So I've been considering buying a truck. I'm thinking about an early 90s 4.3l probably a 4x4. How does it handle a load fuel mileage ect. I know they are reliable but anything else to know would be great. Thanks all
4.3 v6 full size truck owners
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I have made it a point to buy this motor when I buy a new truck as I don't tow or haul enough to require a V8. My current pick-up is an ext. cab two wheel drive.
What loads I have had it handled fine. Of course, not like a V8 might. My daily commute is rather short and it is all low speed stop and go. In this circumstance I am getting right at 15 mpg. Up on the freeway I have seen 22mpg and not less than 20mpg. Im hoping it improves as it wears in.
My primary motivations for buying it are the simplicity and compact size. It is nice to open the hood on a pickup and see the ground... I also like that it is all iron.
Keep in mind depending on how 90's you go that some of the early 90's models contained a 4.3 that made around 165HP. The newer ones are around 195HP.
Like I said, I am a huge fan of the motor. Especially since you can't buy a new truck with a 350 anymore. If I were shopping used and found a clean 350 I would snag it up.
Perhaps Bill in Utah will chime in as I believe he has a really clean 4x4 GMC with the venerable 4.3.
What loads I have had it handled fine. Of course, not like a V8 might. My daily commute is rather short and it is all low speed stop and go. In this circumstance I am getting right at 15 mpg. Up on the freeway I have seen 22mpg and not less than 20mpg. Im hoping it improves as it wears in.
My primary motivations for buying it are the simplicity and compact size. It is nice to open the hood on a pickup and see the ground... I also like that it is all iron.
Keep in mind depending on how 90's you go that some of the early 90's models contained a 4.3 that made around 165HP. The newer ones are around 195HP.
Like I said, I am a huge fan of the motor. Especially since you can't buy a new truck with a 350 anymore. If I were shopping used and found a clean 350 I would snag it up.
Perhaps Bill in Utah will chime in as I believe he has a really clean 4x4 GMC with the venerable 4.3.
I've got a 2004 4x4 GMC (std cab 8 ft bed) with the 4.3l 5sp and love it. Had a 2000 4.8l v8 5sp which I never sold (but I did) and I actually like the 4.3 more.
Here is a photo of the 4.3 in the 2004
MPG has been between 16-22 with the 4.3 and 4x4. I also had a 1996 4.3l 5 sp chevy (2wd 8 ft bed) which has currently 270,000 miles and still doing great with the new owner.
Here is my post on my 2004 that I bought used.
Other than replacing 2 O2 sensors (since I had a code) its been a good vehicle. The previous owner did not do much to it IMO.
Since 1996 I've only been buying GMC trucks (after MANY decades with one other brand) and been very happy with each one.
Take care, Bill
Here is a photo of the 4.3 in the 2004
MPG has been between 16-22 with the 4.3 and 4x4. I also had a 1996 4.3l 5 sp chevy (2wd 8 ft bed) which has currently 270,000 miles and still doing great with the new owner.
Here is my post on my 2004 that I bought used.
Other than replacing 2 O2 sensors (since I had a code) its been a good vehicle. The previous owner did not do much to it IMO.
Since 1996 I've only been buying GMC trucks (after MANY decades with one other brand) and been very happy with each one.
Take care, Bill
Originally Posted By: apwillard1986
I have made it a point to buy this motor when I buy a new truck as I don't tow or haul enough to require a V8. My current pick-up is an ext. cab two wheel drive.
What loads I have had it handled fine. Of course, not like a V8 might. My daily commute is rather short and it is all low speed stop and go. In this circumstance I am getting right at 15 mpg. Up on the freeway I have seen 22mpg and not less than 20mpg. Im hoping it improves as it wears in.
My primary motivations for buying it are the simplicity and compact size. It is nice to open the hood on a pickup and see the ground... I also like that it is all iron.
Keep in mind depending on how 90's you go that some of the early 90's models contained a 4.3 that made around 165HP. The newer ones are around 195HP.
Like I said, I am a huge fan of the motor. Especially since you can't buy a new truck with a 350 anymore. If I were shopping used and found a clean 350 I would snag it up.
Perhaps Bill in Utah will chime in as I believe he has a really clean 4x4 GMC with the venerable 4.3.
The 4.8 and 5.3 LS engines are by far much better built engines than the old 350's were. They make more power with less cubic inches as well. Id take a LS engine over the old 350's anyday.
I have made it a point to buy this motor when I buy a new truck as I don't tow or haul enough to require a V8. My current pick-up is an ext. cab two wheel drive.
What loads I have had it handled fine. Of course, not like a V8 might. My daily commute is rather short and it is all low speed stop and go. In this circumstance I am getting right at 15 mpg. Up on the freeway I have seen 22mpg and not less than 20mpg. Im hoping it improves as it wears in.
My primary motivations for buying it are the simplicity and compact size. It is nice to open the hood on a pickup and see the ground... I also like that it is all iron.
