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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 01:47 PM
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Default V6 ??

With rising gas prices and the fact that my engine is old (and lame) ...
Why not consider a HIPO V6 ?? A nice 4.3L with decent compression
and matching cam sounds like it might still provide decent performance,
while allowing me to actually clock some miles without robbing a bank for ga$.

I know this is and and ....
but someone else must be thinking along similar lines.

Anyone running a strong V6 ? You can confess privately if you prefer.

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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 01:49 PM
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what transmission do you have? have you considered an overdrive tranny? you can also get much better mileage compared to a th350 or th-400.
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 01:57 PM
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I definitly would consider the six if it were from my 89' TTA (3.8 turbo)!
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 02:04 PM
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Ponder this...my '95 Tahoe with it's F/I 350 gets 16 mpg highway. My '01 Blazer with the F/I 4.3 V-6 gets 18 mpg highway. Hardly worth the effort, IMO. Now build a purpose-built turbo V-6...I'm with 'ya all the way.
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 02:05 PM
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The 4.3L is a bad idea.

A good LSx+overdrive tranny will do the trick.
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 02:06 PM
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I'd throw my coin at an overdrive. Some guys are getting 20 mph highway. That's pretty good.
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 02:12 PM
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Interesting... I know GM is coming out with a 3.6 for the 08 Caddy that will put out 300+ hp non-turbo.

regarding the overdrive. What all needs to be done to install in th-400, where can you purchse it and how much $$?
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 02:12 PM
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Originally Posted by NHvette
With rising gas prices and the fact that my engine is old (and lame) ...
Why not consider a HIPO V6 ?? A nice 4.3L with decent compression
and matching cam sounds like it might still provide decent performance,
while allowing me to actually clock some miles without robbing a bank for ga$.

I know this is and and ....
but someone else must be thinking along similar lines.

Anyone running a strong V6 ? You can confess privately if you prefer.

Might as well sell the Vette and buy a vintage Pinto, or Chevette.

I wouldn't do it man. Just imagine the next time a guy asks, "what's that got in it? a V-6. . . but I get great gas mileage!
I'd go the tranny route instead . . . even if the V-6 has more power
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 03:07 PM
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A girl here in town had a green rubber bumper Vette with a fuel injected 3.8L V6 motor. It didn't really look all that bad.
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 03:16 PM
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I've been looking around at Camaros for a DD and many are up there in miles.

What I have noticed is that the V6 Camaros hit a little over 100,000 and the engines are getting rebuilt or replaced. A good small block can run 150,000 to 200,000 with the only work usually the valve seals.

Something to consider when dropping at V6 in there. It may make the same power, but it probably won't last as long.
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 03:30 PM
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How much per month do you spend filling up your Corvette? How about 15 gallons per fill, 4 fills a month at $3 per gallon - $180? Let's say you improve your mileage by 20%. That would save you $36 per month. Is the performance loss really worth $36 per month? I vote no.
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 03:43 PM
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I've got a Buick Grand National X engine sitting in my garage.
I'll bet if ya dropped it into a C3 it would be fricken insane fast!!
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 03:48 PM
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Originally Posted by rcread
How much per month do you spend filling up your Corvette? How about 15 gallons per fill, 4 fills a month at $3 per gallon - $180? Let's say you improve your mileage by 20%. That would save you $36 per month. Is the performance loss really worth $36 per month? I vote no.
and COOL DOGS

If you want the mileage, buy a Diesel Jetta, but if you want performance...............stick with the Vette. (The Jetta is probably cheaper than trying to fit the V6 in there anyway)
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 04:14 PM
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six cylinder in a Vette?? that ain't right!
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 04:27 PM
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Originally Posted by Procrastination Racing
I've been looking around at Camaros for a DD and many are up there in miles.

What I have noticed is that the V6 Camaros hit a little over 100,000 and the engines are getting rebuilt or replaced. A good small block can run 150,000 to 200,000 with the only work usually the valve seals.

Something to consider when dropping at V6 in there. It may make the same power, but it probably won't last as long.
Longevity does not convince me.
I have 289K miles on my original 3.8L Buick ... still runs (but with some smoke).

I know someone with a 4.3 long block built up ... $50.
I was contemplating a temporary change-over while rebuilding the original 350.

I'm not big on the idea, nor do I think I'd do it .... just wanted to see if there was any support or reason to go there.

I already have a $100 car that gets 45 MPG ... but would rather drive the vette.

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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 04:30 PM
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 04:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Procrastination Racing
I've been looking around at Camaros for a DD and many are up there in miles.

What I have noticed is that the V6 Camaros hit a little over 100,000 and the engines are getting rebuilt or replaced. A good small block can run 150,000 to 200,000 with the only work usually the valve seals.

Something to consider when dropping at V6 in there. It may make the same power, but it probably won't last as long.
Why would that be, I wonder? The 4.3 is just an SBC with two cylinders lopped off.

Originally Posted by slowride262
I've got a Buick Grand National X engine sitting in my garage.
I'll bet if ya dropped it into a C3 it would be fricken insane fast!!
The GNXs were faster than the Corvettes for those years...
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 04:41 PM
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just expressing ideas like that can have your man card revoked.
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 04:46 PM
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I learned a long time ago that I could not have my cake and eat it too, I am not doubting that you can make the right V-6 run strong but then it'd use as much fuel as a V-8, wheres the gain in that? Might be mistaken but,,, Peace, Moosie
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Old Jul 19, 2007 | 05:33 PM
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Well, as long as the fuel-air ratio is close to ideal 14:1,
same car, tranny,rearend ... the 4.3 should use 3/4 of the gas as
a 350 while lumping down the highway.

If trying to extract the SAME performance out of a V6 as a 350 ...
the fuel economy will not be there - agreed. This would be during
hard acceleration, etc.

How good an engine is the 3.0 4cyl ?? LOL


Don't worry, guys (and gals). My man card is safe.
I don't think the stock sidepipes will work easily with a 6 banger.
What I REALLY want is a cheap 454 to build up.

Last edited by NHvette; Jul 19, 2007 at 05:36 PM.
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