Chevy 4.3l V6 Lu3 To T90

I have a 1956 CJ5
The sbc 283 v8 is being removed and I am planning to install a 2010 Chevy 4.3L V6 LU3 to T90.
Looking for input from anyone that has used this engine before?

Anthony

 

Lots of knowledge here:
https://www.novak-adapt.com/catalog/adapters/engine-to-transmission/gm/kits-cx/
You will need an adapter plate but seems like a common conversion. I’m not sure about the later model 4.3 and it’s adaptability with earlier bell housing patterns either.
I have the 4.3 from early ‘90s in my ‘58 Cj5, but I put in an SM420 gm 4 speed transmission.

 

Is that 6 bolt flexplate, iron block, aluminum pan?
Biggest issue will be matching balance from flexplate to flywheel. Top bolt on bellhousing will be against the balance shaft so omit that bolt.
You won't likely be able to use the 383 accessories due to balance shaft and the fuel injection is a bit weird. Intake bolts will not match any 4.3 with factory carburetor so making the existing fuel injection work is best.

 

In the Novak article note how the pilot bushing is different due to year. The input shaft will need to measure up. I did the large flywheel and 11" clutch. I don't think Ross steering or thru floor pedals will work with the aluminum oil pan with a 1" offset to the driver from center like the 225 came. Crank is funky compared to early sbc due to the cps in the timing cover.

It's a good match for a jeep when ironed out but there is significant work due to the difference in motor years.

 

Hello Joe,
Thank you for the great information!
I plan to use all the 2010 accessories and EFI.
A brake/clutch pedal upgrade (YJ) is in the works along with power steering (Ford reverse rotation)

 

Novak has been a great resource for many years!
The existing Chevy bellhousing and T90 adapter should work with the 4.3 as well as the 283.

 

I did this. Well I'm trying!!

http://www.earlycj5.com/xf_cj5/index.php?threads/150533/

 

I used a 1995 TBI 4.3ltr mated to a SM465.

 

I am going to read that thread.

 

Any advice on location or placement issues, Scott?

 

I do like milliner's setup. I have mocked up a sm465 behind my 4.3 but I don't have the conversion parts to mate it to the d18.

My t-90 is in the factory location for and aft with a small distributor on the 4.3. The t-90 was moved inboard 1" and it was fine vertically.
With the sm465 I needed to drop the rear of the motor or do transmission tunnel work. The engine stayed in the same position for and aft and maintained the same offset from center. Drive shaft lengths will be with an inch since the 2.625" front adapter on the 9"long t90 is replaces with a 1" adapter on the rear of the 11andwhatnot sm465. Add some lift springs and the rear drive shaft looked usable or able to be trimmed myself. My front drive shaft had been replaced at some point so. Speedometer cable needs to be the longer 225 with t18 part.

Basically keep your bellhousing exactly where it is for the 383 and everything else should work the best for t-90 or sm465 and 4.3

 

If you use factory exhaust manifolds. The driver's side manifold need to be from a Chevy Astro Van. For this manifold. I had to machine a 1/4" off of the mating surface to clear the frame. (You won’t have to.)
Or go headers. I like these.
Sanderson CV95 Header Set (sandersonheaders.com)

For inspiration.

 

That is a great set-up! If I did not have a T90 chevy-ready, I would go that way.

 

So far...
The transfer case is in the factory location for front to rear and perhaps 1.25" to the passenger side.
I appear to have ~3" for a radiator