Keep in mind depending on how 90's you go that some of the early 90's models contained a 4.3 that made around 165HP. The newer ones are around 195HP.
Like I said, I am a huge fan of the motor. Especially since you can't buy a new truck with a 350 anymore. If I were shopping used and found a clean 350 I would snag it up.
Perhaps Bill in Utah will chime in as I believe he has a really clean 4x4 GMC with the venerable 4.3.
The 4.8 and 5.3 LS engines are by far much better built engines than the old 350's were. They make more power with less cubic inches as well. Id take a LS engine over the old 350's anyday.
^^^I agree. Much more fuel efficient, too. I'm sure the 4.8 would beat the 4.3 in any category.
We have had an 80's era GMC 4.3 w/5 speed stick since new in my BIL's garage. Just went through the engine this year. It's a much better powertrain with a stick than with an auto.
We have had an 80's era GMC 4.3 w/5 speed stick since new in my BIL's garage. Just went through the engine this year. It's a much better powertrain with a stick than with an auto.
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The 4.8 and 5.3 LS engines are by far much better built engines than the old 350's were. They make more power with less cubic inches as well. Id take a LS engine over the old 350's anyday.
More advanced yes. More efficient yes. Better built, I dunno. The 5.7s and LS Series seem to hold up the same... But the OP indicated he was looking at early 90s 1500s. Couldnt get an LS motor then... I just meant that if I were shopping for an early 90's 4.3 but ran across a nice 350 that was affordable I would buy it. I think it would be neat to have one because you cant get them anymore and it is a classic design from a nerdy mechanical engineering standpoint...
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It's a much better powertrain with a stick than with an auto.
Agreed! It is very sad you can't get a stick anymore. I still wish I ordered a 2007 classic with a manual trans. If chevyboy14 can find a stick 4.3 K1500 that would be ideal. Helps to maximize the power for sure.
The 4.8 and 5.3 LS engines are by far much better built engines than the old 350's were. They make more power with less cubic inches as well. Id take a LS engine over the old 350's anyday.
More advanced yes. More efficient yes. Better built, I dunno. The 5.7s and LS Series seem to hold up the same... But the OP indicated he was looking at early 90s 1500s. Couldnt get an LS motor then... I just meant that if I were shopping for an early 90's 4.3 but ran across a nice 350 that was affordable I would buy it. I think it would be neat to have one because you cant get them anymore and it is a classic design from a nerdy mechanical engineering standpoint...
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It's a much better powertrain with a stick than with an auto.
Agreed! It is very sad you can't get a stick anymore. I still wish I ordered a 2007 classic with a manual trans. If chevyboy14 can find a stick 4.3 K1500 that would be ideal. Helps to maximize the power for sure.
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There was a problem with the intake manifold gaskets on certain GM V6 engines and years, at around 100,000 miles. Easily searcheable on Google to see if it applies to the model you are looking at.
JTK
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Originally Posted By: chevyboy14
So I've been considering buying a truck. I'm thinking about an early 90s 4.3l probably a 4x4. How does it handle a load fuel mileage ect. I know they are reliable but anything else to know would be great. Thanks all
I had 2 full sized Chevy 4.3's. One a 1994 5spd, 2wd, the other a 1998 4x4 automatic. As far as load handling, they were great for me. No massive powerhouse, but they got the job done. I even pulled a car carrier with an old Camaro on it for a buddy w/ the 1994, 2wd without any problem. Three in the cab at the time too.
This was all in the glorious days of little concern for fuel economy though. If I recall, about the best you'd do on a gentle highway run with either was high teens.
Joel
So I've been considering buying a truck. I'm thinking about an early 90s 4.3l probably a 4x4. How does it handle a load fuel mileage ect. I know they are reliable but anything else to know would be great. Thanks all
I had 2 full sized Chevy 4.3's. One a 1994 5spd, 2wd, the other a 1998 4x4 automatic. As far as load handling, they were great for me. No massive powerhouse, but they got the job done. I even pulled a car carrier with an old Camaro on it for a buddy w/ the 1994, 2wd without any problem. Three in the cab at the time too.
This was all in the glorious days of little concern for fuel economy though. If I recall, about the best you'd do on a gentle highway run with either was high teens.
Joel
From a fuel mileage stand point would a 4.3 be worth it? Or would the v8 make more sense to own. Maybe a 305 or the 350? I don't need a v8 but if the gas mileage isn't bthat much better and the v8 makes alot more power I guess it would be worth it to buy the v8 and not to start an argument but I'm buying a early 90s because i think anything past the old square look isn't a real truck. When i think of a truck i think of steel bumpers dual exhaust rubber floors and a simple engine to work on. And imo the old sbc were probably the best engines ever made. I just don't like the newer stuff really
You'll get no argument from me. Allot feel as you do. I know I like them simple. I would look for any of those options based on what you say you need. It seems any would meet your needs. I'd buy whatever I found that was clean and in good shape.
