Looking at a 95 caprice

[tyflesh]

Im looking at a 95 caprice classic, i was wondering if anybody can help me, with going with the 4.3 v8 or stay away from it, because i heard there didnt really provide enuff horse power, to make the car fun to drive does anyone have any input on this motor and how dependable it is.... thanks guys

[j cAT]

Originally Posted by tyflesh

Im looking at a 95 caprice classic, i was wondering if anybody can help me, with going with the 4.3 v8 or stay away from it, because i heard there didnt really provide enuff horse power, to make the car fun to drive does anyone have any input on this motor and how dependable it is.... thanks guys

The 5.7L engine is very reliable and has suffcient power to move this beast..the 4.3L is ok for intown shopping / errands..

the 5.7L uses 87 octane and gets average MPG of 17...the 4.3L only gets a couple more MPG...but lacks good power on the open road..

the 5.7L should demand a higher price ,however ...This is a 4000lb plus vehicle ...

[Blue Bowtie]

The highway mileage rating is exactly the same for both engines in a Caprice/Impala, as it should be. Once the mass is moving it takes the same amount of power to punch a hole in the wind regardless of the powerplant. The smaller 265 just does the acceleration and idle with a little less fuel, but can't accelerate anywhere near as well as the 350.

The 265 also doesn't have anywhere near the reserve power and fun factor. It's just as reliable as an engine, but smaller. If the rest of the vehicle is in good condition I wouldn't dismiss it because it had a 265. The LT1 will drop right in its place with little trouble as soon as you find a good donor.

[tyflesh]

well the caprice has 40,000 miles on it,and it will be used for some road use, as we take several trips a year maybe a 350 swap would be a good ideal, do they both 265/350 sport the same trans or would that have to be swapped out too

[Blue Bowtie]

4L60E behind both, and since the car was 2½ tons the 265 version got a full compliment of clutch plates just like the LT1 version. The programming is different, so if you ever swap make sure you get the PCM from the LT1 donor car.

[NOVAZ27]

You may be suprised at the performance of the 4.3v8. It is after all a baby LT1. the one my mom has in her "94" Caprice gets 17-18 mpg in town & 24-26 mpg on the hiway. The "SCALDED APE" Passing gear is something else on the interstate. Just be aware of the "OPTISPARK" & "WEAK EGR SYSTEM" on these vehicles. If they are not correct the car is a DOG. Keep them up to snuff and you will be pleased.

in mho

NOVAZ27

[96capricemgr]

I had a mid 80 305 Caprice when I bought my 96 with the 4.3l

The 80s car was a good bit lighter. The 305 clearly had a lowend torque advantage BUT the 4.3l definitely had a HP advantage.

I never tried it but I think a 4.3l with some better rearend gears and maybe a torque converter would be a lot of fun.

Only possible downside is the civilian 4.3L cars sometimes got a 7.5" axle which is weak, the 4.3l wont hurt it but a 5.7 WILL. That is another easy swap item though.

[tyflesh]

thanks for all the input, Im going to go test drive the car this weekend, from what u guys say, the motor should be ok for what i would use it for, thanks again guys