4.3 V6 Builder's Notes

There always seems to be unending questions about the Chevy 4.3 V6. I have spent the past few months researching the 4.3 in an attempt to understand the many configurations of this engine's production run. This ain't no SBC without 2 cylinders! The little engines are excellent swap canidates, but there are some more desirable than others. There is VERY little information on line about the engines, a couple of good articles and from there you really have to dig deep!

My project has headed for the dark side (350 SBC) so I won't be needing this chart as I dig around in scrap yards.

I compiled this chart based on my research, maybe it will answer a few questions for some of you. Disclaimer: "All data should be verified"...LOL.

Enjoy guys..

 

the pre-balance 4.3 can definitely use a short water pump and related accessories for better fitment
I hope to contribute more once my 79 200 and 85 262 are gutted
I'm gonna see if using the 200 crank will allow the use of sbc pistons, rods, bearings in the 4.3,
add some vortec heads and a tin (sheet metal) intake. should be great cost per horsepower.

fyi the 200 is not even fire and so the rod journals don't need to be different in thickness from the sbc as the even fire 4.3 does

in the meanwhile I'll add some link:
http://dezertdimes.com/2010/11/the-complete-guide-to-the-4-3-liter-gm-v6/

most of the changes coincided with sbc changes...
mehh it's still a sbc at heart

 

I would be running a 4.3 except the one I picked up had a cracked block (#196) when I opened it up. I was trying to find out what block & parts I needed when I put the chart together....out of frustration. There is no 4.3 interchange manual that I could find??? When I discovered that you can have 2 indentical engines, from identical years, built in 2 different plants...and the parts may NOT interchange!! I folded up shop on my 4.3 project, the bits and pieces are headed to the recycler.

BTW I have a new GM HP "tin" (aluminum) intake that I will not be using. Fortunatley it was the only thing I bought before I shifted gears.


I do think they are neat engines, just do not have the interchangeability I am accustom to. I am just too spoiled to the SBC parts identifier... "fits all sbc engines 1955-1987" lol.

 

Here's a cam shaft guide that I put together on the 4.3. This is used ful when looking for used roller shafts.


OE Chevrolet Vehicle Camshafts (4.3 / 262cu)


1987- ’91 VIN “Z”: The original roller cam used for the throttle body motor. It had a 1.380″ intake base circle, a 1.335˝ exhaust base circle, and a pretty mild grind.

10088148
14093686
10214713
10172776
10144176

Opens : -12 BTC/29 BBC
Closes : 18 ABC/-14 ATC
Duration : 179/195
Opens : 14 BTC/57 BBC
Closes : 58 ABC/25 ATC
Duration : 252/282
Cam Lift : .234/.256
Gross Valve Lift : .351/.386 (w/ 1.6 rockers---.374/.411)
Center Line C/L : 108/112
Rocker Arm Ratio : 1.5/1.5
Valve Lash Clearance : HYD/ROLLER

( Cross referenced from Mellings OE equipment guide)

A E CLEVITE 154
AVON CS-5243
AVON CS-5243R
BALKAMP/NAPA 229-1902
CAMSHAFT MACHINE 315243
CAMSHAFT MACHINE 315253
DANA/CLEVITE 229-1902
ELGIN E-1600-S
ELGIN E-1686-S
ENGINE POWER COMPONENT EPC-4602A
ENGINETECH ES783
EPWI MC1026
GENERAL MOTORS 10088148
GENERAL MOTORS 10144176
GENERAL MOTORS 10172776
GENERAL MOTORS 10214713
GENERAL MOTORS 14093686
MUSKEGON MC-1026
SEALED POWER/FEDERAL MOG CS-783
TRW TM814
TRW TM853
WOLVERINE CS-697
WOLVERINE CS-894


______________________________________________________________________________

1990-’91 VIN “B” WITHOUT BALANCE SHAFT: The H.O. motor. Reported in Astro & Safari vans??
*No Mellings cross reference guide applications other than Mercury Marine.

