93 C1500 to 4.3L to 5.7Engine Swap

[HondaMartin]

Could I swap my 1993 4.3 to a 1996 350 without upgrading the 4l60E tranny or beefing up the front end? Would I run into rear-end problems? I found a 5.7 with 18k miles and just wanting to pep the ol dog up. Thanks

[92C1500]

The transmission is the same for the 4.3 TBI v6 and the 96 Vortec 350. 4L60E. So shouldn't have any problems there.

The front end I don't know though if they use different springs to compenstate for the weight difference between the V6 and v8.

You also have to think about what you're going to use to fuel it. You could get a Vortec to TBI intake manifold, or a carb intake for a Vortec engine and a TBI adapter, and run the TBI on the engine.

Or convert to carb depending on your states emission laws.

Or do a more complicated swap of running the Vortec 350's fueling system.

Other items to consider with the 350 vortec is it's lack of water bypass hole in the front of the block, the different serpentine setup and crank reluctor for the crank positioning sensor, and the plastic timing cover that doesn't have a timing tab.

An easier swap would be an 88-95 350 TBI, but you are sacrificing power there compared to the 350 vortec and it's factory roller setup.

[HondaMartin]

Originally Posted by 92C1500

The transmission is the same for the 4.3 TBI v6 and the 96 Vortec 350. 4L60E. So shouldn't have any problems there.

The front end I don't know though if they use different springs to compenstate for the weight difference between the V6 and v8.

You also have to think about what you're going to use to fuel it. You could get a Vortec to TBI intake manifold, or a carb intake for a Vortec engine and a TBI adapter, and run the TBI on the engine.

Or convert to carb depending on your states emission laws.

Or do a more complicated swap of running the Vortec 350's fueling system.

Other items to consider with the 350 vortec is it's lack of water bypass hole in the front of the block, the different serpentine setup and crank reluctor for the crank positioning sensor, and the plastic timing cover that doesn't have a timing tab.

An easier swap would be an 88-95 350 TBI, but you are sacrificing power there compared to the 350 vortec and it's factory roller setup.

Is it possible to add vortec heads on a 88-95 350? I would like to keep the TBI, Because I just like the look and ease of access of everything. And Im not much of a top end guy, I like torque so a mild cam, and headers may come to play eventually.

[92C1500]

yes it is possible, actually a very popular swap to do.

You'll need a set of Vortec heads, a Vortec to TBI intake manfiold, or Vortec carb intake with TBI adapter.

[HondaMartin]

Thank you for the help! And could I find the fan shroud for the v8 at any u-pull-it or somewhere like that? And I might add the dual electric fans to help with the rotating mass of the big single fan.

[92C1500]

I'm not sure of differences between the two fan shrouds to be honest. Maybe someone else will chime in.

But if you have the budget for it electric fans are definitely worth it in my opinion. I'd like to put a set in my C1500.