"T DONE ANYTHING! SHUTUP!

ok enuf bout the 4.3 for v6 guys.....but what about the 4 banger crowd...? and nice little 2.0 litre turbo from early sunbirds ??? those do have an aftermarket and they also have.......turbo's.......they are internally pretty well off to have an o.e. turbo anyway ....super simple swap for a duke owner and well....not what EVERYBODY ELSE IS DOING...remember...whats mo betta being 1 of 20\ with the other swaps or bieng that " hey wow thats really neat did you hear the blow off valve? dare to be diffrent."they might even remember the color of the car no less......just like a previous post said " is it fast??? does it have a v8???" thats just not right . these cars should have a personality different from the borg " you will be assimilated" type of thinking...all those in favor of crazy swaps that really make the OWNER proud...say I
I

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fun is rowin throo my 5-speed

Hmm. I'm just reading and thinking.

Seems like the guys who say
<i> "don't mess with the 4 banger- Get a v6!" </i>
Or
<i> "For that much effort you can get a V-8!" </i>
always seem to be trying to convince themselves that THEY made the right decision???

For all you disbelievers, by the way: Smokey Yunick took a 1976 231 V-6 and with an intake manifold (now made by weiland) a 390 CFM Holley 4bbl (same as used on the Vega hopups) The same headers you can get now from JC whitney for S-10 trucks, and a MSD distributor and got 290+ HP and Torque. No internal power modifications. (car and driver in 78-79 something like that. I put the intake, exhaust and 4bbl on a 231 in a 78 Sunbird in early 80's that ran like a bolt on midgrade gasahol! Sure was a lot more than the "105 HP" the dealer rated te engine at.

Some guy has one in a Corvair and claims 270+ HP 270+Torque. (saw a website ... http://www.corvaircorsa.com/brekke03.html )

I'd think the same parts would fit a 4.3 and do nicely. The extra 6-8 inches to allow for a OEM water pump might be nice.

But then, "toilet bowl tuning" appears to be a lost art, doesn't it?

Nbodyraser, Where did you find parts for the 2.0? I can't find much at all. Also, you would need to swap the tranny along with the 2.0 unless you could figure out a way to get the starter on the other side.

Erik-

I will verify on the carb intake, but I do believe that one of the Mercruiser 4.3 manifolds is for a carb.

The Sy/Ty guys and others are modifying older intakes to work with the new heads. These heads can really wake up a boosted engine. Biggest difference is the angle of the intake bolts (straight up & down as opposed to perpendicular to the cylinder head surface)

Actually looked on Mercury Marine website & the only carb 4.3 that they currently use has a 2V carb. I seem to remember a 4V intake for the new heads though. I will research & let you know.

quote Originally posted by Blazerguy: I will verify on the carb intake, but I do believe that one of the Mercruiser 4.3 manifolds is for a carb. The Sy/Ty guys and others are modifying older intakes to work with the new heads. These heads can really wake up a boosted engine. Biggest difference is the angle of the intake bolts (straight up & down as opposed to perpendicular to the cylinder head surface) Actually looked on Mercury Marine website & the only carb 4.3 that they currently use has a 2V carb. I seem to remember a 4V intake for the new heads though. I will research & let you know.

I was wondering if you could modify a manifold to fit the Vortech heads. I know you cannot simply redrill the center bolts on a SBC manifold to use it with Vortech head like you can with the old style manifold versus center bolt heads. The Vortech port locations are changed. But Since the v6 has a little different port layout I was curios if a mod could be done to use the carb intake on it.

Erik-

The port location didn't change, they just raised the port ceilings.
www.lt1intake.com

Comparing LT4 and Vortech intake manifold gaskets, it appears that they use basically the same port configuration. Light port matching may be necessary, however. I don't know if any of this is applicable to the V6 or not.

quote Originally posted by erikred: Your not even smart enough to read it carefuly the second time. He said the head and block were "broke" not cracked. Now try to put both of your brain cells together at once and realize that a broken ring or piston could easily cause a scratch on the cylinder wall so deep it could not be bored out. Someday after you graduate from Jr High you may get a chance to actualy do some work on a real car, but until then YOU are the one who needs to shut up. You haven't done jack sh1t and it is glaringly obvious by your post. My information comes straight from the horses mouth, not the other end where you get yours. I haven't verified the Duke information by doing it myself, but when at least 3 different professionals, whos' source of income was/is Duke performance, tell me the same things, I consider that a reliable source! Gerry at KRP told me you could build an SD4 for about $5000. KRP manufactures the SD4 for hard core racing. Do you know something they don't? Now if I can build an SD4 for $5000 using a $2500 block and all new parts, I can easily build one using a seasoned block and crank for $4000. But I don't even know why I waste my time explaining it to a troll like you and it's off the topic anyway. Erik- [This message has been edited by erikred (edited 07-02-2002).]

Dude no offense to you , I have met a lot of Fiero people and Racers in General, Shaun is one of the most intelligent people I have met when it comes to engines. I have some nice pics here of his 3.1Ltr aluminum Block he is building with Gen 2 heads and Cooters old Twin TB setup. He has all the parts and isn't a talker like a lot of the people around here.

you may not like the way he comes off on the forum , but I am telling you , you can learn a lot. I think like most of us here he is tired of hearing people saying what they are GOING to do , and no seeing any action. there are a lot of internet racers out there.

Shaun is not in Jr. High either. He was the 15th member on this forum , And the first guy here to run nitrous.

What is the difference between a cracked and "broken" engine block?

I know I sound like his fan club , but he has helped me quite a bit with my nitrous install and even given 1FST2m6 a few tricks to use on his car.

I think shauns main point is that for the time and investment the Duke isn't worth it. It works well as a commuter engine , but as a performance platform it is weak at best.

Keep an eye out in the back of the SCCA publication "Sports car" and get yourself a real SD4 for around 4G's less induction. Or get a 2.4 z24 motor and bolt on the blower kit. Either way you will be way ahead of a duke with any kind of performance upgrade.

JM

$4000 for 160 horsepower? For that kind of horsepower why not just throw in a 3.4?
Shizat, for $4000 I could put in a blown 350..