Frankly I would advise you to consider the V8 models. They get a ton of upgrades included on them.
It may be hard to find one with a stick though.
It may be hard to find one with a stick though.
I guess my biggest worry is would I be satisfied with a 4.3 I've had a 350 and it would spin tires anytime I felt like it. pulled my buddys Ford out of the woods with no trouble I've never driven a 4.3 so I don't know how it would stack up
The 4.3 does fine in my BIL's full size GMC with the 5 speed.
But it wheezes a bit even towing a small pop up camper.
I think it works much better in an S10 than in a full size PU
But it wheezes a bit even towing a small pop up camper.
I think it works much better in an S10 than in a full size PU
My 05 does about 16 around town, although recently I have taken a good hit in mileage so I'm not sure whats going on. Might be tune up time. My uncle just bought a new one and it gets a bit less, but it only has 1k miles on it.
They seem to be a pretty good motor, as long as your not towing it seems to do fine hauling the truck around. I have put 1 ton or more in mine on a number of occasions and it has more than enough power.
One thing I did notice is the new body style must weigh a bit more, my uncles is a dog compared to mine. Both trucks have the same motor, transmission, and rear end gearing, even the same wheels. Mine pulls a lot stronger at all speeds. I need to get his truck on a scale, mines about 4,300-4,400 empty, I think his is about 300-500 more.
I really prefer the older body style, plus they are lower which is nice if you actually use the truck as a truck. Lifting a 200 pound compactor or generator over a jacked up new 4x4 is a PITA, my truck is nice and low and not to bad. Or when I put ramps on it and drive a lawnmower or ATV in the bed, new trucks are jacked up to high, even 2wd. When I buy a new truck I'm going to put a lowering kit on it.
If I were buying a new body style I'd spring for the V8, the 4.8 is less than a G note more when buying new, and seems like the motor to go with.
They seem to be a pretty good motor, as long as your not towing it seems to do fine hauling the truck around. I have put 1 ton or more in mine on a number of occasions and it has more than enough power.
One thing I did notice is the new body style must weigh a bit more, my uncles is a dog compared to mine. Both trucks have the same motor, transmission, and rear end gearing, even the same wheels. Mine pulls a lot stronger at all speeds. I need to get his truck on a scale, mines about 4,300-4,400 empty, I think his is about 300-500 more.
I really prefer the older body style, plus they are lower which is nice if you actually use the truck as a truck. Lifting a 200 pound compactor or generator over a jacked up new 4x4 is a PITA, my truck is nice and low and not to bad. Or when I put ramps on it and drive a lawnmower or ATV in the bed, new trucks are jacked up to high, even 2wd. When I buy a new truck I'm going to put a lowering kit on it.
If I were buying a new body style I'd spring for the V8, the 4.8 is less than a G note more when buying new, and seems like the motor to go with.
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Would you guys feel comfortable say pulling a car on a trailer with a 4.3 4x4? That's probably the most ill ever pull
Around town I think it would be fine, but over the road I'd spring for the 5.3 with a 3.72.
IMHO the 4.3 is good for towing about 2k-3k pounds comfortably. More than that and your asking a lot.
IMHO the 4.3 is good for towing about 2k-3k pounds comfortably. More than that and your asking a lot.
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I've actually driven an F-150 4.2 quite a bit more than a Chevrolet 4.3.
Few more hp, few less lbs of torque. Should be similar in performance
With a 5 speed manual, it was fairly entertaining. Almost gave you the impression that you were "quick"...almost.
Few more hp, few less lbs of torque. Should be similar in performance
With a 5 speed manual, it was fairly entertaining. Almost gave you the impression that you were "quick"...almost.
Originally Posted By: chevyboy14
Would you guys feel comfortable say pulling a car on a trailer with a 4.3 4x4? That's probably the most ill ever pull
Yes, if it's only say 3-4 times a year, no problem. In either automatic or manual, 4x4 or not. Manual would be preferred with the 4.3L.
The later models (96+) with Mass airflow sensors, Votec heads and sequential fuel injection are better on gas and feel more responsive. At least get the 92+ motor with the batch fire injection. Avoid the 90-91 motor with throttle body injection.
My dad's old 91', auto., long bed, 2wheel drive, averaged ~18-20 mpg mixed driving, even while it was burning oil.
Would you guys feel comfortable say pulling a car on a trailer with a 4.3 4x4? That's probably the most ill ever pull
Yes, if it's only say 3-4 times a year, no problem. In either automatic or manual, 4x4 or not. Manual would be preferred with the 4.3L.
The later models (96+) with Mass airflow sensors, Votec heads and sequential fuel injection are better on gas and feel more responsive. At least get the 92+ motor with the batch fire injection. Avoid the 90-91 motor with throttle body injection.
My dad's old 91', auto., long bed, 2wheel drive, averaged ~18-20 mpg mixed driving, even while it was burning oil.
95 or prior 4.3 TBI's are nowhere near as bad as you might think. test drive, it's all about condition.
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