Getting serious about a 4.3L Vortec Conversion. Help from anyone who has done this before would be appreciated!

It is my understaning, that if I get a motor '98 and newer, I'll have to get the computer out of a '96-'97? (security system)

Also, I want to avoid using the electronic tranny. Parts guy said I could use a harness off of a '92 or older 4.3L? Also, get a tranny from '92 or older?

Should I bite the bullet on a $600 harness from from Howell or is can I do the conversion with the harnes described above and save some $$$$$$?

Lastly....Fuel pump? What is the lease expensive way to go?

I have most of the same questions. I have read all the threads on the subject and can't find much about anyone using the latest model engines. I want to get the SMPI, probably a 2000 crate motor. What I want to know also is if I use the 96-97 computer(silver) does it plug into the harness or can I buy an aftermarket harness for this swap. What needs changed on the harness, if anything?

If I go to the silver computer do I still need to run cat's and the 4 O2 sensors or just the 1 like the previous models? Any information from someone who has done this would be great.

Kevin

I think you'll need to get your existing computer re-programed or get an older one, try to use the stock wiring untill you fail then lay out the dough, thats what i'm trying, I'm currently in the proccess of putting a '97 350 vortec in my 7. but haven't actually got to the wiring yet.

Any wiring system BEFORE 1996 with be easiest because cars went to OBDII in 1996.

YJ,,,

Can you explain that in a little more detail please..... I am new to the injection game.

Kevin

Try street and performance, they can probably answer all your wiring questions. That said I have a 94 cpi and used the stock harness. While a buddy put a 95 cpi in his and had to get a aftermaket harness. Mine has the interior computer while his had the one that went under the hood.

I droped a 4.3 vortech in my scrambler. biggest pain I ever did. but it was fun. i have a 94 motor with the cpi system central port injection. the most horsepower 4.3 came in 94 and 95 i believe. its a W vin motor the Z vin motors have a little less power if I remember correctly. the W vin motor pushes 195 hp and 260 foot lbs of torque. I would recommend staying away from the 4l60e. thing is a big ass piece of shit(every once in a while it gets confused and cant make up its mind when to shift). I got a harness from Howell and it cost around $300. Made my life so easy, everything plugs in where it has to and you have to splice in about 6 or 7 wires under the dash(great harness). You can get a fuel pump from napa, about $100 shouldnt be more the $120, if it is they are ripping you off. Its just a high pressure( around 45 to 55psi) fuel pump for chevy motors. If you need to I can get you the part number. Make sure you get the computer when you get the motor. Also keep your charcoal canister cause you will need it to pass smog. Smog was cake, one o2 sencor two vacume lines, breather for the crank case, and a breather for the gas tank(also a speed sencor use Advance adapters one, I had issues with Howells, didnt work as it was supose to). All the sencors do the rest as long as they are there. Just make sure the fuel pressure regulator in that cpi system is good. Mine wasnt and it cost about $400(dealer only item). I used M.O.R.E.'s motor mounts. I originaly made my own but kept busting the stock motor mount bushings. If you have more question just e-mail me jacko_wacko@hotmail.com