ok so im going to be selling a second vehicle.  and im going to have 800 dollar from it. and then when i get income tax back probably closer to around 1500 or so. i want to put a 4.3 vortec into my tracker. i realize i need the 4.3 vortec engine and tranny. but what all is really involved in this? what else do i need to come across. i was going to ebay the motor/tranny combo *4wd of course* and i can make engine mounts out of plate steel. now what all else would i really need to do? i know this is a BIG project but what are we talking? anyone done it yet? advice and info input is appreciated

Rockstar has done that swap

i would love to have that engine in mine, but i wouldnt attempt to do it. i would most likely have a mechanic do it, is this possible?

after reading a bunch of the older posts. i don't think i wanna go with a 4.3. however i do want a nice ammount of torque and hp for my 4wheelin. i'd like to be able to punch it on the street and pick the front end up a bit   unreasonable? i dunno but what engines would fit nicely that this is a real possibility. and what prices u think im lookin at?

why would u not wanna do it? i would also liek some info on larger engines in it, i want it mostly for on road use, i want to be able to smoek the tires no problem what engines would be a good one?

that's what im saying. i'd love to be able to rev to like 4k rpms and launch off the line on the street and pick the front end up like 3 inches and set er back down about 20 feet later and just watch someone's eyes. of course thats in 2high. but still. im really really interested in a high power engine swap. let's get some real info in here on what would be a good way of doing it effectively both in performance and cost

The 4.3 could be done, Or you could keep the Kick 1.6L and mod it for 1/4 mile with a Turbo and a 1/4 shot of NO-2.   (Look for used Street bike kits on EBAY)

If I were going to do a 4.3 conversion I'd buy a complete running S-10 with the Multi port injected Vortec v-6 4wd for less then $500 (Could be crashed or no title, Check the Tow lots).  Use what I need and sell the rest, for $500.   Cooling a swapped motor is usually a major issue.   Adding an oil cooler will help.  My  4.3L 93 blazer uses one in the Radiator for coolling the engine oil.  Coolant/ATF/engine oil,  All cooled by the radiator.

what about crate engines? where coudl i get pricesd for those? any oen ever thauhgt of small block chev engine? wasnt CZ thinkin of a 350? coudl that be done??

The biggest problem i see with these swaps is often 5 years down the road you are 8k+ in a 12 - 15 year old rig that is worth $1200.  (   Just my $.02   )

Yes a 350 can go in, But is the view worth the climb.  

Crate motors are available from Advance, Autozone, Napa, Jasper, Chevrolet ect.  Most start at about $1200 and can go up to 40k just depending on how you like your enigne.  

If you search the net I've seen 10 second  1/4 mile ROTARY SJ410's at the Drags in Purto rico.   My Bro in law was their and took a few pics.

I've got a 1980 Chev 350 4 blt main with 80k miles (Ran great) that I tore down to build as the eninge for my 1-ton 4dr 4wd.  I bought a new summit cam, intake, headders, Fuel/oil /water pump, & gasket set,  Easily $500+ woth of stuff.  I can't get my money back now that I've changed my mind and am going Caddy 500.

350 is tore down in the Garage looking for a home.  $350 for all but the Intake & headders (No takers)....

One swap I don't hear considered is the chevy v6-60 ...

Those can be built to quite a high HP level and are quite torqy too.

I think they weigh it at around 300 lbs (aluminum blocks can shave that down to 50 or so lbs), and being a 60 degree they fit in tight spaces well. No wonder midget racers like em.

I used to have a fiero with the 2.8, and I swear it had enuf torque to lift the front tires off the ground.

We've got a buddy who put a Chevy 283 in his two door with a I think a turbo 400 - and the tcase he's got is HUGE. He's using old jeep truck axles.

Anyway, he tells us it can lift the front wheels on a whim. As well as it snaps back traction bars and makes S's out of leaf springs. He's working on something stronger for the rear.

But,

He'll be in Moab with us. I can only imagine him doing wheelies on the highway out front of Slickrock Campground.

lol

Heather

Check out Advanced adapters .com I don't know how to link so you have to type it. Also Kenedy Adapters Makes kits. I'm thinking of a 3.8L or 3.1/3.4L but I work for GM. Good luck and keep us posted on the progress.


 Later,
   Kevin

buy an older leaf front chev truck, just shorten the frame and driveshafts, and youre done.  remember though, if you wheel, all the extra weight is going to make you sink faster.   its also harder to climb up steep hills, and youre really giving up the trackers advantage.  

I only heard of aftermarket aluminum 60deg 2.8 blocks, dont think factory ever produced other than cast iron
a quad4 2.3L is 180hp, steel block though, can take a turbo safely to about 300, 400 if you know how to use it.
Land rover has a 3.5 aluminum V8, same as the early buick/olds 215 motors, about 220hp if you can find one.  
RX7 rotary engines are heavy for their size, 400# without turbo.  no bottom end torque, so it might suck on the trail

I also thought a mazda v6 (aka a 626 donor) might be reasnable ... 626's are cheap pickins, and the v6 wasn't too heavy(300 ish lbs) stock 160HP 165torque ...

I only heard of aftermarket aluminum 60deg 2.8 blocks, dont think factory ever produced other than cast iron

http://www.gmgoodwrench.com/perfpartsjsp/partlist.jsp?cat=9297&section=ep

(I didn;t say it would be cheap ) ,,, block weight 59 lbs ...