LUVTruck.com

this is my first chevy luv. its an 81 4x4, and i wanted to do the 4.3 swap. just curious how much work is involved so that i can get started on it.

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1981 Chevy LUV 4x4, Weber 32/36, emissions delete, custom gauge bracket, and cd player.

new motor and tranny mounts, transmission crossmember modification, cooling system upgrades alum radiator and electric fan, either swap the 4.3 to a carb or bring over the computer with it... or buy the 85/early 86 4.3 from an astro van they have quadrajet carbs.. new driveline or modify old one of possible... may need to modify front suspension... new exhaust system.

im working on a 4.3 to drop in my luv right now with a 700r4 on a 91 4.3 (last year before balance shaft) im looking at
$250 edelbrock 4 barrel intake manifold
$320 rebuild kit wit hypereutectic pistons
$100 craigslist holley/edelbrock carb
$180 trans rebuild set
$60 ebay hei distributor
$70 driveline modification
$?? welding rods misc small parts
$50 junkyard aluminum radiator
$40 pair of ebay 12" radiator fans
$250 machine work on my block/crank
$90 junkyard vortec 96+ heads
$100 crower cam regrind
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$1510 or so plus misc small things that come up... if you had a couple helping hands and all the parts on hand you could get it knocked out in a weekend or so if you got after it, then just need the driveline modded to fit the stock rear end or replace the rear with something a bit stronger

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Luvless
1980 Mikado-Sold.

1993 Lexus SC400 my Daily
2004 Yamaha WR250F my new love in life
2016 Toyota Camry my girls ride

Your problem being a 4x4 is the transfer case is part of the trans. And only the stock motor will bolt up to it.

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OK, I'm over it. Where's the beer?

thank you for all the info this will really help. as for the tranny is there a different one that i can use to bolt up so that i can keep the four wheel drive? because im completely redoing the suspension with a different setup.

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1981 Chevy LUV 4x4, Weber 32/36, emissions delete, custom gauge bracket, and cd player.

if your running a 7004 any case from a 700r4 or a TH350 will work behind it, np205 205 or 208. i am pretty sure you can find them in driver or passenger side drop so you will just need a passenger side output transfer case..
i actually measured it the other day and the 4.3 with stock pan will clear the stock diff with some room to spare. my 4.3 is from a 91 s10 blazer, had the np241 case which i sold. you will need a new front driveline and crossmember modification for the transmission/case.

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Luvless
1980 Mikado-Sold.

1993 Lexus SC400 my Daily
2004 Yamaha WR250F my new love in life
2016 Toyota Camry my girls ride

ok thanks now these are all auto trans right? if so i would like to keep it a manual if thats possible.

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1981 Chevy LUV 4x4, Weber 32/36, emissions delete, custom gauge bracket, and cd player.

the one im using is an auto but i dont see any reason you couldnt make a manual work

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Luvless
1980 Mikado-Sold.

1993 Lexus SC400 my Daily
2004 Yamaha WR250F my new love in life
2016 Toyota Camry my girls ride

alright thanks for all the info guys.

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1981 Chevy LUV 4x4, Weber 32/36, emissions delete, custom gauge bracket, and cd player.

Probably the best manual tranny for what you want would be the NV 3500 from a 1/2 ton 4x4 GM pickup (came stock behind 4.3's), then add a driver drop t-case. I would plan on a body lift also to give clearance at the tranny tunnel whatever tranny you decide upon.

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'78 Chevy LUV,1.9,4sp,headers,31's,SAS Dana 30,Dana 20,SOA rear w/Aussie Locker, rough body, bought new 12/4/78.
'87 Trooper,2.3,5sp,headers,31's,ball joint flip & spacer,Aussie Locker rear,Superwinch hubs,brush guard w/5.5K winch,more to come.