4.3L VORTEC V6 VS 4200 ATLAS INLINE 6 (VORTEC VS AMERI-BARRA)

[@captainsledge7554]

I started swapping a 4200 into an s197 mustang, just to be different and male some ford guys mad. But the more I learn, the more fun this builds gonna be.

[@MrTL3wis]

Great combo. Look, anyone can build a stock engine or stick in an LS. I like the fact you're getting a little kinky with it and you're going to have a very fast/cool car when you're done. Keep grindin'!

[@AustinRBa]

How's it coming along? Getting ready to yank an 06 motor from an Envoy to plop in my Chevelle.

[@MrTL3wis]

@@8SecSleeper I guess, but for a good reason.

[@MrHotcress]

Looking into swapping the 4200 into a s195. Looks way more promising than the modular v8

[@dilsher12]

Richard if you like the 4.3, you'll love testing newer Direct Injected LTx based 4.3 V6 they make as much power as old 5.3 truck engines .

[@GIGABACHI]

Y E S ! I hope he snatches one in the near future and mod it to the Moon and back.

[@richvandervoort2950]

Testing of LV3 would likely be very close to the 4.2. However they are not yet at pick a part prices.

[@jeremypike9153]

I'd like to see the new 4.3 tested

[@SyTySpeedShop]

Sadly GM has now dropped the 4.3 V6 and made the 2.7T the std engine with 5.3/6.2 as options. So am LV3/LV1 will probably never get to pick a part prices, but they have a ton of potential as well!

[@Shiftheads]

I'm hoping as well. You can buy wrecked cars with them pretty cheap

[@EffequalsMA]

I ran my 4.3 in a g10 for over twenty years...it leaked everything and had compression all over the map but absolutely would not die. It didn't smoke or gave any problems...i loved it.

[@hyattbusbey3563]

A small block chevy will run poorly longer than most engines will run

[@EffequalsMA]

@@hyattbusbey3563 I picked 1989 for the van bc first year efi and a turbo 400 and corporate 10 bolt still...plus the 4.3 over the 305 for mileage.....

[@nickking1510]

Theses motors are great in boats also reliable and great fuel economy

[@Parents_of_Twins]

My Dad had a 302 like that. By the time we stopped driving it the compression was so bad that you couldn't park the truck on a hill. Amazingly it still started really easily even in Wisconsin winters.

[@SoulTouchMusic93]

@@hyattbusbey3563 bruh! I lost my shit at this!

[@mikesabota2570]

GM discontinuing that Atlas engine was a huge mistake...

[@justinsmith7245]

Killing the 4.3 was a mistake. Was a perfect light truck motor.

[@EvanAxer]

@@justinsmith7245 They may have discontinued it but the amount of 4.3L used in Forklift applications is insane... Toyota, Hyster, Cat and others used them so at least they are plentiful

[@jeffreylyons1531]

⁠@@justinsmith7245 facts, unfortunately they discontinued the “light” trucks too.

[@hoodjiujitsu3834]

My envoy XL is still running to this day like nothing ever happened😂😂😂

[@nuts5388]

They had to, couldn’t keep up with emissions regulations ☹️

[@jameshall4385]

I have always loved both of those engines. I had an Astro van with 250,000 miles on it and currently a trailblazer with 200,000 miles and they both run awesome. If you change the oil regularly, they last forever

[@Kcducttaper1]

My next oil change in my Trailblazer will be right at 200,000. I do have to add a quart every thousand miles though. Not quite sure what's up with that, but I bought it with over 150,000 miles, so there's not much telling how the previous owner kept up with it. Still runs buttery smooth though!

[@docsmallblock6584]

I honestly don't think you can beat the reliability of the 4200! I always liked the jeep 4.0 and they are good engine's,but compared to the 4200 they ain't nothing! My trailblazer now has just over 300,000 miles and runs absolutely like new! Mine loses a court of oil here and there, don't know why or where it goes? It doesn't burn oil, it has no leaks I can see? But just an amazing engine, transmission as well! I tow my Camaro with it all over the place, no problem! Just an amazing engine!!!

