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V6 swap


Phantomarine

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I already asked about the 5 speed because the L18s didn't have them, so makes sense the engine could have been swapped also. FWIW the U67 was used on the '75 through 77 L20B engine. Haven't seen any pictures but if it's a cracked head that can just be replaced.

 

 

Forget the NAPS  heads. They are about 12cc larger combustion chamber which will drop you compression into the weeds. The NAPS  head is a terrible performer even on a Z series engine.

 

Forget the word boost and concentrate getting this thing running. Didn't you say you were strapped for cash? A turbo is an additional couple of thousand if you want it to stay together for more than two weeks. For now forget it and move on.

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It's a context thing.

 

Growing up building import engines, I always thought that small block Chevy V8's were the biggest piles of crap on the planet. The quality of the internal parts, the loose fitting rods, intake, heads, all that just made me cringe. So years later I saw an old timer at a gas station, filling up his 46 Ford (with SBC and flames). I asked him what was with hotrodders and SBC's. He replied it was context. In the 50's, the flathead Ford was the best thing out there. Along comes the SBC with one HP per cubic inch (big deal back then), the ability to rev and the overall durability and it totally changed the landscape.

 

Ever since then, I have taken a different view on Fords with Chevys in them.

Hot ridder's I have spoken with, Ford owners with SBCs, said it was all about parts availability.

 

Say you're on a road trip. You break down. What's going to give you the best chance to be back on the road quickly?

 

SBC, of course. Any/every part you could ever need can/will be had at any/every parts house from point A to B.

 

You would t have such luck with anything from the other 2 brands.

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as for 2.  Mike, Because there are literally millions of them, they do break down more often, because everyone and their brother thinks that he/she can "rebuild" one professionally, often doing things on the cheap and skipping steps that enhance reliability.  What other motor can you buy brand new for $1500 from the company who designed it?  GM Goodwrench crate 350s are $1500 for a decent performer that will fall from 96-99% leakdown rate fresh out of the box.  You can barely buy a good set of rebuild parts for the Datsun for that kind of cash, by the time you uprate the oil pump, raise the compression with decent pistons, rework the connecting rods, etc...

 

Then again a $500 fully rebuilt head may be Phantom's best answer since he already has an L20b.  Throw in a better cam and it'll be fun.  

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So there are more available chev parts because there are more incompetent chev engine builders so there are more available chev parts so.... ???

 

So if you run a chev in your ford you are an incompetent engine builder.  

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So there are more available chev parts because there are more incompetent chev engine builders so there are more available chev parts so.... ???

 

So if you run a chev in your ford you are an incompetent engine builder.  

Like said, the SBC Chevy was a big deal when it came out. The aftermarket jumped on board in a big way and it's been self perpetuating ever since.

 

It's like how great the Ford guys claim the modern DOHC Coyote motors are and it's probably true but Fox body owner's are stuffing LS motors in their cars because superior doesn't beat small, cheap, easy power for most

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With you on that. I remember going to a ford car show like 15 years ago and there was a very clean 65 mustang fb w an sbc and guess what he did not win crap. I mean this car was clean, inside, engine bay, suspension, paint, and overhead the ford guys smirking about this guy putting a non ford engine, same thing w datsuns, stay with og or at least Nissan. That's just my opinion.

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Like said, the SBC Chevy was a big deal when it came out. The aftermarket jumped on board in a big way and it's been self perpetuating ever since.

 

It's like how great the Ford guys claim the modern DOHC Coyote motors are and it's probably true but Fox body owner's are stuffing LS motors in their cars because superior doesn't beat small, cheap, easy power for most

 

Absolutely was. Helped my neighbor rebuild his mid '60s truck 283. A dream to work on.

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  • 6 years later...

Hey y’all,
I’m in the mood to revive a 6 year old thread!

 

I think Mike answered the spirit of the question on page 1, just seeking greater clarity, is it possible/plausible to swap a gen-1 GM v6 4.3L into a 620??

Forget reusing the Nissan trans for this query, a Tremec 5spd would do fine. 
Thank you 🙏 

Edited by JumboFett
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2 hours ago, Stoffregen Motorsports said:

A 4.3L V6 is not very large, but it is longer than you would think. If it's too long, you have to decide if you want to run A/C or not, because if you do, you can't cut into the radiator support or you'll never be able to fit an A/C condendsor.

Definitely not interested in AC for what could be considered the equivalent of a mini rat-rod build. Windows down at speed would be fine.

I researched the engine dimensions of the v6 and what I’ve found is: 25.4”Lx21.4”Hx21.5W (Wp snout to flywheel, Oil pan to carb top, and valve cover to valve cover). It’s about 200lbs heavier, but stripping the AC comp, PS pump, and fan clutch; and swapping in an aluminum manifold, aluminum WP, and steel headers should reduce weight by at lease 100lbs. I’ve already relocated my battery to a battery box in the truck bed, so vehicle balance is doing well so far. If I can tuck the engine close to the firewall and a little lower I can redistribute the weight and CoG. I’d have to fab motor mount supports, but I’d have access to SBC motor mounts which are varied, cheap, and plentiful. 
The headers are a concern, but that’s probably a smaller issue than I think. 
My primary fascination is the ease at which I can get 300ft.lb torque out of this 4.3L with off the shelf SBC parts. No fussing with high compression NA L-engines or aspirations of Turbocharging. Just easy-peasy, get in and go, pump gas all day power with decent manners.

Edited by JumboFett
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4 minutes ago, datzenmike said:

Throw away the clutch fan and us electric fans. Hell you could get an electric water pump.

Way ahead of you! I’m already using electric fans. I still don’t trust electric WPs though.

I could use a single belt March Pulley system, so I could mid-height mount the alternator. That way I have no steering or water inlet hose interference.

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