Camshaft Replacement on Vortec 4.3L 262

[76SeaRay]

I may be missing something since I don't have experience with the 4.3L engine but a quick search on Summit Racing lists a Comp Cams Xtreme Marine cam and lifter kit for about $260.00 for a 1999 4.3L engine. Not sure where the $500 to $800 for a cam came from unless that is OEM. Depends upon the performance level you are seeking as to price it appears.

 

[itsathepete]

I may be missing something since I don't have experience with the 4.3L engine but a quick search on Summit Racing lists a Comp Cams Xtreme Marine cam and lifter kit for about $260.00 for a 1999 4.3L engine. Not sure where the $500 to $800 for a cam came from unless that is OEM. Depends upon the performance level you are seeking as to price it appears.

They do not currently carry any marine cams for the 4.3 V6. If you just selected a displacement of 4.3L it includes the 262 and 265 cubic inch V8s. The 265 was the originial small block from 1955. The 262 came in some Monzas but they are V8s not V6s.

 

[Kita05]

Not sure where the $500 to $800 for a cam came from unless that is OEM.

Again....... I pulled the OEM part number from the Mercruiser engine schematics website and a 3rd party schematics website. Searched the part number. Priced the OEM part number. Then made a post here looking for an alternative because the OEM part number was expensive.

Literally nobody is reading these before typing a response.

That's the last time I say it.

 

[itsathepete]

Boating is expensive. Marine dealers are expensive. OEM parts are expensive. Less expensive OEM equivalent parts have been suggested.

 

[Lou C]

I am going to look in my OMC shop manual to see if they list actual cam specs.
One thing to keep in mind if you’re looking for a “truck” cam, look at what the primary application of the 4.3 was:
Chevy S10 pick up & GMC equivalent
Chevy Blazer & GMC & Olds equivalent
Chevy/GMC Astro van
Yes it was also a lower line option in full size Chevy & GMC pick ups and full size GM cars.
So I am wondering is there really any difference between the “marine/industrial” builds in terms of cams Vs everything else?

 

[76SeaRay]

If not available at Summit, try going directly to the Comp Cams website. I actually ordered mine directly from them if I remember correctly.

 

[tfret]

I’ve heard of people using a cam from a truck engine. You might consider that.

 

[Kita05]

Boating is expensive. Marine dealers are expensive. OEM parts are expensive. Less expensive OEM equivalent parts have been suggested.

Breaking news, guys! Thank you for being the guiding light in this enveloping sea of endless darkness. We're fortunate to have enlightened souls like you illuminating our path. Keep up the great work.

If not available at Summit, try going directly to the Comp Cams website. I actually ordered mine directly from them if I remember correctly.

Good thinking! I think I have everything I need, but I'll definitely keep this in consideration if something falls through.

I’ve heard of people using a cam from a truck engine. You might consider that.

Yup that's come up a couple times already - definitely a solid option.

There's been a ton of awesome suggestions here from a variety of different sources. I really appreciate all of the recommendations. It shows there's a lot of different sources out there to provide needed parts.

Though, it's weird to me some people here don't understand the wisdom of looking up the correct manufacturer part you need (which contains the specs engineered for the machine you in fact have) from the company that built the engine.... when you don't necessarily need to buy the part from them?

 

[Scott Danforth]

complete history of the 4.3 liter with casting numbers

thought I would post the complete history of the 4.3 liter that I could find. These are links and articles that I have bookmarked for my own use, however they should help many people. it may help some people when looking for parts or sourcing a salvage yard motor or a reman. keep in mind that...

forums.iboats.com

 

[Kita05]

complete history of the 4.3 liter with casting numbers

thought I would post the complete history of the 4.3 liter that I could find. These are links and articles that I have bookmarked for my own use, however they should help many people. it may help some people when looking for parts or sourcing a salvage yard motor or a reman. keep in mind that...

forums.iboats.com

Looking through your post, you're not using part numbers for the iron or steel pieces. Those are casting numbers. They're not the same thing.

A part number can also have a cast number, which is different. The factory that created the metal block, cam, crank, or whatever metal piece assigns a casting number to it. Then, it gets sent out to other factories in the supply chain of different companies to use in their final product.

Forge/Factory ABC will create engine block 123 because they have the resources to do so, along with economies of scale - giving it the competitive price for other companies to use in their assembly. Then ABC will send the engine core with it's cast number on it to companies XYZ and EFG to use and/or modify it as they see fit for their product and then assign their product number to it.

So, the factory/company that made the metal item will put it's cast number stamp on it, and then the customer-facing company that ends up using it in their final product assigns it a part number.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Looking through your post, you're not using part numbers for the iron or steel pieces. Those are casting numbers. They're not the same thing.

1996-98 VIN "W" WITH BALANCE SHAFT: The VIN "W" engine has a 10541691

Factory 4.3L Cam Specs
* '96-'00, VIN W, w/ balance shaft
- Lift (I/E) - .415/.429
- Dur @ .050 (I/E) - .191/.195

this is the marine cam shaft.