mudrider

i have a 1984 gmc s15 4x4 the motor is bad so i want to replace it with a 4.3 what all do i need and what do i need to expect and it is a high serria what is the diffrance in this model and others
any info would be helpful

maxxman04

motor mounts, transmission and transfer case. gonna need the wire harness, computer from 4.3 truck (if 4.3 is fuel injected). not easy swap, but not hard. did this last year on my '87 s15. i got lucky, found a running donor rig for cheap. had all the mounts, motor, trans, drivelines, wiring and such. wasn't a weekend swap, but didn't take all that long either.

Terry Neff

If your going to go threw all that,might just want to consider a V8 swap that have aftermarket kits.

mudrider

it does not matter to me witch ever one is easyer it is carbed so no wirein harness but i dont want to spend a hole lot of cash but 2.8 has got to go

maxxman04

the 4.3 will give ya a bit of power, yet maintain some economy. a 350 swap will give ya power, not much economy. since you have to change the trans anyway, you can swap in the 700r4 which will give ya the overdrive, or if rig is already stick shift, then grab a 5 spd to fit the 4.3, which will also fit the 350. what i would do is see if you can find someone parting out a rig with the 4.3 and trans. s series, astro vans can be found with the 4.3. expect to spend a few dollars tho. my swap was a total of about $500.

mudrider

thanks any advice about where to start on finding a donor rig

maxxman04

craigslist, local want ads. wrecking yard.

Terry Neff

Been there,done that.V8's don't work as hard as a 4.3,so the V8 gives aleast the same gas mileage or better.Of course it depends on the drivers style of driving.You then have the option of power when needed.

mudrider

i think ill just go with a v8 i think if i get motor mounts and a adapter for the trans i should be ok or will i need more i just hope thats all ill need for the 4x4 to still work

maxxman04

you will need another trans as the 2.8 will not work. as far as i know there isn't an adapter either. besides, that tranny will never hold up to the 350.