from a 4.3 to a 2.8 liter

[Mango™]

I searched the forums but really did not see my answer.
I have a 91 s-10 v6 4.3 liter 187k, runs but burns oil, 1-2 quarts a week.

The truck needs a motor, the rings and valves are shot.

I am passing the truck to my son that is going to college and it is 200 miles away.

The main question is, will a 2.8 liter (v6 I think) fit perfectly into my 91 s-10 v6 4.3, transmission and motor mounts?

Thanks all who can help.

I found a rebuilt v6 4.3l for $625.00 with core trade in, it is a crate motor, I will only need to put on my oil pan and header covers. It came with 12months or 12k mile warranty, the 2.8 liter should be cheaper.

[Bolognabob]

one question...... why??? if i remember correctly, the 2.8 is a 60 degree block, while the 4.3 is a 90 degree, won't bolt up to the transmission... and, 625 for a rebuilt longblock is not bad, i just spent 900 bucks for a used 2.8....... wish i knew about the 3.4 swap before that..........

[Mango™]

the only reason is $ and gas, if I can save a few $100 and get a smaller moter I will save on gas as well.
It sounds like the trans might be the other issue, I may as well stick with 4.3.

[Bolognabob]

the 2.8 is a pooch....... has no arse to it............. a good running 4.3 shouldnt be that bad on gas............ my 2cents.............

[Mango™]

will any other size hook up like the v6 4.3l? My son does not need the get up an go.
Thanks

[Bolognabob]

i'm not sure......... somebody around here should know, btw, did you do a search about it???

[Mango™]

yeah, nothing really answered my question

[kkiel]

If you don't have the rest of the 2.8 truck, it will cost you alot. The 2.8 is a total different engine as the 4.3, transmiision bolt pattern is different which was already been mentionned. So you need a transmission, motormounts, exhaust, wiring, all accessories on engine, wiring harness and a ECM (the computer), Radiator and shroud are probably different. Best to stay with the 4.3 it is more reliable, if you want gas mileage go with a 2.5 again, you still will need the same parts, dollar wise cheaper to replace the 4.3 with a 4.3.

[dmbrisket 51]

i beleve a 3800 is a 90degree with the same bellhousing pattern, not sure though, i know the 3800 (3.8l) is a 305 missing 2 cyl, your best cheepest bet is another 4.3, they are basicly a small block 350 missing the front 2 cyl. meaning different moter mounts, different fuel pump, transmission, gear ratios in the pig, and the 2.8 has a horrable bottum end, one of chevys worst moters of all time

[OverBoardProject]

Sorry, It's late and I'm tired so I haven't read everyones posts here.

But here's a few things that I noticed.

A well tuned 4.3L gets around the same mileage as a well tuned 2.8L. This is partly due to the gearing that they use with a 2.8L due to it being so gutless,

The 2.8L has the weakest bottom end of all the Chevy V6 motors. They were made better after 86, but most smart people upgrade the motors to a 3.1L or 3.4L from a RWD car to eliminate the weak bottom end (they are all the same bell housing as the 2.8L)

You might want to look at this link for some possible engine swap info
http://www.novak-adapt.com/knowledge...l_block_v6.htm
There are alternative motors that would be a better choice (like the 200ci motor)

[Mango™]

I can always trust overboard to come through. We have decided to stick with the 4.3, sounds to difficult to swap. Thanks all!

[Cam1959]

the 2.8 i have seems underpowered for truck on highway. struggles with even slight uphill. works hard rpm/gas wise except on overdrive flats or downgrade. in my opinion for highway use, the 4.3 would not draw much more gas as it won't work as hard at those speeds. 2.8 ok for city, but with my 4wd i only get around 20 mpg average.

[bigd7315]

4.3 auto with a 3.42 gear gets around 18 city and 25 hwy so try that i have a 93 2.8 truck and it can't get out of its own way and gets the same mileage as the ext cab 4.3 that i have