Ok, i've been thinking about this, i've got a 93 4x4, it has the 4.3, i was just going to install a 350, but got to thinking of a 454, so why not go big & install a 496, has anyone ever done this? How beefed up will the 4L60E need to be for an engine like this?

 

496 stroker or new style 496? staying fuel injected or going with a carb? why not go with a th400? i know it doesnt have overdrive (but going with a big block you probably arent worried about gas mileage) but with the added torque you can change to a lower diff gear to make up for some of the lost mileage

 

I never thought about a TH400 for the 4x4, i'm sure i'll need a stronger rearend like a Dana 70, as for FI or carb that wouldn't matter really, if i can find a TB i'll keep it FI, if not, i'll go carb'd, this is just an idea shooting around in my head, i know installing a 350 TBI is a no brainer & can be done on the cheap, but i can get a stroker kit & aluminum heads from Competition Products for a good price, along with all the other stuff needed like cam/lifters/timing set ect., then all i'll need is a good builder block, just don't know what yrs. or castings i should look for, should i go 4 bolt, or will 2 bolt be fine?

 

i have an accel mpfi intake, 36# injectors, 1000 cfm billet throttle body and F.A.S.T. ecu i need to sell that i was going to use on my 496 stroker build but im going to go with a carb now. if you are interested let me know. i know a guy, mitch james in arab, alabama who builds big blocks and is pretty reasonably priced, i can give you his phone number if you want it too. a 4 bolt main block is stronger than a 2 bolt but a 2 bolt splayed is stronger than a 4 bolt.

 

I'm thinking my best bet would be to go with a good running 350 TBI for cost factors, i've found a few around the 300.00 range, i'm sure this will be worth it & run much stronger then the 4.3L, plus the installation should be easy, the BB would be great, but all in all once its done & reality sets in, i'll be out alot of $$ that i really shouldn't spend lol.

 

a 350tbi for $300 is probably well worn and if you are going to have to rebuild a motor anyway why not rebuild a big block. there wouldnt be THAT much cost difference and you will have much more power. i'll sell you the 454 in my sig (minus the exhaust cause it wont work on a 4x4 anyway and ignition) with the th400, wiring harness and ecu for $2000

 

Big Block or Go home, I have a new style 496 in mine