97 Blazer LS

[Brian Morris]

My 97 Blzr LS blew an engine and I wish to get some opinions about what I am trying to do with it. It has 140k on it but is in very nice shape. My wife and I have six kids and are looking for the most reasonable thing to do with it. The crank broke and sent metal throughout the engine, so it is toast. My deal is, buy a 4.3 vortec code W. Or try to put in a 305/350. They are alot cheaper but I have heard about all these kits needed to change over the mounts and the wireing. I am not sure that would be the way to go. By the time I get all the required changes to make it perform well, I am afraid it will cost more in the long-run. As well as right off the bat. #1 Is it fairly simply for someone who knows what they are doing. #2 Is it going to be worth it later on with the rise in fuel costs? #3 I am not wanting to change the fuel ports and fuel pump, Is that part of what these kits are for or what? Thnak You in advance for any advice/comments!!

[BlazerLT]

Yea, best bet is to replace the 4.3 with another 4.3L.

Here is where you can get a good longblock cheap.

http://www.chevy-gas-diesel-engines....ngine-206.html

You will just have to have it dropped in and the intake and sensors inserted into the new block.

[mike2004tct]

It sure would be nice to have an SB V8 in there ( I saw 2 this past weekend at a swap meet, but they were mid to late '80s, without all the electronic control gizmos required on the late '90s. Even saw a late '80s S10 with a BB Chevy in the bed, nothing under the hood

By the sounds of your post (305/350) you must be looking at salvage motors? Isn't the Vortec V6 as readily available as the V8s?

The computer/electronics is what I view as the biggest draw-back.

You can insert another Vortec V6 shortblock, and reuse all the "window dressings" from your current engine as BlazerLT stated, and save alot of hassles on the electronic end. (This doesn't even take into account the emmissions stuff). This would be the easiest way out, but......

I sure did drool at the thought of having a nice LT1,LT4,or even an LS1 in my '97 LT.
(I don't think I'd pass the emmission test with that set-up).

[Trail Blazin96]

I think it might be better to get something that will hold your whole family like a van, because the Blazers only seat 5, but as long as it is kids they are probably comfortable. but in a few years your going to have to go bigger anyways, so get it over with sooner!

[Brian Morris]

We have a van. The Blazer is for the winter time to make my wife feel safer with the 4WD. My son a lso has a car. When they get bigger they also get older and don't want to hang with mom and dad as much.

[Fireplug]

Just remember bigger engine means more gas it will use. And at 2 bucks a gallon I would stay with the 4.3. Not to mention any problems that will happen with a engine change like that.

[Mikado14]

From your first post, I will assume that you will and can swap out the engine yourself. If that is the case, I would check into a Jasper rebuild and they are long blocks and the warranty is the best part.

[BlazerLT]

Originally Posted by Fireplug

Just remember bigger engine means more gas it will use. And at 2 bucks a gallon I would stay with the 4.3. Not to mention any problems that will happen with a engine change like that.

Althoug in the most part you are right, I have read several articles where people have actually had the same fuel economy after the swap.

Seeing it is a bigger engine, it doesn't have to work as hard and also will cruise at a much lower rpm range depending on the gears.

With more power, you don't have to push the go pedal as hard.

But as you say, when people go to a 350, they usually beef it up with a bigger cam etc which will hurt the MPG, but feels awesome when it snaps your head back.