4.3L motor replacement

[Chicken Joe]

I searched for any related threads, but found nothing to help.

I just purchased an 88 celebrity 190vbr with the 4.3L in it. The block & 1 manifold is cracked & I'm looking to replace the long block. I came across a really good deal on a votec 4.3L out of 2000 gmc sonoma. I have compared specs between the 2 & it looks like the Mercruiser engine has a much larger camshaft. That brings me to the 1st of several questions: Can I swap the camshaft from the the Mercruiser engine into the Vortec engine? (Journal size looks to be the same) 2nd question: Are there any concerns with the Vortec engine working with the marine set up? 3rd question: Is there a balance shaft issue with this swap?

Any concerns at all that I haven't asked about?

Thanks

 

[Alpheus]

Re: 4.3L motor replacement

There is a balance shaft issue. Non balance shaft parts can not be swapped into a balance shaft block. Also the cam in your older engine will not work with the Vortec setup because it has a roller cam and yours is not. Read my restoration thread. I just built a 4.3 and swapped in Vortec heads. It should answer allot of your questions...

 

[Chicken Joe]

Re: 4.3L motor replacement

My Mercruiser is a roller motor. Not wanting to swap parts from the votec motor to the mercruiser motor, just the cam from the merc motor to the vortec.

 

[zbnutcase]

Re: 4.3L motor replacement

My Mercruiser is a roller motor. Not wanting to swap parts from the votec motor to the mercruiser motor, just the cam from the merc motor to the vortec.

Nope, won't work

 

[Chicken Joe]

Re: 4.3L motor replacement

Why won't it work? Journal size is identical. Not trying to be arguementative, just trying to understand why not.

 

[Bondo]

Re: 4.3L motor replacement

Why won't it work? Journal size is identical. Not trying to be arguementative, just trying to understand why not.

Ayuh,... Because there's a world of difference between an 88, 4.3l, 'n the 2000, 4.3 motor....
The 2000 has the balance shaft above the cam...

 

[Chicken Joe]

Re: 4.3L motor replacement

Well after digging into both motors, I found out for myself that there's alot of differences betwen the two engines & it looks like I will be in need of another engine. Anybody have a used 4.3L that will work in my application for sale cheap? If so please let me know.

Thanks

 

[Bondo]

Re: 4.3L motor replacement

Ayuh,... I agree Bubba, with abit of adaptin' that motor will work just Fine...
Off the top of my head, an electric fuel pump will be necessary...