4.3l Mpg?

deyomatic · October 7, 2009

Anyone with the 4.3L always have poor mileage? I can't seem to get any better than 16 with it. It wouldn't be so bad if it was remotely quick. My work truck has the 4.8 with 3.23s and I've been getting 17.5 lately. I'm thinking it's the combo of the 3.73s and being ALMOST the same displacement as a 4.8L. It also doesn't seem to have the Torque Management issues that the 4.8 has so maybe I drive it a little harder.

Prokopchuk_9 · October 7, 2009

all the 4.3's are pigs...

matt3 · October 7, 2009

Should have gotten the 5.3! More power, same fuel economy.

Southwest_ Knight · October 7, 2009

ya they do suck on mpg, my 4.3 with 3.08s gets 18 city and 19.5 highway.

HawkeyeOC · October 7, 2009

all the 4.3's are pigs...

Very true. May dad has a 2000 little Blazer with that 4.3L and it doesn't get much better mileage than my 5.3L 1500. Unbelievable considering the size difference of these two vehicles.

I still love the motor though. They last a long time

deyomatic · October 7, 2009

Well, at least there is nothing wrong with this one...

The 4.3 wasn't my choice. My father bought it new and when he passed away I ended up with it. I hated it at first...then I yanked those lame ass lifting blocks out of the back, took the ugly 4x4 stickers off, and now it's growing on me. I enjoy driving it more than my work truck with the 4.8L...I really think there's little to no Torque Management BS on V6, so while it isn't as quick, it drives the way it should. If I DID have a V8 I'd be doing the BB tune.

Thanks for the input...

farmallcub · October 7, 2009

I'm waiting for BB to be able to tune my 4.3 in my 09 1500.

I think there's a lot more to be had outta that engine. I bought mine because it was all that was available. I just wanted a regular cab, 2wd, G80, 8' bed, vinyl floors, cruise and a decent stereo. Try to find that in February in western PA. Oh, also in red (I collect Farmalls).

If I'm nice to it and stay in the 60-65 range, I can get 20mpg.

I did put a K&N and a Magnaflow on it.

I had wait4me do my 04 1500 with the 4.8 and I was very happy. But I've heard much better about BB and will wait for them to be able to tune it.

deyomatic · October 7, 2009

Farmall,

Any idea what rear end gears you have? I'm wondering if I should do the K&N Route...

Samsfire · October 7, 2009

Yup 4.3's are def pigs on gas. The Blazer ZR2 I had before my Sierra(w/ 5.3L) had one in it, and I find my new truck gets better mileage than the blazer, and has tons more power.