Vortec V6 or 225 Buick that is the question

I can get my hands on either one of these engines. A Buick V6 225, or a Vortex V6 fuel injected. Would like to install in my 62 CJ5. I am a little concerned about the torque on the frame. Of course the EFI is the way to go when climbing and crawling. I concerned I'll chase frame fatigue from the added torque. Coupled to a T90/D18 and 5.38's in the axles. Thoughts everyone?

 

Re: Vortex V6 or 225 Buick that is the question

I love the:v6: great little engine and easy to install.

 

Re: Vortex V6 or 225 Buick that is the question

werd.. ive seen 454s and even a 500 caddy dropped into these jeeps. you'll be fine with either v6.

If a v6 breaks your frame, it was already broke. more likely your fractures will come from hitting rocks hard.

drop in whichever is cheaper and rock it out!

 

Re: Vortex V6 or 225 Buick that is the question

Does the Vortec have a conventional distributor at the back? One advantage of the 225 over the 4.3L Chevy is the front mounted distributor. The rear mounted distributor on the 4.3L makes the engine a little harder to position in the bay due to firewall interference.

Unless I had strong brand allegiance, I'd pick the newer design engine, ie Vortec. Parts should be cheaper and more available, and EFI will be more straightforward (if not simpler).

I'd agree - engine size between these two engines won't be a factor in frame breakage.

 

Re: Vortex V6 or 225 Buick that is the question

theres a write up about the 4.3 swap in the tech database. i havnt looked it through entirely, but it seems fairly straight forward.

 

225
stay old school
everyone has a 4.3 nowadays

 

Your only looking at ~20-35 more ft-lbs of torque between the 4.3 and the 225. The 225 has a heavier flywheel and likes to lug low... I really like my 225. I have not had a single issue with my Rochester 2G carb offroad either. But it isn't a rock climber either.

 

Re: Vortex V6 or 225 Buick that is the question

How can installing a fuel injected computer controlled engine be cheaper and easier to install then :v6: :? I do like a full inj. engine but a 225 fit's in there so nicely, heck you can even get factory motor mounts etc. from the donor vehicle and drop it in. Not saying a 4.3 isn't worth it, just a heck of a lot more work and expense I would think. I also haven't had trouble finding parts or 225 engines either, there still around.

 

Re: Vortex V6 or 225 Buick that is the question

I understood the first post to say he wanted fuel injection ... maybe that's not what he meant. EFI on an odd fire will be more work than simply keeping the Vortec EFI.

 

oh you mean it helps to read the whole post?

 

If I had both motors I would probably go with the 225 because it would be (slightly) easier. And it works pretty well.

Unless I was looking for a project, and I had the 4.3, and I was comfortable with fuel injection. And wanted the extra power and torque. . . . I'm just sayin'.

Don't think it's worth the work to go FI on the 225.

 

Just flipping a coin. I have found 225 for $300 complete with bellhousing and a Vortec V6 4.3L for $700. The 4.3L has computer and harness from a S10 Blazer. Not planning on Rock climbing, just trail riding. Decisions, decisions, decisions!

A friend told me, he kept having oil pump issues with his 225. Thats why he got rid of it. Anybody else have issues with that?

 

Don't see any issues with it. 1966 w/63+ k and re-checked cover plate and gears few months ago and still look new. Have read many threads on 225 (couple years worth) and have only seen few issues (mostly small leaks) due gasket or not tight on screws. HTH

 

The stock carb. on the 225 does very well off road. If your heart isn't set on fuel inj. I'd def. go with the 225 Ive swapped them into my 3b as well as my 57 cj6 and have a factory 67 :v6:

 

I vote for EFI. I really like the 4.3 engines though I think a thottle body injection 4.3 (1995 and earlier) is a better choice than a Vortec engine. The TBI engines are dirt cheap too.

 

FWIW I have a rebuilt stock 2bbl Rochester on my 225, I can dang near lay the jeep on it's side and it doesn't burgle at all. I have been very happy with it in off camber situations.