i was wondering what you guys thought of a V6 to V6 swap? i'm looking into upgrading my 81 elco, its got a 229, to a later six. i like the 4.3 from what i can find out. has anyone done this before, any input would be helpful. the 229 is giving up and i cant find any performance parts for it. i'm not looking for 1/4 mile speed just towing power, i use it to tow my other toys volkswagen bugs. or if anyone knows of available performance parts for the shunned from society two-two-nine.

I'd consider a Buick V6 231 or 252. :P

I'd consider a Buick V6 231 or 252. :P

and would that happen to be with a turbo?

I HAVE THE 4.3 ENGINE IN MY EL CAMINO AND I AM VERY HAPPY WITH THE WAY IT RUNS. IT'S NO 350 BUT IT GETS DOWN THE ROAD OK AND GETS AROUND 23 MPG ON A ROAD TRIP WITH THE AIR ON. I HAVE BEEN HAPPY WITH MINE AND HAVE NO PLANS TO CHANGE IT FOR A V8.

kansascamino, what vehicle did you pull that motor from? did it bolt up to the transmission? im interested in hearing about the conversion and what form of induction are you running. i've searched the web for info but cant find any. many people say "been there done that" but no info on install carb set up what needs to be done. any help would be great, thanks in advance.

MY UNCLE BOUGHT THIS EL CAMINO NEW WITH THIS ENGINE AND IT IS THE EARLY FUEL INJECTED 4.3. MANY GUYS HAVE TOLD ME TO PUT A V8 IN IT, BUT I AM HAPPY WITH THE WAY IT RUNS AND HAVE NO PLANS TO CHANGE IT FOR A V8. THEY TELL ME THE 4.3 IS A COPY OF THE 350 LESS TWO CYLINDERS SO IT IS A GOOD MOTOR. IT IS A 1985 AND RUNS AS GOOD TODAY AS THE DAY IT WAS BOUGHT NEW. IT HAS NEVER BEEN REBUILT OR HAD ANYTHING DONE TO IT.

Kansascamino, Please remove caps lock. :)

and would that happen to be with a turbo?

Maybe, maybe not. :) There are plenty of hi-po parts around for non-turbo Buick V6's. I'd probably add the turbo, but for towing I'd go without one.


I like the TBI 4.3 V6 as well. I had one in a Monte Carlo LS. One of those with a 200-4R would be very nice.

Can you put in a modern (1990's) fuel injected 3800 Series I or II? I would think you'd want one from a RWD car such as a Firebird/Camaro.