Merc V6 4.3LX - Request Engine Info

[qystan]

Hi,<br /><br />I have inherited a seized 4.3LX, been sitting idle for a long time. Turned out to be minor surface rust. With simple cleaning, now turns ok by hand. Need some info to decide on reviving it fully to replace a 5.0LX<br /><br />Engine info:<br />1. Serial number is OF003092, <br />2. Block stamping 708193LK. <br />3. This is a 1993, Gen 2 engine with a balance shaft. <br />4. Weber 4 barrel carb.<br />5. Head casting number 1409 9064<br />6. Inlet manifold casting number 1409 7293<br /><br />Questions:<br />1. Is this a vortec engine? <br />2. What is the max power for this engine?<br />3. Can I replace the roller lifters with Federal Mogul HT2148. See https://mfr.activant.com/mfrserv/extsrv <br /><br />Thanks all.<br /><br />Qystan

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Merc V6 4.3LX - Request Engine Info

1) It was named a Vortec engine by GM, but it is not the same as a post 1996 Vortec engine released by GM. The cylinder heads and intake manifold are significantly different. <br /><br />2) How much HP is revelent to depth of your pockets.<br /><br />3) The HT 2148 lifter is a Sealed Power part number and should work in that engine with the other related/matching parts.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Merc V6 4.3LX - Request Engine Info

1) Agreed,.... Vortec in Name Only......I've got a set of the Heads on the Shelf,.... Just gotta Do It......<br /><br />2) Mercruiser says Mine is 205hp,... It's within a couple few thousand of your serial #......Same Spec.s...... I'm hopeing that the heads,+ somemore Serious Tuning will make more like 225hp......<br /><br />3) Don't Know,..... I just get a Sign-in page on your link.......<br />But,... That is a roller block,+ Anything that fit a Chevy that year will fit Your Motor..........

 

[qystan]

Re: Merc V6 4.3LX - Request Engine Info

Thanks Reel Poor and Bondo, just the info I needed. <br /><br />Thought the head didn't look vortec, chamber looked like my 1989 5.7L<br /><br />On the power, I meant "what is the rated", sorry, bad syntax. Bondo gave the info, 205hp looks enough for my use.<br /><br />Link was to the roller lifter, not sure what happened. Will order those.<br /><br />Thanks again.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Merc V6 4.3LX - Request Engine Info

Ayuh,..... Glad I Could Help....... <br /><br />If you're doing a Total Rebuild,......<br />Like I said,.....<br />The Up-grade to the Vortec Heads,+ Manifold is Well Woth it in MHOpinion...........

 

[qystan]

Re: Merc V6 4.3LX - Request Engine Info

Bondo,<br /><br />The thought is extremely tempting. <br /><br />But head blocks look good. Valves got some corrosion. Yet to dismantle, if valve replacements are needed and skimming job is needed, a complete head is probably a better idea.....damn shipping cost...<br /><br />Thanks again.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Merc V6 4.3LX - Request Engine Info

Can somebody tell me why there is such a large difference in output between this 4.3LX and my '96 4.3LX. I have a 4bbl Weber and the "real" Vortec heads but it is only rated at 180 or 185(sorry don't remember). While we are at, what makes the Gen+ engines special???

 

[Bondo]

Re: Merc V6 4.3LX - Request Engine Info

The 2bbl. Carbed motors are the 180odd hp motors....<br /><br />The 4bbl. carbed motors are 205ish hp motors.....<br />If your's has True Vortec Heads,... I Think your's is 210 or 220hp......<br /><br />The Gen+ is I Believe the motors with the Balance Shaft...... <br />Or Maybe that's what they call the motors With the True Vortec Heads....

 

[180shabah]

Re: Merc V6 4.3LX - Request Engine Info

Here is where it gets fun. I have all of that, the vortec heads, 4bbl Weber, and the balance shaft; which best as I can tell is all correct for an LX engine. Yet the hp is still listed as 180. Just seems like alot of "upgrades" for no net increase in output.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Merc V6 4.3LX - Request Engine Info

Yet the hp is still listed as 180.

Listed Where,..???...

 

[180shabah]

Re: Merc V6 4.3LX - Request Engine Info

I was using a clymers manual (I know they are only slightly above usless) but I assume that data tables and such probably came from merc and not their own "expertiece".<br /><br />Anyway, they list the following:<br /> - 4.3L(2bbl) 160 (95&96)<br /> - 4.3LX(4bbl) 180 (95&96)<br /> - 4.3LX(4bbl) 190 (97 Gen+)<br /> - 4.3LHX(EFI) 205 (97 Gen+)<br />And lets not forget the current 4.3's 190hp(2bbl) and 220hp MPI.<br />Realy just curious why the earlier engines produced more power and what changes allow the current 2bbl to also produce more power.

 

[Bondo]

Re: Merc V6 4.3LX - Request Engine Info

Mine's of the Earlier version you show Listed........<br /><br />It has Great Big Stickers on the Plastic Cover that says,............4.3LX 205hp<br />

a clymers manual (I know they are only slightly above usless)

I Donno............................