97 Sonoma Engine

[Drag SGT]

I was talking to my father earlier in the week about the engine project and he decided that instead of taking the number matching engine and modding it that we would just tear a 4.3L that we could find out of a junkyard. He wanted to get a 97 because they were supposed to be good year engines (??? Old Man Superstition ???) I didn't want blow his idea to pieces because if we could get a hold of one, I'd have the heads and valve covers for the project. Basically, if I just use the block heads, and valves, will I have any major problems that I wouldn't have if I used my block. Quite frankly, I think it's a good idea but I just wanted to make sure it would work. Thanks for any advice :tup:

~Chris~

Oh! Would I also be able to use the headers, or at least use aftermarkets for that year? Thanks

 

[VermontTy]

Re: 97 Sonoma Engine

You might want to go here and check out some 4.3 info first.

http://www.syty.net/forums/showthread.php?t=20725

If you are buying this 4.3 to chuck a turbo on and slap it into an S-10 or something, keep in mind that you should put new rods, pistons and rings in the bottom end at the very least (4 bolt mains aren't a bad option), and your lower intake will need to be machined ($250 I think) to accept the 1997 Vortec heads. Back a while ago, there was a company on eBay selling 4.3 shortblock cores for like $99 that were guaranteed to be crack free, and would clean up at 0.030". They had casting #10066061, which was my Ty's casting number.

What are your plans anyway?

 

[Drag SGT]

Re: 97 Sonoma Engine

My plans are:

Billet Crank 3.75
Oliver Rods
JE Pistons
422 Cam
Stock Vortec Heads

In the end, I'll strap a turbo on, but that's the very last stage, I'll do suspension and tranny after this.

 

[dgoodhue]

Re: 97 Sonoma Engine

My plans are:

Billet Crank 3.75
Oliver Rods
JE Pistons
422 Cam
Stock Vortec Heads

In the end, I'll strap a turbo on, but that's the very last stage, I'll do suspension and tranny after this.

Don't use a balance shaft block for that build up, the balance shaft blocks are weaker. IMO They are suitable for budget build-ups.

 

[tippmann243]

Re: 97 Sonoma Engine

balanced shaft blocks dont have enought material for 4 bolt mains either

 

[Drag SGT]

Re: 97 Sonoma Engine

Don't use a balance shaft block for that build up, the balance shaft blocks are weaker. IMO They are suitable for budget build-ups.

Really... do sy/ty's not have balance shafts, I thought they did(?) So, I'd have to get an 87-94 w/o balance shaft block. What would that affect besides my camshaft kit? I already ordered my crank with one piece rear seal, so it's probably too late to change much now. Are they weaker in your opinion, or is it kind of an unwritten fact?

balanced shaft blocks dont have enought material for 4 bolt mains either

I didn't know that, what about splayed?

I'll have to get HotRodV6's attention, cause he's basically doing the same thing as me only no Billet. Good info

 

[VermontTy]

Re: 97 Sonoma Engine

Really... do sy/ty's not have balance shafts, I thought they did(?)
I didn't know that, what about splayed?

SyTy engines do not have balance shafts. The ProGram 4 bolt mains I have are splayed. I'm not sure if ProGram is the only 4 bolt option for our engines or not.....

 

[Drag SGT]

Re: 97 Sonoma Engine

Well, ya learn something new everyday. I was digging through one of the local junkyards and there are a lot of 4.3's that are sitting in vans. Most of them have the "Z" in the VIN so I'm assuming that those one's are w/o the balance shaft. Am I wrong? Would an engine from one of these work for a bare block?

 

[VermontTy]

Re: 97 Sonoma Engine

If I were you, I'd print out the above vault of 4.3 info I linked you to, and bring it to the junkyard with you for looking at blocks. Bring a wire brush, and remove all the crud on the passengers side rear of the block to find the casting number. I'm not exactly sure what the "SyTy" 4.3's were, but I know more than one was used. As I said, mine was 10066061.

http://www.northeastsyty.com/albums/album396/P6290012.jpg

 

[midnightbluS10]

Re: 97 Sonoma Engine

If I were you, I'd print out the above vault of 4.3 info I linked you to, and bring it to the junkyard with you for looking at blocks. Bring a wire brush, and remove all the crud on the passengers side rear of the block to find the casting number. I'm not exactly sure what the "SyTy" 4.3's were, but I know more than one was used. As I said, mine was 10066061.

http://www.northeastsyty.com/albums/album396/P6290012.jpg

Here's the actual article, along with pictures.


http://www.babcox.com/editorial/ar/ar40047.htm

 

[Drag SGT]

Re: 97 Sonoma Engine

Old topic but I figured that instead of starting a new one I would add onto this one. Are there any GM production blocks that don't have balance shafts that have ONE piece rear seals and enough metal for 4-bolt mains? I can't find any evidence in the article. Then again maybe I need to clean my glasses...