Project '68 Chevy

[CoolFX]

Ok, so I have this desire to drop a 4.3 Turbo in my '68 Chevy Pickup. I have been looking at several engine vendor's and know just the long block assy can be pretty expensive for a project on a budget. So my question is: How much should I expect to spend on an engine if I were to luck upon someone wanting to upgrade (if you call it that) to LSx or if they have bought an aftermarket turn key. I would like to use the STOCK configuration with a 4L80E. I don't anticipate using the transfer case at this time as I plan to stay with the 2 WD configuration.

 

[Norm]

Re: Project '68 Chevy

You say your on a budget, but you better check into the kit price for running a 4l80-e first. You need a stand alone unit for that tranny.

 

[super-gt]

Re: Project '68 Chevy

Ok, so I have this desire to drop a 4.3 Turbo in my '68 Chevy Pickup. I have been looking at several engine vendor's and know just the long block assy can be pretty expensive for a project on a budget. So my question is: How much should I expect to spend on an engine if I were to luck upon someone wanting to upgrade (if you call it that) to LSx or if they have bought an aftermarket turn key. I would like to use the STOCK configuration with a 4L80E. I don't anticipate using the transfer case at this time as I plan to stay with the 2 WD configuration.

Everytime I see syty motors for sale they are still expensive...If you are going for a budget build your best bet may just be a carb'd smallblock. I'm sure you have considered that and just want a turbo 4.3 in it because it is different. But different usually costs $$$ sadly enough.

Ya could always do a turbo small block? or maybe a procharger or something?

 

[SBNova]

Re: Project '68 Chevy

You can probably build a 350, or even buy a new 350 for about the same money as a 4.3 will run. You'd end up with an engine at least as strong as a 4.3, with a MUCH better assortment of heads to choose from too. Add the turbo or SC to that, and you'll be better off.

 

[JSM]

Re: Project '68 Chevy

What are your power goals? Going 2wd with 4l80e won't be that expensive, no kit to buy just a controller of some sort but IMO is money well spent anyways.

You could buy a newer 4.3, convert an edelbrock carb intake to FI, throw on some syty manifolds.

Or find a used running motor from someone. A few options.

 

[George Blake]

Re: Project '68 Chevy

I have an older TCI controller that I'll let go for $550 with a new harness and warranty if it helps you meet your budget goals. I'll even help you with programming on it. I just need to know your cam profile and rear end gear ratio to get the shift points right. We'll do a conversion from where you liked it before with the first transmission, take it's gear ratios and convert it over to what the 80e wants. MPH will change as well as WOT rpm shift point due to the gear ratio differences. I've done up several configurations now and it take a couple hours to set everything up but it's damn close when I'm done.