elcamino engine swap

[kender]

I have a 1980 elcamino and I am thinking of swapping the stock 3.8ltr v6 with a newer vortec 4.3 ltr v6. I am looking for fuel economy as well as aftermarket bolt ons being available.

I need to know if the 4.3 (from say a 2000 s-10) will bolt in or if a mount kit is needed, also what else will be needed, I.E. electric fuel pump to replace the mechanical one from the carb system on stock motor, any linkage issues for the auto tranny, etc.


Any help would be appreciated.

[Just Dave]

Are you going carb or keeping the EFI? EFI would be a much tougher swap (adding wiring harness and getting high pressure pump in the tank) but would net much better drivability and mileage.

As far as the mounts are concerned, I'm thinking the 3.8 mounts wouldn't work, but since the 4.3 was sold in El Camino's and Malibu's, you should just be able to unbolt your 3.8 mounts from the frame, and bolt in the 4.3 mounts.

[Mars_302]

Most of the older GM cars have severa; bolt holes for different engine combos. So techically a 4.3 should sit right in there since it shares so much witha 350. I think you will have tou sue a different tranny though. I dont think the 3.8s use the same bolt pattern as a 4.3 and I doubt an older 3.8 tranny would hold up as good to a 4.3.

I know edelborck and a few other companies sell intakes and cams for them.

But why 4.3? I would think a 350 would be a way easier swap to do and you can grow much better with it..

[Just Dave]

if he goes carb, the 4.3 would be just as easy to swap as a 350. If it were my money, I'd put the 350 in since you're gonna have to buy so much anyway, but if he's looking for gas mileage, the 4.3 is a decent choice.

Mars is right about the tranny, and the problem is, all Vortec 4.3's had a computer controlled tranny which means either

A) Keeping the EFI to controll the tranny.

B) Finding an older non electric tranny to put beind the 4.3 (if going carb)

C) Getting an aftermarket computer that just controls the tranny (not very cheap).

I think an EFI Vortec El Camino would be badass and probably not too tough to swap. You might want to check out www.sseriesforum.com to see if they can help out with the swap.

[kender]

cool thanks. I would like to go with a 350 efi but since this is a project car for me and my dad and it is his daily driver we need to keep the fuel economy up but I would like to be able to bolt on power later. I am definately going to switch to efi and as for the wiring the only thing I am concerned about is hooking up the idiot lights and gauges to the newer system. I figure that after doing a B16 swap in my 88 crx and taking into account my degree in electronic engineering, adding extra wiring shouldn't be too big of a kick in the ass.

If any one has any more info to help please feel free.

[Mars_302]

Just got with a TPI 350 or hell even a LT1 with a 700r4 tranny behind it. They will get just as much mileage as a 4.3 will.

[Just Dave]

If you can swing it, an LT1 would be a nice swap. It will get at least 20mpg on highway driving (I get 18 in my 01 S10 with 4.3) and it is a well documented swap into different cars. There are even street rod harness' available for wiring an LT1 into any car with no provisions for EFI.

You should be able to pickup an LT1/auto combo from a wrecked F-body for about $3500 from places like T/A creations in Miami. These are reletively low mileage cars (usually about 80k) and generally include the harness and all accessories.