I recently purchased an 86' El Camino and it currently has the 4.3L engine (roughly 135hp) and intend on swapping a small block 383 in it, I'm curious if the stock drive shaft, axles ETC can handle almost tripling the horsepower. I did some research and the transmission is rated to handle more power but was curious if anyone here knew if the other stock components could handle it.

 

Why did you not mention what tranny and axle you have? And no I dot even need to know that t know you'll blow your tranny or axle out as I have seen people do this one pony-trick before. On a vehicle that's over 30 years old? Forget it but when your drive line snaps or your axle shafts bust-up or your spider gears are toast, not to mention what your transmission will do, you'll pay dearly for this mistake. If you have the $$$ go for it but don't come back here crying about how awful Chevrolet's are.

This here is on your watch and your dime, son. I wish you the best of luck, but you'll punch it one day too hard and it will break.

 

I guess you misunderstood my question, but thanks for your input. It's completely stock right now and I was asking what I should replace with adding that much power (if it was even needed). I'll do more research before asking a forum my questions, I'll try not to come back crying if something goes wrong!

 

I owe you an apology, AlexKip. I did not mean to be harsh on you. It's some a personal issues in my life right now, that overcame me. I am sorry if I harmed you in any way. That is not how I normally am, as I can normally keep my emotions under control. Please forgive me. I hope your El Camino project will works out for you.

- Oilcanhenry.