The fun begins..

[Meano]

This is how I plan for my build to go, and am wantinng suggestions on parts as well as order of upgrades. I currently have a bone stock 87 4.3 TBI N/A and i'm shooting for a turbo monster in the end.

To begin with, I picked up a pair of Vortec heads casting no. 12556140 and the Edelbrock 2114 intake is on the way, I plan on building the top end first. With 53k miles I know the bottom end is still very solid so that will be put off until early next year. I was quoted $950 for a port/polish, 5 angle valve job, full head service, I figure it will get done at some point, so why not now? Pro magnum lifters, 2.05/1.60 valves, dual valve springs, chromoly locks, seals, ARP hardware, and roller rockers. Am I missing anything? And any recommendations for suppliers on the valves, springs, rockers? Was convinced Steve Morris cam is the way to go, so I plan on giving them a call and ordering a custom grind. would this be bad to throw in along with the intake/heads before the bottom end and turbo?

Lots of questions, but the project is finally getting off the ground so I am extremely anxious and excited.

 

[randy merritt]

Re: The fun begins..

I don't normally post on build threads, but here we go:

Unless you have lots of money and skills, I would forget your plan to turbo your V6 and just do a SBC swap into your car. You can get a 400HP small block for a lot less than your intended project is going to end up costing you. If that does not rise to the cool factor, then swap in a junkyard LS and turbo it later after you have worked out all the bugs.

I am not trying to discourage you, and I admire you enthusiasm, but I really think your premise for this build is wrong. You have a cool car/truck, and you will enjoy it much better if you just keep it simple and relatively cheap at this point. Just my :2cents:

 

[Logan]

Re: The fun begins..

Gonna have to agree with Randy Merritt. 4.3 performance isn't exactly a big game out there in the world. Yes, with SyTys it is but that is kinda because we have to work with what we are given. In your case I think it would make more sense to do a Small Block Chevy build. Vortec heads are cheap and easy to find, there is a gang of parts to make anything you want and if you are hell bent on forced induction you can get into that game with a SBC build without selling organs and children.

With all of that said, if you are bent on running the 4.3 I would recommend rebuilding the short block with forged pistons and decent rods, keep the Vortec heads stock because the bang to buck ratio just isn't there when it comes to all of the work you are wanting to do. If you are running Fuel Injection you need to start figuring out that headache, if you are running a carb then you will need a blow through carb (not super familiar with that world but google should set you straight) and water/alky injection seems to be a must for boosted engines. Good luck with it all no matter what and keep us posted. I like all cars, even if they aren't poop box SyTys.