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well since i have no money for the v-8 and i need a new car i decided instead of buying a new car i'd buy a new engine for my luv cause id rather drive my luv than most cars....and i decided i want to go with a 4.3L v6 vortec.... however like always i have a few questions for you pros out there.... does anyone know if you can make an older 4.3 into the vortec, anyone have any good links or places to buy performance parts for this engine, and how much of a pain in the ass is the swap going to be to get the computers integrated into the luv......
any advice or input would be great
thanks

not sure if you could turn it into a vortech...might be able to swap heads or something

you could always just get a 4.3, slap a holley or edelbrock manifold on it and put a carb on top too, don't have to mess with a computer that way

You can only carb 93 and older 4.3 v6. I believe after that the heads are CPI and can not be converted. I am using a 93 4.3, Edlebrock intake and 500cfm Holley with a 700r4 tranny.

The computer and wiring are a time consuming project. It could be done, but would take a great deal of patiance.

I am also planning to put a 4.3 into my 74 luv. I am shoping for a wiring harness and I am greatly concedering getting a one from painless wiring. They eliminate all the stuff that you don't need. It might cost more than a used one but it might be worth it. Also, I've been told that the stock radiator is not big enough to cool a 4.3. Mine already has a 1980 2.5 and a 5 speed so it might be an easy conversion; or it could be harder. Also, japanees cars use a high gear ratio transmision with a low geared rear-end. American cars are just the oposite. Putting an american engine and transmision into a japaneese vehical will make good 1/4 mile truck but you be holding it at 4000 rpm to do 65 mph. Consider using an overdrive tranmission and/or and differant rear end. You have a lot of choises for rear. Most people use the ford 8 or 9 inch. The bronco 2 9in will fit right in with little modification, but then you have to use ford wheels. I will use a dana 44 out of a 1970's jeep wagoneer(actualy, it will take 2 jeeps). This rear end has an off-set third member. Taking the short axle and tube off of another rear-end and using it in place of the long axle and tube will give you tough, narrowed rear end that will allow you to keep 6 hole wheels; and it will have bigger brakes. There are other little modifications to be done, but I want my truck to look as stock as possable and be able to blow people away. Anyhow, I hope this helps, I'm lerning more everyday and would like to here about what you choose to do. peace.

I have a 79 luv 4.3, T5 i use the vega bellhousing keeping the stock cable. Edlebrock intake, msd dist, 411 in the rear with lockright locker, coil overs and stock torsion front. Stock 4 core radiator cools it just fine truck is my driver runs great

edelbrock now makes a carb manifold that can be used on a vortech engine

Well, the only problem I see with the 4.3 is the fact that it costs so friggin much to rebuild or modify. 1stluv, I'm over in Huntington maybe we should meet up and you can check out my calico 350luv... I just got the body put on and the motor remounted (body from 4 diff luvs), and all I have left to do to get it running again is finish mounting the radiator but I no longer have access to a welder so I gotta build it with bolts.....

i don't see why it would cost so much to work on. it's essentially a 350 with 2 cylinders lopped off

Yeah, I know, it doesnt make much sence but its true. It actually costs more to fix up a 4.3 than it is to do a 350.... My friends dad just spent 2k to do the same thing to his 4.3 that I could do to my 350 for 650$....

I have been reading this thread. I was thinking about putting in a 4.3, so what would be the best motor to put in so I have more balls, but not a gas hog. What motors fit the best without major modifications ?

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some people have put buick V6s in... not sure which displacement though. ive heard it isnt worth it from some people, but maybe it is.

Vortech engines were counter balanced internally. You may try to find a 215 or 300 ci buick v8. I done this conversion several years ago into an 81 luv. I also ran a saginaw 4sp from vega. These engines are all aluminum from the block to the heads. Alot of fun and very light.

MokaDeth, if you want more grunt, and beable to install "easy" go with a G200(2.0L carb, really a G180 thats been bored out) out of a later P'up or the 4ZD1(2.3L carb, based on the G180 and G200 engines) out of a later Trooper or P'Up. these engines will pretty much bolt up w/ very little problems. personally i'm looking into putting a BIG 2.6 4ZE1(further development of the 4ZD1, except that it's a little bigger and has fuel injection) w/ EFI into my Luv, but thats only because Im partial to Isuzu, and I have a 4x4, which means i don't have all of the options that the 2wd guys do when it comes to engines. well i hope that helps you out a little

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'80 Luv 4x4, 3" BL, 1.5" SL, 32/36, 2.25" exhaust...and fuzzy dice.
'95 Toyota 4Runner Limited 5-Speed.

Well, I have a 4x4 now, so will be looking to upgrade that someday. Am driving it now, but not sure how long I will before I have it upgraded. What will fit into the 4x4's ? Or what is the best way I should go ? Should I just go with a 350 or would that be too much power for what I need ? I just want this truck for my daily driver and for use in the snow. Thanks for all the info everyone.

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http://www.purerockradio.net/

Sorry bro, but ya can't but a V8 in a 4x4 Luv without having to make major changes to the drive train ( i.e. convert over to a strait front axle from a Toyota, new transfer case, etc...) long in the short is, you gonna have to put in something Isuzu, engine wise, into it if ya want more power, either that or build up your G180, but even then your posibilites are limited by the engine's capabilities. Srry, i was going to try the same thing, sucks the 2wd guys get all the fun

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'80 Luv 4x4, 3" BL, 1.5" SL, 32/36, 2.25" exhaust...and fuzzy dice.
'95 Toyota 4Runner Limited 5-Speed.