LUVTruck.com

Hello everybody! Man it has been a long time since i have been around here. And NO, i still have not found a LUV. But the search is not over. I ran into some money comsuming projects on my car.

I have a questions about doing a chevy 4.3 swap into a luv. I know there are some people around here that have done it or have some experience with it.

1. EFI or CARB. I realize that with a carburator i wouldn't have to deal with as much electrical computer stuff. But is it worth it to go EFI, for economy/performance reasons.

2. Would the 4.3 and 5spd fit on the luv, if mods are needed how difficult are we talkin.

3.Basically ANY info would be greatly appreciated.

thanks for you time
duck

I have also read about Buick 3.8 swaps into LUVs. Which is easier or least expensive to complete. And does the stock 4sp fit the 3.8? Or is there a 5spd manual i could get for a 3.8?

What are the specs on a 3.8, like horsepower and torque?

Again any info would be great.

Since money is a factor, i think that the 4.3 Chevy V-6 has the edge. They're more common to find than even-fire Buick V-6's. Plus there's more performance products available with the Chevy.
BUT!!! If you can get a Buick V-6 for a really good price, then jump all over it.
The basic swap is esentially the same between the 2 motors and no, there isn't a practical way to use the stock clutch and 4sp trans. But there are a couple of trans and bellhousings out of Chevy Monzas that are still floating around. If you locate a 4sp assy, concider yourself lucky.
Carb for the Buick. Period... Fuel injection or a carb for the 4.3.
As for H.P. and torque ratings, it's rather vauge to really know because the ratings for these in stock from the factory configuration with all accessories running. It really wont matter once you drive the truck. It's so much better over stock.

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Previous setup: 4.1 Buick V-6/TH 350
Current setup: 400 Small Block Chevy V-8/TH 350
9" ford rear end/short bed/blue
What do Water, Electricity and Humans have in common... They all travel the path of least resistance.

Alright thanks meanie. One more thing i am not clear on, will a 5spd tranny off of a s10, or blazer fit under the LUV. If so what mods will be needed. Will cutting be necessary to fit the shifter into the cab, or can you somehow make it work?

I don't know if this is any help, but i know that the last few years of the first gen. Troopers (1989-1991) had the option of a 2.8L V6 (GM), same engine that they put in the S-10 and Blazer of those same years. And I do know that you could get those with a 5-speed manual(Isuzu) connected to them. On another forum (Trooper) I read that a guy put a 4.3L into a 1990 Trooper that had originally come w/ 2.8L and a 5-speed. the 4.3 bolted right in and connected right up to the Isuzu 5-speed. If the truck your looking for is 4x4, then i'm guessing you could just take the rest of the Trooper's drive train as well (tranny, t-case, rear axle) and have a driveshaft made to fit. well i hope this helps some and if anyone finds any mistakes or anything don't be afaid to chew me 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.

Alright, and yes i am looking for 4x4 only, hopfeully you are right, because that knowledge would help greatly!

thank you for you input

NO prob, thats what we're here for!

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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.

no chewing out, but I wouldn't recommend the 2.8 V6.
everyone swaps them out because they are about good enough for a boat anchor.
the 4.3 will be about like putting a V8 in as far as mounting.
the 3.8 is very reliable and decent power.

good luck with your swap!

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03Cobra

So would the 4.3 motor mounts will be a B**** to reset?

either way you will have to weld new mounts in for the engine.

Autofab used to make a kit for the 3.8, but I haven't seen anything from them in a while.

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03Cobra