1988 4.3 liter V6 chevy truck

Kryabn1 · #1 10-16-2004, 04:23 AM

Has anyone ever driven a older chev with a 4.3 liter V6? Iv heard there good engines and trucks. I know there not a dodge but what are your all opinions on this matter? Dodge boys are the ones I trust.

moparturd · #2 10-17-2004, 10:49 AM

I've driven several of them. They use them at work for field vehicles. They are fairly strong engines, but the S-10 trucks they came in will leave you wanting something else for sure. They are uncomfortable, rattling, poorly engineered trucks. Or in other words, typical GM POOPY.

[sm=trust_me.gif]

Snafu · #3 10-18-2004, 11:04 AM

The 4.3L also came in the fullsize trucks since about '85. It's a hell of a good motor. The '88 was the 2nd year of fuel injection. It's a very reliable system, very basic. The motor itself is extremely reliable, very torquey for a V6. It's also easy and relatively cheap to work on. The plow truck at my parent's farm is a fullsize a 4.3L in it. It's 14 years old and has had the crap beat out of it. It pushes a 7-1/2 foot steel plow and we haven't had any trouble with it yet. What are your plans for this vehicle? It's kinda underpowered for a work truck, but on the flip side it doesn't have enough power to break any parts (trans, axles, etc.) It's perfect for a highway cruiser though. When we used to run the farm truck on the highway we got about 20 mpg with the plow frame and lights on it.

flw · #4 10-18-2004, 10:45 PM

I had one in a GMC 1500 stick. Good, reliable and strong as compared to other 6's from other Mfg's back a few years when I had it. Towed a Pontoon boat just fine, but don't plan on passing anyone.

I would give the engine that I had, a 4 out of 4 star rating.

I can't compare it to my Dodge '04 V6 since the wife insisted on a automatic trans this time. It's an apples vs oranges thing.

Kryabn1 · #5 10-24-2004, 03:17 AM

It is a full sized 1500 Scotsdale 4X4. I don't plan on using it for any heavy work mostly just for cruisin around to school and back. It seems to have a nice ride. It sat for about 3 or 4 years with little or no running but runs pretty good. The only problem I have with it is when its cold it likes to clunk out on me when I let it idle or back it out the driveway. Does any know any ways to help idle?

2004 Hemi Quad · #6 10-24-2004, 05:33 AM

Hmmm...check out the idle solenoid...does it idle rough or does it just stall?

Kryabn1 · #7 10-27-2004, 02:36 AM

It seems to idle fine when its idleing as long as it stays idleing. When its warm it seems to idle nice.

gpzjack · #8 10-30-2004, 12:42 AM

I actually miss my silverado a bit. I had the 4.3 in a 02. It ran great . I could drive from PA to NC and part of the way back before stopping for fuel.