10055487
14096233

Opens : 7 ATC/41 BBC
Closes : 29 ABC/8 BTC
Duration : 202/213
Opens : 21 BTC/70 BBC
Closes : 70 ABC/34 ATC
Duration : 271/284
Cam Lift : .269/.276
Gross Valve Lift : .404/.414 (w/ 1.6 rockers---.431/.441)
Center Line C/L : 108/116
Rocker Arm Ratio : 1.5/1.5
Valve Lash Clearance : HYD./ROLLER

( Cross referenced from Mellings OE equipment guide)

A E CLEVITE 153
A E CLEVITE 505
AVON CS-5244R
BALKAMP/NAPA 229-1881
CAMSHAFT MACHINE 315244
DANA/CLEVITE 229-1881
ELGIN E-1033-P
ENGINE POWER COMPONENT EPC-2776Z1
GENERAL MOTORS 10055487
GENERAL MOTORS 14096233
SEALED POWER/FEDERAL MOG CS-1051M
WOLVERINE WG-1182


______________________________________________________________________________

1992-’94 VIN “Z” WITHOUT BALANCE SHAFT: The specs for this cam were comparable to the earlier VIN “Z” cams, but the base circle on both the intake and exhaust was reduced to 1.260˝.

10088148
10144176
10172776
10214713
14093686

Opens : -12 BTC/29 BBC
Closes : 18 ABC/-14 ATC
Duration : 179/195
Opens : 14 BTC/57 BBC
Closes : 58 ABC/25 ATC
Duration : 252/282
Cam Lift : .234/.256
Gross Valve Lift : .351/.386 (w/ 1.6 rockets---.374/.411)
Center Line C/L : 108/112
Rocker Arm Ratio : 1.5/1.5
Valve Lash Clearance : HYD/ROLLER

(Cross referenced from Mellings OE equipment guide)

A E CLEVITE 154
AVON CS-5243
AVON CS-5243R
BALKAMP/NAPA 229-1902
CAMSHAFT MACHINE 315243
CAMSHAFT MACHINE 315253
DANA/CLEVITE 229-1902
ELGIN E-1600-S
ELGIN E-1686-S
ENGINE POWER COMPONENT EPC-4602A
ENGINETECH ES783
EPWI MC1026
GENERAL MOTORS 10088148
GENERAL MOTORS 10144176
GENERAL MOTORS 10172776
GENERAL MOTORS 10214713
GENERAL MOTORS 14093686
MUSKEGON MC-1026
SEALED POWER/FEDERAL MOG CS-783
TRW TM814
TRW TM853
WOLVERINE CS-697
WOLVERINE CS-894

______________________________________________________________________________

1993-’95 VIN “Z” WITH BALANCE SHAFT: The specs on this cam were similar to the ones used in the VIN “Z” without a balance shaft, but a snout was added for the balancer drive gear.

10144065

Opens : 17 BTC/30 BBC
Closes : 20 ABC/-17 ATC
Duration : 183/193
Opens : 16 BTC/62 BBC
Closes : 58 ABC/22 ATC
Duration : 254/264
Cam Lift : .251/.268
Gross Valve Lift : .376/.402 (w/ 1.6 rockers---.401/.428)
Center Line C/L : 108/114
Rocker Arm Ratio : 1.5/1.5
Valve Lash Clearance : HYD/ROLLER

(Cross referenced from Mellings OE equipment guide)

A E CLEVITE 1669
ENGINE POWER COMPONENT EPC-4613B
GENERAL MOTORS 10144065
SEALED POWER/FEDERAL MOG CS-1538


______________________________________________________________________________


1992-’95 VIN “W” WITH BALANCE SHAFT: The premium high output engine came with central fuel injection, a balance shaft and a better cam starting in ’92. They are comparable grinds so most rebuilders are interchanging them.