[@Kcducttaper1]

@@docsmallblock6584 You're giving me hope for my Trailblazer! I just rolled over 200,000 miles on it and it runs like a champ! I've been very proactive in changing out ALL of the fluids (including transmission, diff, t-case, etc), so hopefully that will keep things running strong for several more years!

[@Thesaurcery4U2C]

​@@docsmallblock6584 I had an 09 TB with 346k miles on it when I was T-boned in a crash, and it was totaled. I drove that thing back and fourth to 7 or 8 different states every 2 weeks for work towing a 5x8 enclosed job trailer for 8 + years prior to that. It had 90+?k miles on it when I bought it. Parts replaced are... Fan clutch... Lol. Of course I did. Water pump Passenger wheel bearing 02 sensor (upstream I believe) Front sway bar links Both rear gate shocks on window Radiator The Water pump Fan clutch and Radiator were all the same incident. I spent so much road time in that thing I would have put another motor or trans in it if I ever had too. It had the cloth seats, and pos interior door handle trim pieces, and I would get busy, and let my oil change light run on for too long after sometimes, but I loved my TB and I trusted it to take me anywhere, because it always did. I even pulled my sons buddy's 4wd Duramax diesel out of a stuck in the mud situation. We gave that kid so much sht afterwards for quite a while after that little thing pulled that pretty damn heavy, and large truck out. Someone wrote "Duramax Towing $25 for 25 feet" on the dirty rear door of my TB to remind him I never did volunteer to him, the mechanics behind a kinetic snatch strap I bought a GMC sierra afterwards for a work vehicle. Last year I bought a 06 TB LZ? if i remember? It was a good deal and I didn't need it at all, but I wanted it. All leather, Bose stereo, rear DVD, heated 1 & 2 position memory seats, interior is almost perfect, it even still had the factory DVD remote control, with 164k miles for $1500 due to needing wheel bearing & cv shaft. I still had my old TB out back, will a fairly new front wheel bearing assy, and a CV axle, that was just fine. I decided to take it on a 1820 mile round trip for job, with same trailer, after driving it around home for a few hundred miles and trusting it. One of the guys who I took out with me was happy as hell when I did this, as he had several thousands of memories living in the old TB. The seats were MUCH better, and I was looking at a different color hood when staring at the road. It didn't smell like cigarette butts and old rear door carpet beer spills or fast food trash bags, smelly ass dudes who worked 12 hrs, bar room hook ups and / or regrets. But it was good enough. And very familiar.

[@enricopallazzo3244]

@@Kcducttaper1How’s it going now? I just bought a 2002 w/100k miles. It runs as smooth as my 2019 Acura RDX. You guys are giving me hope I can stretch my $2900 to 150k miles or more.

[@bladenrexroth2555]

The 4.3 deserves some aftermarket. Be cool to see companies like Dart and PRI produce stronger blocks. SCAT and eagle produce a stroker kit. The 4.3 having a 5.0 equivalent would be a game changer for some motorsport with limited cubic inches. Put a gt45 on a 4.3🤘

[@andyharman3022]

GM still has some parts for the old small block V6 in their Performance Parts catalog. Back in the day, they had baby big block canted valve heads for it.

[@ThatAintGud]

They used to about 20 years ago when the 4.3 was a popular circle track motor. All that support has just died over time. Hell, GM used to make an aluminum block with a 4.125 bore (small block 400 pistons).

[@SyTySpeedShop]

Scat never had a stroker crank, it was a stoke stroke cast steel crank, eagle makes the only aftermarket h-beam rods available for the 4.3. There are still aftermarket parts available if you look around alittle harder and are willing to pay alittle more. There is a forged 3.60 stroke crank available, but again most aren’t willing to spend the money for it.

[@bladenrexroth2555]

For all the support they had 20 years ago I couldn't find it. Pulled a 2.8 out of my 3rd gen and swapped in a 4.3. I was looking for aftermarket and only found the heads and cam. Which only did so much.

[@apprenticefelix7740]

Yes

[@inspector13jjf]

Love my little 4.3L V6. On an engine dyno it made 276hp @ 5600 & 306lb-ft @ 4200 naturally aspirated with 8.7:1 compression, stock N/A manifolds/Y-pipe & an untuned 850cfm carb on 91 octane fuel. Shop that built it said it'll handle 30psi of boost which I plan on testing out.

