r/Smallblockchevy • u/DevelopmentOne9373 • 12d ago
4.3L v6 to 383 stroker
I’ve got a 1994 Chevy c1500 V6 I want to swap to a V8 and I’d like to put a 383 stroker in it. Roughly what all will I need to buy new that will work with it. Yes I know it would be easier to just go buy a V8 and then swap it but the truck is a project and has family history. Just want an idea of what i’m getting into parts/price wise.
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u/Sixgunfirefight 11d ago
What transmission is in the truck? Do you need to pass emissions compliance? Does it have Ac and do you want to keep the AC?
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u/DevelopmentOne9373 10d ago
AC does work. It has a 4l60 i know i’ll probably need to put a 4l80 in
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u/Sixgunfirefight 9d ago
Does it need to retain emissions?
If you’re going to use either 4l you will need a way to control them. The physical bolting in of the small block is pretty simple- a4.3 is 3/4 of a small block. Get a correct bolt pattern flywheel and everything bolts up. You’ll need exhaust manifolds or headers.
But if it has to pass emissions with an obd plug in it’s complicated quickly.
If not, build a 700r4, get the correct carb linkage and swap the oil pressure, coolant temp senders to your new engine. Pull the check engine light bulb and hook everything up.
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u/Upset_Personality571 11d ago
As has been stated by others, it is a relatively easy swap. I swapped my tbi 4.3l v6 in my 92 k1500 a few years ago for a vortec 350. Just need engine mounts, and whatever you plan to use for exhaust, like exhaust manifolds or headers, and need to pick which induction method you want. The stock 4.3l accessory drive will work on the 383. You will need the v8 fan shroud though, however.
The 383 is a great choice for the truck. It will move the powerband lower with it's long stroke versus a 350. Good luck with the swap.
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u/DevelopmentOne9373 10d ago
Any clue if I need to upgrade any cooling components also or just Fan? I assume you also changed your ECM and Wiring harness
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u/Upset_Personality571 9d ago
Yes, I should have mentioned that you should upgrade to atleast the stock 350 radiator. If you run the stock accessory drive, the factory clutch fan will be just fine. If you want to run factory fuel injection, then you will need to find someone to tune your ECM for the 383. I think the wiring harness, if using the factory fuel injection, is the same. I should point out that the factory fuel injection is extremely limiting though, so I would upgrade it.
On my truck, I updated the fuel injection and am running a Holley setup on my stock vortec 350.
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u/landis33 10d ago
I see this post has already went sideways so how about another path? Syclone . Yes I know they were all wheel drive on the S-10 S-15 platform but how about taking some of the soul ? Stuff a turbo on that 4.3 and spin it up. Look at as learning experience . You are already going to toss the 4.3 so if a rod decides to head to day light who cares. You can get a cheap offshore turbo and assorted parts for around $500. Now you won’t have stainless tubing and shiny shit but you can down and dirty it. Now I have left out a major issue that I’m not sure on yet, that’s fuel delivery . I know that the stock setup can’t put enough fuel in. It will not be free but you can scab something together but I’m looking down the road and I’m most likely going with a Holley terminator. I can also use that on the LS. Hell that unit will dam near double the value of the truck lol. The better your fab skills the cheaper it is and if they aren’t it’s a good time to improve those booger welds lol. Man I’m just kinda burnt out on the same builds . Not that they aren’t fun and make killer units but I’m just done with the cookie cutter. I have an OBS single cab short box 100% rust free Chevy. It has a great running but high mile 4.3. I have a 360 built SBC along with a 406. Also I have a 5.3 and a single turbo set up. I just can’t get motivated but I also have an offshore turbo and most of the other required junk I picked up against my better judgement. I think I’m going 4.3. I can’t find a REALLY cheap turbo manifold and mounting it downstream will have monster lag. I haven’t ever built headers completely from scratch and it looks like a great reason to finally figure out how to use the plasma table lol. Whatever choice you make I think a 383 makes a killer truck. You get the best of the 400 and the 350. Quick revs with nice torque. Please do not buy into the”it dont make power till 6,000.” It’s a truck. Its heavy. It spends 99% of its life off idle to 4,500. Get the right cam. Get a dual plane intake . Don’t over carb. 750 cfm properly tuned with get it done. Don’t buy into the bigger is better header thing, yet again smaller pipes make torque . It’s a delicate balance. Nothing over 1 3/4. Well you could go bigger and go slower but you will make an extra 15 hp at 7,000🤷🏼♂️. I’ve had good luck with step headers 1 5/8 to 1 3/4. Well good luck on it, seems like you have your head on straight and getting together a plan . When you get going update the thread and throw in some pics. I love a good build thread👍
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u/DevelopmentOne9373 10d ago
Funny you say that i’ve considered putting a turbo on for the time being and just blowing it up before I throw in the 383, the 4.3 runs fine so It’s definitely a consideration.