10144047
10241693

Opens : -17 BTC/39 BBC
Closes : 45 ABC/-11 ATC
Duration : 208/208
Opens : 13 BTC/70 BBC
Closes : 84 ABC/24 ATC
Duration : 277/274
Cam Lift : .288/.293
Gross Valve Lift : .432/.439 (w/ 1.6 rockers----.460/.468)
Center Line C/L : 121/115
Rocker Arm Ratio : 1.5/1.5
Valve Lash Clearance : HYD/ROLLER

(Cross referenced from Mellings OE equipment guide)

A E CLEVITE 1668
DANA/CLEVITE 229-2286
ENGINE POWER COMPONENT EPC-4613A
GENERAL MOTORS 10144047
SEALED POWER/FEDERAL MOG CS-1537


______________________________________________________________________________

1996-’98 VIN “X” WITH BALANCE SHAFT: The VIN “X” engine replaced the VIN “Z” in ’96. It is identical to the ’96 VIN “W” engine except for a milder cam and 10 less horsepower.

10241692

(No data available)

______________________________________________________________________________


1996-’98 VIN “W” WITH BALANCE SHAFT: The VIN “W” engine has a 10541691 camshaft and makes 10 more horsepower than the VIN “X” engine. There is also a special roller cam for the VIN “Z” turbocharged engines (p/n 10214714)

10214714

(No data available)

______________________________________________________________________________


GM Performance Parts (4.3 / 262cu)


10051147
Hydraulic Roller Tappet
This hydraulic roller tappet is a V6, 90 degree version of L-79 small-block V8 cam for 4.3L even-fire engines. Use only with roller tappet block on engines without balance shift. The duration at lash point in degrees (intake/exhaust) is 318/318; duration at .050" tappet lift (intake/exhaust) is 222/222; and maximum lift with 1.5:1 rocker ratio (intake/exhaust) is 447/447. Lobe centerline is 114 degrees.

________________________________________

10051165
Hydraulic Flat Tappet
This hydraulic flat tappet is a V6, 90 degree version of L-79 small-block V8 cam for 4.3L even-fire engines. It has excellent power and torque, and is for engines without balance shift. The duration at lash point in degrees (intake/exhaust) is 320/320; duration at .050" tappet lift (intake/exhaust) is 222/222; and maximum lift with 1.5:1 rocker ratio (intake/exhaust) is 447/447. Lobe centerline is 114 degrees.

________________________________________

10134321
Hydraulic Roller Tappet
This hydraulic roller tappet is a high performance street and marine cam for 4.3L even-fire engines. Use only with roller tappet block on engines without balance shift. The duration at lash point in degrees (intake/exhaust) is 321/316; duration at .050" tappet lift (intake/exhaust) is 224/224; and maximum lift with 1.5:1 rocker ratio (intake/exhaust) is 450/460. Lobe centerline is 112 degrees.

________________________________________


6269733
Hydraulic Flat Tappet
This hydraulic flat tappet is a marine cam for 229ci V6 with 108-132 degree semi-even fire crankshaft. It's a good street performance cam. The duration at lash point in degrees (intake/exhaust) is 294/306; duration at .050" tappet lift (intake/exhaust) is 202/210; and maximum lift with 1.5:1 rocker ratio (intake/exhaust) is 410/410. Lobe centerline is 113 degrees.

_____________________________________________________________________________




Mercruiser Chevrolet Camshafts (4.3 / 262cu)

Mercruiser 175/185/205/205 4.3LX (late with balance shaft)

Marine Hydraulic Roller camshaft
262 engine V6 4.3 liter chain drive, std rotation, Mercruiser 175/185/205/205 4.3LX

GM 14097324 / MC 824327

Opens : -7 BTC/41 BBC
Closes : 29 ABC/-8 ATC
Duration : 202/213
Opens : 22 BTC/70 BBC
Closes : 70 ABC/36 ATC
Duration : 272/286
Cam Lift : .269/.273
Gross Valve Lift : .403/.409 (w/ 1.6 rocker--- .430/.436)
Center Line C/L : 108/116
Rocker Arm Ratio : 1.5/1.5
Valve Lash Clearance : HYD/ROLLER