[@stewartgriffin3192]

I actually dislike the 4.3. The 4.2 was awesome. I had one at 308k when rust and the sunshell took it out. It still ran perfect. My buddies Saab 9-7x was at 280xxx when it was totaled (he bought it at 130k) and it still ran perfect with 0 engine problems through the time he owned it. The 4.2 was one of the best engines Isuzu ever gave GM. Aside from the Duramax.

[@supercoupe28]

I vote, Richard gets the 4.3 heads ported. Whose with me?

[@shadowopsairman1583]

The L35 and L31 specs were the same, the LU3 is better, but you can look at afr or trickflow sbc vortec heads for ideas

[@SyTySpeedShop]

I have a set of ported 4.3 96+ vortec heads with 2.00/1.570 valves and they flow 266/192. Brodix aluminum 4.3 -10 heads flow the same with 2.08/1.60 valves, but have a lot of material you can remove to port them well over 300 cfm!

[@davidwitcher5443]

@@SyTySpeedShop How much power are you making? Any more specs on that engine?

[@SyTySpeedShop]

@@davidwitcher5443 275 cube 3.6 forged crank.030 over custom cam, twin Wynjammer centrifugal Superchargers. Just about done building it, but looking for ~450AWHP and it’s going in my 98 Bravada with a TBSS transfer case.

[@davidwitcher5443]

@@SyTySpeedShop WOW!!

[@techtard829]

Although I love both engines and have put 250k+ miles on each, the LL8 4200 is on a different playing field.

[@turbo_ivo]

thanks Richard. I hope we get to see the inline 6 maxxed out with the valvetrain sorted, e85, and any other necessary mods. 700hp or more i hope

[@SoulTouchMusic93]

Yeah but for what it would cost to do that you could just get a v8 and be in the 4 digits range.

[@lucaslirette7643]

@@SoulTouchMusic93 nope. All thats needed is a reground cam and have been proven to hold over 700whp. Thise engines are incredibly durable and can make a lot of power for cheap. The 4200s can make around 550whp completely bone stock with a turbo. Stock pistons, heads, cam, valvetrain, bottom end, everything.

[@modeverything1]

Would like to see how the 3900 v6 would do instead of the 4.3l. The 3.9 has variable cam timing and better head flow!

[@guyforlogos]

What I learned is how sweet the 4200 sounds at full revs! Beautiful!!! :) I never cared for the sound of the v6 :(

[@weskirkland5850]

Sounds like a truck. as it should.

[@AdamSticksNTricks]

Same

[@drigo48]

I prefer the inline 6 too

[@InexorableOne]

There really isn't enough about this little motor and building it. I love it!!

[@fericyde]

I can tell you from doing both a Coyote swap and now a Barra swap into a Fox chassis car (both 2000's), engine dimensions on DOHC applications really get in the way and are a problem. This even taking into consideration that the Fox engine bay is not small when hydroboost is used to clear some space. The Coyote swap was a tight fit -- but the Barra ... tall and long are not easy to overcome. This is why you see some people putting the radiator in the back of the car -- it's not just for balance, it's just that these motors are so damn long. Love your videos man, keep up the good work!

[@misters2837]

I would love to see the Vortec 4.3 V6 against Newest 4.3 V6 (EcoTec) it appears GM has "fixed" the airflow issues with the heads...(I saw some at a Local Machine shop and my response was What The H*** are those for?) The intake ports are HUGE compared to the Vortec!

[@jackdaniels2657]

That new 4.3 is garbage it's got direct injection its not as reliable. ND it doesn't sound as good as the earlier 4.3

[@kylecurry6841]

Plus this comparison had the old vortec 4.3 with an 80's style carb+blow-thru which made power, but would have rather seen it done with EFI to which I'm sure most here would have thought it might have been tested prior to watching.

[@misters2837]

@@jackdaniels2657 That is a matter of Subjective Opinion. And I know of several that are in Fleet Trucks that seem to be reliable. What was actually "Trash" was the Atlas engine, many known Failures with that engine...Too Bad GM rushed it to market...

