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Would this work for V6? 1998 Astro Van?

Discussion in 'Builds and Fabricators Forum' started by Jobhater, Jun 5, 2009.

  1. Jobhater

    Jobhater A man without a Jeep

    I'm looking at putting a Vortec engine in my engineless CJ6. I've seen a lot of people talk about the Vortec engines and have pretty much decided to go this route because I plan on taking the jeep on trails and could use the fuel injection. I found someone that has a '98 Astro Van with the 4.3L. This would work perfectly, correct? I just want to make sure before I jump and buy another vehicle.
    Thanks
     
  2. bkd

    bkd Moderator Supreme Staff Member 2022 Sponsor

    yep, thought about it for my 6. Check out the Novak Adapt site for lots of info on the swap and what's needed
    Jim S.
     
  3. Psychojeeper

    Psychojeeper Aint 'sposed to be pretty

    Yes, good choice. The 4.3 is basically a V-8 block minus 2 cylinders, so bellhousing, etc will bolt right up. For the swap I recommend the M.O.R.E. Bombproof Motormounts, they are great. With the V-6 you will have plenty of room under the hood.
     
  4. Hansh

    Hansh Going Mobile

    1998 would be a CPI 4.3 IIRC. Make sure to get all the wiring, computer and sensors. Not sure if a carb or throttle body intake will fit those heads if that is what you are planning. IIRC there is one less bolt on each side.
     
  5. Jobhater

    Jobhater A man without a Jeep

    Sorry to bring this back up, but would a 4x2 matter for a donor vehicle? Or do I need to find a 4x4? I'm guessing it doesn't matter, but need to make sure before I spend money that I don't have yet.
     
  6. tallyjeeper

    tallyjeeper Member

    I don't think it matters with the 4.3, but make sure it has the correct oil pan sump. If it has a front sump, then you would most likely have clearance issues with the front axle.
     
  7. Jobhater

    Jobhater A man without a Jeep

    Forgive my newbiness. I don't know what a oil pan sump is. I've searched online and found that it pumps oil into a reservoir. But, I haven't been able to see what it looks like or how to tell if this potential donor vehicle (which is now a '93 GMC Jummy) has the pump in front. Is there an easy way to tell? Thanks!
     
    Last edited: Jun 30, 2009
  8. bkd

    bkd Moderator Supreme Staff Member 2022 Sponsor

    We're talking about the oil pan........if the pan is at it's lowest in the front it could cause you clearance issues, you want one that has the pan that's lowest to the rear of the engine :beer:
    Jim S.
     
  9. Jobhater

    Jobhater A man without a Jeep

    Got it! Thanks. I'll make sure to take a look at that before buying anything.
     
  10. iagmc

    iagmc Member

    Also I am not sure but if the computer thinks it is a auto it might change how the engine acts. might need to look into that before you start the process.
     
  11. Jobhater

    Jobhater A man without a Jeep

    Thanks for the warning. I'm going to look for a manual tranny for that exact reason. Unfortunately, right now, there is nothing available that is cheap. Bummer.
     
  12. birddog56

    birddog56 Member

    If your 6 has ross steering, I doubt the engine will clear the box. i am installing a 3.9 dodge in my 56 , and i have run into a number of issues. The major one is that I had to remove the steering box. I will have to put in a saginaw style box. Your donor vehicle will come with it, even if it is an auto. Changing to auto solves abunch of problems, such as linkages and clutch pedal And brakes, can't forget them. The newer v-6 will have clearance issues with the stock brake mount. It would help if you can tell us what is in your 6 and what it had stock.
     
  13. Jobhater

    Jobhater A man without a Jeep

    I never heard about these until talking to a mechanic the other day...
    What about CPI vs TBI? I heard that TBI was simpler. Easier to swap out the fuel injector. Does that mean its better? Should I look for one or the other, or are they about the same?
     
  14. Hawkes

    Hawkes Member


    I have no idea how difficult the CPI is to hook up, but the TBI (which I have) is almost simple with a good electrical diagram. I think I had it down to 6 wires using the original harness and that includes the fuel pump. If you're buying an aftermarket harness I don't think it would matter.

    The harness wouldn't make a difference, just the CPU. Get a CPU from a manual. My wiring harness came from an auto and I'm using a manual trans and it didn't matter. Mine had a 700r4 behind it, yours would have a 4l60 I think, and that may make a difference.
     
    Last edited: Jul 10, 2009