Vortec 4.3 V6

[Hedgehog]

Another price question. What would be a reasonable price for a '96 Vortec V6 in decent condition be worth. I'm looking for a 4.3 for my Willys Wagon. Naturally I don't want to pay too much and I don't want to insult the seller.

I'm looking at a '96 with everything on it, flywheel, wiring harness, computer with an advertised mileage of less than 40,000 miles on it. It's dirty and been sitting a shed for a while now.

 

[Belizean]

There are a lot of those engines out there, so they can't ask a fortune. Pretty good engines

 

[hole]

Can you hear it run? If not, $2-300 max, because its a core without hearing it

 

[Hedgehog]

Made an offer on one that is VERY complete. It is semi protected on a crate in a shed. He wants $850 for it, I offered $500. He E-mailed back that I need to do better, he has a Dana 300 Transfer Case and wants to make a package deal. It isn't my intension to low-ball him and let him know it. I'm sticking to $500.

 

[HackFabrication]

You probably can buy an entire Blazer or C1500 with the 4.3L for $500. Which would be what I'd do if I was going to swap an EFI engine.

However, I'm probably alone saying that the 4.3L of that generation isn't my favorite engine. Not a lot of power, fuel mileage sucks, etc. My 2002 Blazer had the 4.3L Vortec. It had a 'rattle' that sounded like spark knock. Turns out it was a common problem with the chain that ran the balancer shaft. The new 4.3L engine is a much better animal, IMHO.

That Willys would look good with a Ford Turbobird I4, T-176 (or T-18 /19), Dana 300 .

 

[Hedgehog]

He came back with a $725 price, I'm sticking with my $500 offer.

Now I'm confused, The reason for the 4.3 was decent power and great fuel economy. Now I have no direction.

I am generally an engine idiot so I'm stuck with listening to the advice of those around me that I trust. Now to research what a Turbobird I4 is.

 

[HackFabrication]

2.3L I4 turbo charged engine that Ford put in the Thunderbird 1987-1988. FoMoCo called it the Turbo Coupe. The same engine was used in the 1986 SVO Mustangs.

Coversion 'stand alone' wiring harness: MG-65 Ford 2.3 Turbo Engine Swap Harness-Ron Francis Wiring

Transmission adapter plate (adapts 2.3L to use SBF bellhousing):
2.3L Ford Adaptor Plate - Canfield Industries Fort Collins, Colorado

Unfortunately, these engines are 30 years old, and have probably lived a tough life. Difficult to find one that probably doesn't need a major overhaul.

You can probably score a good Ford 5.0L and drop that in. Those would only be 20 years old. EEC-III (EFI speak...) is very easy to understand. Ford V8's have the distributor in the front, which will help a bit with firewall clearance.

I'm running an EFI Ford 5.0L in my CJ5 mated to a Ford T-18 .

 

[DaveMueller]

Somewhere on the Novak site (Novak Conversions Home), they offered their opinions on what the "best" engine for a swap was. I don't remember the details and can't find it at the moment. I think the main point was any modern fuel injected V6 will give you more power/torque per dollar and fewer problems in the long run. They had good things to say about the GM systems in general.

Dave

 

[Hedgehog]

Willys America strongly recommends the Vortec 4.3. The engines I was looking at are off Craigslist so I'm saved the torment. I really want to try the 134 4 cylinder in my Willys to see exactly what it is all about.

 

[Peanut Butter]

Hedge, I had an older 4 door Blazer (small one) with a 4.3 V6. Never had a problem with it. For the size vehicle, I thought it had plenty of power. I even towed trailers loaded down with it. It had over 175,000 miles on it when I sold it and still ran good. Just keep in mind that all engines have a good side and a bad side. Go with what you want.

PS: My dream engine in a Jeep is either a 4BT or a 3.6l Eco Boast with the new 6 speed auto, but , most likely I'll end up with a small V8 some day with the Transmission I have.

 

[Hedgehog]

As with most anything there are positives and negatives. I'm not much into brute horse power, sure it is fun to have. I would like something that is reliable, can hop along at todays highway speeds and get decent fuel economy. The larger V8's have serious fitment and heat problems in a Wagon.

 

[mtnwhlr]

Just had this one show up
https://denver.craigslist.org/cto/d/1950-willys-overland-wagon/6409139707.html

 

[Hedgehog]

While I think that is a decent price, more details would be necessary to be serious. Not a lot of information usually means Rust Bucket. Can't help but wonder about the drive train. A 327 would twist a stock drive train into a knot in a hurry. Besides I already have a nearly stock Wagon in great shape. Except for the rattle ca paint job.

 

[mtnwhlr]

Besides I already have a nearly stock Wagon in great shape. Except for the rattle ca paint job.

I know I thought of you when I saw it and thought I would share.

 

[Hedgehog]

Not to worry, I like to see these wagons. Thank you. It might actually be a decent buy. I'd very much like to see what I inside. ??48 speed Transmission ??? Of course that's a mistake.

 

[mtnwhlr]

My brother bought one years ago, he got a case of beer and a bunch of spray cans and we put a camouflage paint job on it. It had a chevy inline 6. He had a lot of fun in it and I always thought it was pretty cool. I will be watching what you do with yours and I'm sure it will be great.

 

[Hedgehog]

Thank you, but you have far more confidence in the way it will turn out than I do. The silliest things have slowed me down.

An inline 6 is difficult to stuff in a Wagon. I-6's are relatively long, was the firewall cut?

 

[mtnwhlr]

It's was a long time ago but I don't think it was cut. It looked almost stock.

 

[Hedgehog]

I would like to have seen it. The Wagon has taken over my love for old vehicles in an unexpected way. My CJ will 4 wheel far better than I will ever push it. I'm just not into potential damage. The Wagon will do everything I ever want a 4wd vehicle to do, it's tough, it's relatively strong, it helped country folks and farmers feed America, it was just enough at just the right time, it represents most everything I admire about the old American way, I can sleep in it and the doors lock.

 

[Peanut Butter]

I like Hedge. Can't wait to see what you do with it. Don't sell yourself short, you CJ is awesome. The Wagon will be too!