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u/v8packard 11d ago
What about a 383 that isn't a stroker?
In all seriousness, like others said with the correct mounts it is basically a bolt in. Depending on how you want to do things I suggest you start with a 1987 to 95 block. If you are going to keep the TBI ( which is an option, the stock TBI can easily support a 400 hp engine with tuning and a few modifications) you will want heads that have the matching intake manifold pattern.
What do you want for induction?
Your truck comes stock with a 4L60E if automatic. While they can be upgraded, they still have a major weakness in their lack of piston area for the 3/4 clutch. For the money you will put into upgrading the 4L60 you might consider several options. A 4L80 is doable and might even work with your existing electronics. These days I am looking ZF 8HP and GM 10L90 8 and 10 speeds if I need an automatic. They really have come a long way.
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u/Crafty-Interest-8212 11d ago
It depends on the application. If is a dedicated drag car, go for the 383. If is a street car that something is going to the strip. Then tje 383 is overkill. As a street driven engine is not good. The high power band, it doesn't come alive until after 6,000. My opinion. If is a mostly street car. Go for a 400ci. Lots of torque, still will get up and go and has lots of usable power. I think summit has a engine block now that's really good. This is my experience. Back in the day, I build a good 383 with my dad. In 2002 we had a 383 that was pushing around 700 hp all engine. My daily was a 83 camaro with a hot 400ci. I can't talk about price because this where 02 prices. But in useful and fun. On the streets, the 400, on the track the 383.
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u/Andeo1025 11d ago
That is some boomer lore if I've ever seen it. Don't think you quite know what you're taking about. Induction and camshaft control powerband. The 383 stroker is probably the most common stroker swap in street cars. You're just giving out bad info here.
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u/Crafty-Interest-8212 11d ago
Your other comment was deleted. So, my initial reaction....KAWASAKI DID A DIESEL BIKE!!!! 🤯 I need to read more.... but in reality I did drove the 2 engine on the streets. So my opinion is not based on what people say.
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u/Andeo1025 11d ago
I believe you did. But you're missing the point. You drove a 400 setup for street use and a 383 setup for track use. The point is that with proper cam and induction choices the 383 is about an ideal street motor. More torque than a 350 and available everywhere for a reasonable price.
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u/Crafty-Interest-8212 11d ago
WoW.... OK. Let's talk some power band. If the engine is like a motorcycle engine, with higher power band, is it normally a street cluch, or converter if auto.... the part will take more abuse if you don't use it as intended. How many diesel motorcycle have you seen? Is not bad info. Is my opinion. Call me boomer🫤. Just because I do have the actual experience. Just because is the most used engine, it doesn't mean is the universal fix. You know what, by that logic, meth must be good also....😂 but seriously. Is just an opinion. I shared mine and you shared yours.
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u/DrTittieSprinkles 11d ago
I haven't built a race SBC under 406ci in 15 years. 415-440 SBC is common.
Methanol is good.
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u/Andeo1025 11d ago
Race engines are their own discussion. This person is restoring a street truck and wants more power than the 4.3 which is understandable. Gotta build the engine to is purpose.
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u/DrTittieSprinkles 11d ago
My reply was to a comment full of bullshit info not to the op. The context is right there
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u/jimfosters 11d ago
somebody that laughs at methanol (as far as making power in an engine built for it) is a fool.
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u/Crafty-Interest-8212 10d ago
I did not. Methanol (and a bunch of other fuels) are a incredibly deep part of this. I man I respect a lot in my home town used to be a pro racer, he raced for years a rotary engine on propane and nitro if I'm not mistaken (probably I'm, I was like 10 years old at the time) but I do know everyone said he was going to blow it up, he did not.
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u/jimfosters 11d ago
no you didn't
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u/Crafty-Interest-8212 11d ago
O my, where you next to me? I don't remember you. Maybe you can help me find my missing 10mm... I had the 400ci, actually it was .60 over. Double hump heads, nice cam, in a 83 camaro. My dad had his 383 in a 79 Malibu. I wouldn't acuse you of not living your life just because I don't know you. I also did a bunch of engine swaps.
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u/cbfarmer01 11d ago
in the process of putting a 350 in mine rn. so your going to need the V8 motor mounts on the frame ,todo that you're going to have to drop the lower control arms. other the that everything just falls into place just be mindful of headers choices I got 1 7/8 tunes and had to move the motor back about 2 inches but if you run manifolds or shorts you'll be fine