[@jackdaniels2657]

@@misters2837 those atlas otors are junk. If gm was smart they would've fixed the flaws instead redesigning a new engine with cost much more money. 4. 3 eco tec is junk trust me. Direct injection is garbage it always has a misfire u gotta constantly add injector cleaner. The only good thing bout that motor is nobody buys them

[@jackdaniels2657]

@@misters2837 the worst part is it has cylinder deactivation ND vvt that's just as bad as the lt4. Funny thing is the lt4 has all the new technology but still makes roughly the same. I mean if I took an ls motor nd got rid of powersteering pump I could gain 30 hp if I bumped the compression to the same as lt4 I'll get just as much power. The difference is longevity. The lsx motor was manufactured to go 500,000 the lt4 was manufactured for 250,000 that's why warranties now for power train are only good for 3 years or 36,000 miles where the lsx was good for 10 years or 100,000. Same thing with the 4.3 early model VS generation v 4.3

[@jked7463]

Didn't learn much new. Start with more, end up with more. But what was impressive was how smooth the 4.2 l even under boost at high rpms. Yes straight sixes are smooth, it was cool to see it under boost.

[@dodgincagers]

I love these 6 cylinder comparisons, especially having had a few of the 4.3s. Compare the Chevy 292 inline 6 to the GMC 305 V6 from the 60s I have both of these. The big block V6 is in a stock 1965 pickup and the 292 I am going to build with a tri-power setup for a 1950 Chevy pickup.

[@ItsDaJax]

Power Block built one of those 292s up once with a turbo.

[@A_Cowboy_called_JackRabbit]

I remember reading an article in Hot Rod back in the 90s, where a guy built a turbo 292 for his '37 Coupe, and that beautiful folder-tan machine ran 10s!

[@klote82]

I can't believe I found a comparison video that showed exactly what I wanted to know! I want to buy a late 90s single cab S10 and put a 2jz in it but I'm strongly considering the 4200.

[@SyTySpeedShop]

I’ve been a big fan of the 4.3 V6 for many years, and currently building a 275 cube V6 with ported heads that flow 266/192 with twin Wynjammer centrifugal super chargers and long tube headers. Based on your test, my goal of ~450AWHP should be doable. Also, Brodix heads in -8 or -10 are readily available from Brodix, but they aren’t cheap at ~2300-2500 a set. You can also get a Pontiac high rise single plane intake, not as easy as the heads but they are out there. There is also a 3.60 stroke forged crank available for these which is how I got 275 cubes with it and a 4.030 bore. Keep the great videos coming!

[@chrishansen7004]

Where do you find all those parts at? I can't find them anywhere

[@SyTySpeedShop]

@@chrishansen7004 just got to know where to look!!

[@ufarkingicehole]

The 4200 torque curve is fantastic. I had no clue how great the 4200 is and wonder why more people arent using them

[@MississippiDan1]

The 4.3 is an awesome engine... I had one in a van i bought used and thought it was a 5.7 till i tuned it up! Very strong little engine...but the 4.2 is a monster. 😮

[@InuranusBrokoff]

I like how this guy looks at engines in general, if it's good it's good. I don't understand the brand guys, all of this stuff is cool.

[@WilliamDundon]

Thanks Richard I was looking forward to that test for a while.

[@rediron44]

I love the inline 6 engines. Have had 3 Jeeps with 4.0 inline 6s. Almost indestructible. Unbelievably dependable

[@spacepope-1]

I was surprised to see that the new Supra can come with a straight 6. Purdy cool

[@miamidangia5122]

@@spacepope-1 it come with a bmw i6

[@redram5150]

It’d be near impossible to find one that isn’t trashed, but I’d love to see what’s possible with a 2.4 Twin Cam that GM used during the 90s and early 00s

[@rdallas81]

The "quad 4" Used in Sunfire GT, Chev Cavalier 2.4 etc. Also used in Beretta GT and others.

[@redram5150]

@@rdallas81 if I had recommended the 2.3, I'd have written "Quad 4"

[@chuckfiero]

It would be great to see the other "other guys" GM V6 compared here. The High Value 3.9. I think it would compare better to the "Amera Berra". Whiles still being a pushrod V6.