(Cross referenced from Mellings OE equipment guide)

ENGINE POWER COMPONENT EPC-4613E
GENERAL MOTORS 14097324
MERCURY MARINE 431-824327



_____________________________________________________________________________

Mercruiser 175/185/205/205 4.3LX (early without balance shaft)

Hydraulic Roller camshaft
262 engine V6 4.3 liter chain drive, std rotation, without balance shaft Mercruiser 175/185/205/205 4.3LX

10055487
14096233

Opens : 7 ATC/41 BBC
Closes : 29 ABC/8 BTC
Duration : 202/213
Opens : 21 BTC/70 BBC
Closes : 70 ABC/34 ATC
Duration : 271/284
Cam Lift : .269/.276
Gross Valve Lift : .404/.414 (w/ 1.6 rockets---.431 / .441)
Center Line C/L : 108/116
Rocker Arm Ratio : 1.5/1.5
Valve Lash Clearance : HYD./ROLLER

(Cross referenced from Mellings OE equipment guide)

A E CLEVITE 153
A E CLEVITE 505
AVON CS-5244R
BALKAMP/NAPA 229-1881
CAMSHAFT MACHINE 315244
DANA/CLEVITE 229-1881
ELGIN E-1033-P
ENGINE POWER COMPONENT EPC-2776Z1
GENERAL MOTORS 10055487
GENERAL MOTORS 14096233
SEALED POWER/FEDERAL MOG CS-1051M
WOLVERINE WG-1182


_____________________________________________________________________________

SOURCES:
Mellings OE cross reference guide (also provides vehicle application reference)
http://www.omnitek.co/mellingweb/Partdetails.aspx?Part=MC1275&From=C
GM Performance Parts Direct
http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/performance_parts/store/catalog/Category.jhtmlCATID=304.html
Paul’s Place (Mercruiser camshaft specifications)
http://www.pauls-place.com/products-chevy-marine-camshafts.asp
Web article from Engine Builder Magazine by Doug Anderson
http://www.enginebuildermag.com/Article/2427/rebuilding_the_new_chevy_262.aspx

 

wooo hooo thanks for the info guys I've had one of these things setting in my garage for about five years I paid a hundred bucks for it.

 

all a 4.3 is is a 350 with the back two cylinders cut off. i think they share the same rods. that is what a friend of mine always said. it's just like the 231 it ran down the same line as the 350 (buick) they share lots of the same parts.

 

Lots of parts do interchange but connecting rods are not one of them. The journal size of the crank is different, the width is different, and the rods are not offset like sbc. I learned this the hard way when building my old Race Jeep 4.3.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

The other day I was lamenting the failure of my water pump and having to replace it to Diesel Mechanic buddy and he was like, “Yea but how much is that, $20.” I said, “No! It’s $22.”

 

This is the common misconception, that I started with as well. I think this started because they do "look" like a short version of the SBC and the first 4.3s shared more parts with the SBC than later years. 1985-1988 are the closest. From 1988 on, they get farther and farther away from the SBC. The most common items may be the accessory mounting, starter, PS pump, etc.

As Orge said, there are some common parts but not as many as most people think. I hope this info is helpful, because I REALLY struggled trying to find this type data anywhere!

 

http://forums.carcraft.com/70/6485406/general-car-craft-discussion/general-motors-43-v6/index.html

Scroll down to the last entry.

 

In 1995 there was an early and late version. Different balance shafts and different flywheels. Earlys had a 10 bolt cover and lates had a 6 bolt cover. See this on the early/late flywheel:http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php
See this for 4.3 info:http://www.enginebuildermag.com/Article/2427/rebuilding_the_new_chevy_262.aspx
The flywheel issue only applys to the S-10 pick up. Others had already switched to CSFI and the larger balance shaft. It depends on what it came out of what version it is from year to year.