1994 4.3 engine swap to 4.3(what yrs fit?)

bjh125 · 01-04-2008, 07:33 PM

I just bought a 1994 (6/94 W code) blazer(Tahoe Lt) 4x4 that has lower end noise. Origionally was thought by previous owner, noise was in top end. He spent 1000 bucks at a shop on having the upper end rebuilt(heads, gaskets etc) only to have a knock in the lower end. Thats how i came to get the truck , off of him pretty cheap. blazer is in awesome shape and has leather, figured I could put another motor in cheap. That is my dilema- 1st choice is to find a used motor to drop in(probably cheapest) What years fit? I found a 1996 4.3 cheap with 134,000 miles--------2nd choice, buy a short block, (about 1000 bucks/1500 for a long block ) The heads were just done, so would be like a new engine(with a short)----3rd option is rebuild the bottom end of the engine thats in it (How much would that cost to have machining done,pistons, etc. same as just buying a short block? )---- 4th----buying a used motor and putting the rebuilt heads on used lower end with all new gaskets. What years of lower ends would work with all of the stuuf from the top off of mine. Any advice would be appreciated.
Also would like to know what to replace while its out, I figure motor mounts , frt seal in trany , water pump, thermostat, .Just had all new ignition stuff when heads were done.
It also needs a heater core, any advice/tricks on that would be nice too. Thanks, Bob

HUNGLowCustoms · 01-07-2008, 01:41 AM

Is it a vortec or tbi or what?

**otter** · 01-07-2008, 09:40 AM

94 w code = cpi (vortec) motor...

http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f107/t...3-info-131868/
everything you need to know.. and then some

bjh125 · 01-12-2008, 11:07 PM

Vortec.
I have been reading some of the Holy Grail. How do I know if order a reman I get the right block? That is the route I think I am going to go, unless rebuilding the lower end is cheaper/wiser? Suggestions on performance, should I put a new crank in , not a turned one? RV cam? .030 over?

Veritas · 01-13-2008, 12:37 AM

Gonna get a cam for a computer controlled truck cranes usually a safe bet, just go mild gas is getting expensive lol... plus theres no warrantys on modified crate engines.

BTW, check the flexplate, it might be cracked alot of times when they crack they knock just like a rod.

**otter** · 01-13-2008, 09:50 AM

Honestly you want to pull it apart and check it all out. With it just having a knock, you may be able to rebuild it, and it would be just fine.

The kid I bought my engine off said it had a knock for about a week, and then one day went pop.. and stopped moving... this is what I found:

dreamin85 · 01-13-2008, 10:16 AM

I've found it cheaper to have the machine work done' & build it Urself, vs. buying short/long block. Plus U no what's in it! As 4 crank, if U can have Urs turned, it will B ok. Reman crank prob'ly been welded

Most machine shops will give U discount if U let them do all the work & buy all gaskets & parts from them! IMO

01-04-2008, 07:33 PM	#1
bjh125 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 2 Ride: Seller Rating: (0)	1994 4.3 engine swap to 4.3(what yrs fit?) I just bought a 1994 (6/94 W code) blazer(Tahoe Lt) 4x4 that has lower end noise. Origionally was thought by previous owner, noise was in top end. He spent 1000 bucks at a shop on having the upper end rebuilt(heads, gaskets etc) only to have a knock in the lower end. Thats how i came to get the truck , off of him pretty cheap. blazer is in awesome shape and has leather, figured I could put another motor in cheap. That is my dilema- 1st choice is to find a used motor to drop in(probably cheapest) What years fit? I found a 1996 4.3 cheap with 134,000 miles--------2nd choice, buy a short block, (about 1000 bucks/1500 for a long block ) The heads were just done, so would be like a new engine(with a short)----3rd option is rebuild the bottom end of the engine thats in it (How much would that cost to have machining done,pistons, etc. same as just buying a short block? )---- 4th----buying a used motor and putting the rebuilt heads on used lower end with all new gaskets. What years of lower ends would work with all of the stuuf from the top off of mine. Any advice would be appreciated. Also would like to know what to replace while its out, I figure motor mounts , frt seal in trany , water pump, thermostat, .Just had all new ignition stuff when heads were done. It also needs a heater core, any advice/tricks on that would be nice too. Thanks, Bob

01-07-2008, 01:41 AM	#2
HUNGLowCustoms Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Dayton' OH Posts: 37 Ride: 89 Blazer Seller Rating: (0)	Is it a vortec or tbi or what? __________________ BOOST Required

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01-07-2008, 09:40 AM	#3
otter Blazin Low Supporter it fell? Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Knob Noster Occupation: Pimping you out. Photoshop Diety. Posts: 4,933 Ride: 03 blaZeR2 Seller Rating: (7)	94 w code = cpi (vortec) motor... http://www.s10forum.com/forum/f107/t...3-info-131868/ everything you need to know.. and then some

01-12-2008, 11:07 PM	#4
bjh125 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 2 Ride: Seller Rating: (0)	Vortec. I have been reading some of the Holy Grail. How do I know if order a reman I get the right block? That is the route I think I am going to go, unless rebuilding the lower end is cheaper/wiser? Suggestions on performance, should I put a new crank in , not a turned one? RV cam? .030 over?

01-13-2008, 12:37 AM	#5
Veritas Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Washington Posts: 568 Ride: 2000 S10 Blazer Seller Rating: (0)	Gonna get a cam for a computer controlled truck cranes usually a safe bet, just go mild gas is getting expensive lol... plus theres no warrantys on modified crate engines. BTW, check the flexplate, it might be cracked alot of times when they crack they knock just like a rod.

01-13-2008, 09:50 AM	#6
otter Blazin Low Supporter it fell? Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Knob Noster Occupation: Pimping you out. Photoshop Diety. Posts: 4,933 Ride: 03 blaZeR2 Seller Rating: (7)	Honestly you want to pull it apart and check it all out. With it just having a knock, you may be able to rebuild it, and it would be just fine. The kid I bought my engine off said it had a knock for about a week, and then one day went pop.. and stopped moving... this is what I found:

01-13-2008, 10:16 AM	#7
dreamin85 dreamin85 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: down home dixie land! Posts: 145 Ride: 85 2dr 2wd blazer,99 T/A Seller Rating: (0)	I've found it cheaper to have the machine work done' & build it Urself, vs. buying short/long block. Plus U no what's in it! As 4 crank, if U can have Urs turned, it will B ok. Reman crank prob'ly been welded Most machine shops will give U discount if U let them do all the work & buy all gaskets & parts from them! IMO