I'm starting a buildup of a trail rig soon, and I'm in the research stage. Things I've decided so far are:
TH-700R4 Trans
Dana 300 T-case w/ twin stick and clocking kit
pre '83 mini truck cab to avoid emmisions here
Tractor tires no bigger than 35"
Probably Dana 44's front and rear

The one area I'll admit to knowing squat about is engines. This isn't a huge mud bog truck, or extreme rock crawler, or speedy drive nuts truck... It's going to be used for camping, fun, some mud holes on trails, snow, hunting, fishing, etc.

All I know is that I'd like to put a carbed V6 in it, any sugestions? I'd consider using a TH-350/400 if it'd open my options up more.

4.3 liter Chevy V-6 with a carb.

if its a toy mini truck, theyre are several people with buick 231 v-6's running around, they can be had for really cheap to free. i just got rid of a running 80 231 for 20 dollars cause it was taking up space, got a built one in the garage with a cam, carb, high pressure oil pump, fuel pump, etc. they can be had out of late 70's to mid 80's gm g bodies and alike. and i believe AA has engine mount kits for them to go into toy mini trucks. good luck.

4.3 liter on propane.

4.3 liter Chevy V-6 with a carb.
Agreed.

4.3 liter on propane.

I thought about doing that, but I figured if I was going to do it it'd be for cheaper gas bills... and it'd probably cost more to be buying propane every week than gas. If I was gonna go the save gas be cheap route I'd get a 4 banger Isuzu diesel or something.

Anywho, yea I was leaning towards those 90° Chevy V6's. They had some remanufactured ones on evilBay for 500 bucks with a warranty, I was really tempted but didn't want to jump into anything without researching first. I'll have to keep my eyes peeled now.

Why a carb? those 4.3s came with fi and they work great.:shaking:

there is a hi po marine 4.3 liter option also, IIRC around 260hp.

Why a carb? those 4.3s came with fi and they work great.:shaking:

1. I'm going to buy a crate motor. They don't come with an intake, so the easiest thing to do is buy an intake and carb... done.

2. I hate computers. The only useful one I've ever used is in front of me.

3. They're very expensive. A stupid computer alone -- just the box -- would be like $300.00 at least.

4. Too many parts, sensors, things that can get wet and go boom. As far as I'm concerned, the less wires, the more happy and not worried I'll be.

5. Anyone can tune a carb, no one can tune an OBII system... cheaply at least.

It's just more simple, cheaper, and easier. If I had the cash and patience, would I go with fuel injection, yea of course...it's better. It's just too overly complex for my application. I'm making a trail rig to beat up, not a daily driver, Lemans winning, NASCAR, super competitor, mega truck.


there is a hi po marine 4.3 liter option also, IIRC around 260hp.

Okay, let's chit chat here, rap with me dude. I was always under the impression that these were for marine use only... something like they had special camshafts for marine applications, I don't know. I would always see "de-marinizing kits" around, so I thought that you couldn't just yank a boat motor and use it in a truck no prob.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/intake-merc-volvo-penta-GM-4-3-vortec-LOW-RESERVE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ50442QQitemZ464 2507096QQrdZ1

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/4-3-VORTEC-ENGINE-1996-CHEVY-BLAZER-47-000-MILES_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33615QQitemZ80658 95836QQrdZ1

combine the two.

I would definalty avoid the 700r4. do a th350, they are more plentiful, a whole lot cheaper and will do everything you need if you are serious about a v6. As for the tc, great combo, you will love it. got a buddy with one and his is great and I plan on building my own this summer.

i do have one question, what is this going in? you never said, a jeep, a toy, a k5, bronco, what. if its a k5 or bronco I would recommend a v8, they are big and if you even look at a mud you will want the extra power

micky

I would definalty avoid the 700r4. do a th350, they are more plentiful, a whole lot cheaper and will do everything you need if you are serious about a v6. As for the tc, great combo, you will love it. got a buddy with one and his is great and I plan on building my own this summer.

i do have one question, what is this going in? you never said, a jeep, a toy, a k5, bronco, what. if its a k5 or bronco I would recommend a v8, they are big and if you even look at a mud you will want the extra power

micky


why would you avoid the 700r4, there strong, he is going to drive it on the street from the sounds of it, so the overdrive will allow him to run lower (numerically higher) gears in the axles, and IIRC, the 700r4 has quite a low first gear compared to a th350. run a big cooler and upgrade the 700r4 with a shift kit and some stronger clutches, and that thing will bang gears and chirp the tires with a proper running 4.3 vortec and correct axle gearing.

This isn't going to be a street machine, unless you count driving onto a trailer or if I'm lucky and get it legal, driving to the trail... The only reason I said I wanted the 700R4 is for the low gearing, and the overdrive was just bonus. However, on second thought I have been seriously reconsidering a TH-350, they're super cheap when compared to a 700R4 and will get the job done for me. Plus less complicated.

I'm just gonna play it all by ear and see what I can get where and for how much when it comes to the trans. I'm not too worried about it.

Why not start with a 4.3L V6 S10 and swap in the D44 axles. It comes with the 4.3L engine, hooked to a 700R4/4L60 tranny, and NP 231 tcase. Flat bottom, and becuase its IFS the front half of the frame is boxed.

if your not going efi then you defently want propane, no gas spills and it will run on any angle with no probs, plus its cheap,

you can find whole propane setups dirt cheap too

if your not going efi then you defently want propane, no gas spills and it will run on any angle with no probs, plus its cheap,

you can find whole propane setups dirt cheap too

Okay, now I'm actually thinking of taking a second look at this. Being able to run at any angle is VERY tempting.

::sigh:: Now I must go school myself on propane setups.

You do mean convert to run on LPG, right?