4.3 Chevy into 89 Ranger??

[BobS_CT#59]

First post here, thanks for the great forums - been a reader for a while, poster for the first time.

Before anyone gets into Chevy Hateing, its for a truck I'm racing but I'm going carbed and there is no carb/intake option for the 2.9 thats in it now or the 4.0. So the 4.3 seems to be my best bet. Its still a work in progress, planned to hit the track in Feb '10.

Anyhow, I need to know if anyone has done this swap - a 4.3 into a second generation Ranger, and if so what problem areas there were and any fixes. Going to run a turbo 350 tranny behind it.

I know motor/transmission mounts as a minimum but I've found absolutly nothing helpfull with this swap anyplace I've looked.

So, if anyone has any insight I'd sure love to hear it ?

Thanks

Bob
1989 Ford Ranger
Driver of the #59 PanhandleRacing.com Compact Truck

 

[2813josh]

Nooooooooo

 

[BobS_CT#59]

I know, but I can't think of an alternative.

I'd like to keep her Ford powered but can't find a suitable engine in the 4.3 V6 class to put into it that has parts available to run with the carb, manual fuel pump, no computer, etc...

 

[LittleBigFoot]

The 4.3 is a great motor. Same as the 350 w/ two cylinders lobbed off.

Any 350 swap into a 2nd gen ranger (I'm sure they're on here) will be the same as the 4.3 swap.

I've never seen a 4.3 carbbed. Either way, it'll be interesting.

If you don't want to fab up new motor mounts, JCwhitney sells a engine cradle that is meant to be cut down, welded to the ends, and bolted to the frame. Available for SBC, BBC, SBF, and BBF. Frames 24 to 37 inches or somethin like that. 140 bucks for the one I picked up for my 408w swap.


Didn't the 4.3s run that spider injection style? That's gonna be odd swapping that over to a carb (unless the older 4.3s were carbbed. Hell if I know) If you keep it FI, have fun with the 96+ vortech costs.

What are the restrictions for your engine class?

 

[Gotta_gofast]

May I ask why you need a carburetor? A 4.0L SOHC would be an awesome track motor with some support from mustang aftermarket.

 

[dangerranger83]

Our family van has a 4.3 and it is CFI injected and it runs like a bat out of hell and has 185,000 miles on it, doesnt burn oil, and still lights the tires up. You can put a carb in place of the CFI but you will need to figure out the ignition system which shouldnt be to hard.

 

[RangerFabWorks]

the 4.3 uses a manifold, and a distributer like a vortec 350.

you can up to 95 before they switched over to a different style manifold.

there rated 195 horse stock

in my blazer with a slipping 4l60e trans. and 31'' tires. i could leave a great smoke show that would put some v8's to shame.

now converting to a carb.

im not sure if the early to mid 80's 4.3s were carbed. i wanna say no, but im not sure.

but i cant imagine it being too hard. all ya need is the carb and intake. distributor is the same.

there great engines. i would use one, but i cant justify not having a lumpy cammed v8 in my truck.

 

[mc_muench]

the 4.3's were carbed at one time, my autos shop has one for learning about rebuilding engines...as well as a transverse 3.0, that i will be rebuilding to later rebuild my own 3.0 in my truck

 

[BobS_CT#59]

I knew the 350 and 4.3 were basiclly the same on a lot of parts, so I'll look into 350 mounts, thanks.

What are the restrictions for your engine class?

Right now bolt on performance since we're trying to keep it a relativly lower cost division. Spec intake and carb (for those who want the carb) is a Holley 4412 and Edelbrock Performer Intake. Engine internal works have to stay OEM stock specs.

Add to that I've given them locked rearends, Hoosier G60-15 tires, option to interchange transmissions, change gearing etc.. and it shoud turn out pretty good. Going to race them starting in Feb and already I have 17 built/being built. Pretty decent.

May I ask why you need a carburetor? A 4.0L SOHC would be an awesome track motor with some support from mustang aftermarket.

Simplicity and cost. Plus, one of the biggest reasons; no computer controlled anything or any associated wiring/sensors that go with it If the truck was a newer model with the 4.0 in it already I'd definitly be running that.

Thanks for some real helpful input. I'll keep ya'll posted as it progresses whichever way I go.

Bob
1989 Ford Ranger
Driver of the #59 PanhandleRacing.com Compact Truck

 

[BeaterMan]

Ive seen a couple carbed 4.3s in my life. There out there just hard to find. A buddy of mine has one sitting on an engine stand that he ripped out of a boat.

Have you considered a carbed 3.8? that way you can keep it ford. just an idea for you.

 

[mixmaster42]

Bob the 4.3 had quadrajet and hei ignition in 1984 and later astrovans. Hei is a very simple one wire hookup.

 

[mixmaster42]

The 4.3 was carbed back in 1984 till about 1987 in chevy astrovans