engine swap

[mxjunkie123]

i have a 1998 chevy express 2500 with a 4.3L vortec and 4l60e tranny. does anybody know if the motor from a 2003 chevy s10 extreme would fit directly in its place. the s10 comes with a 4.3L vortec and the 4l60e tranny as well?

[Jsdirt]

They're the exact same engine as far as the block & heads go. Not sure of the differences in engine management, but everything will swap over no problem.

 

I just swapped a '00 Jimmy 4.3 into a '89 S10 Blazer. Bolted right up to the '89 700R4 tranny. All the stud holes are in the same locations (aside from being metric vs. SAE on the bellhousing and the straight-down intake bolt pattern of the Vortec heads), even that far back, so you shouldn't have a problem swapping all the electronics over to the new engine.

[tenntoby]

Long block swap should be no problem. Use the fuel and ignition system from van. The transmission is basically the same and bolt in but, I would recommend using the van transmission because its built for a 2500 van. Torque converter, spacer plate orifaces, different spring ratings in valvebody and accumulators, and not sure if 98 is set up electronically to command a TCC PWM apply converter.

[mxjunkie123]

the problem is the vans tranny is shot. van has 150k on it and the motor feels tired. so my thought was just to switch everything because i found a wrecker with 42k on it and they are asking 1,000 for both.

[Jsdirt]

I'd use both ... unless your using the 2500 to it's max load capacity daily. Everything should plug right in.

 

If you plan on working the hell out of it, and plan to keep it for another 150k plus miles, then this is the only way to go: http://www.transmiss...r.net/4l60e.htm

 

Level 1 is all you'd need for a V6.

[mxjunkie123]

we dont beat it. it is just a paint van

[Jsdirt]

In that case just grab the cheapest 4L60E you can find ... in decent condition of course - I'll bet you don't want to do it twice.

 

I'm surprised they put the 4.3 in a 3/4 ton vehicle ....