[@PtheeGoon2011]

3.8 buick and 3.9 high value engine would be a good comparison

[@chuckfiero]

@@PtheeGoon2011 Richard could easily make these comparisons as he has already pulled and ran the 3800 SC. Which even the 3800 SC bone stock only matches the NA High Value 3.9 in power. It would be cool if he got cams and a set of ZZ heads for the 3800 just to see how good the 3800 could be.

[@trashman1694]

Great video, love your videos showing these real world comparisons.

[@ItsDaJax]

I like the old 4.3 v6, my first car was a 91 S10 Blazer 4door and I thought I was hot shit with 160hp. Fell in love with it. Supposedly there was decent aftermarket at one time, but the engine was ignored, and GMs best effort with it, was the Sy/Ty, though they did put a bit more effort in 3.8s. What killed this thing was us Americans and our dumb ideology that v8s are the only way to make power. There used to be a 3.8 sn95 that ran 8s. I still want to build a 4.3 v6, hell it made 450 with a supercharger, cam, and intake.

[@curtshelp6170]

I would love the 4.2 if not for the head cracking issue. The later 4.3 would be an interesting base for a build given its stock 285 hp and 305 tq.

[@stevenstrawn5009]

Got me one of the new 4.3 2015 double cab. I got headers magnflow exhaust. With a tune replaced the flywheel with a upgrade, next will probably put 3.73 gears. Turbo maybee in the future but it runs good as is gets up n going. Its got 115k miles no issues even before the tune always changed the oil on time or early with a fuel treatment each oil change so the AFM was not issue no oil consumption, the 4.3 tends to stay in V6 mode more than the 5.3 stays in all 8.

[@ronnie2321]

Would love to see some more 4200 testing.

[@Summit_Moto_Utah]

Love this show... dying to see 4200 big bang... what can the 4200 really make?

[@hanktownsend7911]

I WOULD LOVE THIS !!

[@epicbuildzgarage4674]

I’ve heard it can make like 700 on the stock bottom end. I’ve got an envoy that I plan on putting twins on next summer

[@michaelf.2449]

@@epicbuildzgarage4674 yep always heard the engine is good for 500hp daily

[@shannonmckenzie4060]

I've seen the 4200 handle a little over 1000 hp before the stock internals gave out

[@andreroy8141]

I have a daily driver GMC Envoy with the 4.2 and 340k miles. I have owned both engines. By far the 4.2 has been better all the way around! I do like both as well, but as for durability. It's 4.2 all the way!

[@Thesaurcery4U2C]

Right on! I haven't yet seen another one with the miles like I had still going strong. Many 200k plus however. I had an 09 TB with 346k miles on it when I was T-boned in a crash, and it was totaled. I drove that thing back and fourth to 7 or 8 different states every 2 weeks for work towing a 5x8 enclosed job trailer for 8 + years prior to that, including Colorado on I-70 yanking that trailer up a 7 or 8% grade at 70 mph. It had 90+?k miles on it when I bought it. Parts that I replaced are... Fan clutch... Lol. Of course I did. Water pump Passenger wheel bearing Passenger CV axle 02 sensor (upstream I believe) Front sway bar links Both rear gate shocks on window Radiator The Water pump Fan clutch and Radiator were all the same incident. I spent so much road time in that thing I would have put another motor or trans in it if I ever had too. I never did question if that thing would get me there, because it never gave me a reason too. I was absolutely getting curious about how far that thing was going to go. No noticeable blow by. And what would make it the longest; = Motor or Trans. = Both factory stock. @346k. It had the cloth seats, and pos interior door handle trim pieces, and I would get busy, and let my oil change light run on for too long after sometimes, but I loved my TB and I trusted it to take me anywhere, because it always did. I even pulled my sons buddy's 4wd Duramax diesel out of a stuck in the mud situation. We gave that kid so much sht afterwards. lol I never did volunteer to him, the mechanics behind a kinetic snatch strap. HE... He.. he. I Replaced it with a 1500 sierra for work. 5.3 8 speed trans. Very nice. Last year I bought a 06 TB LZ? if i remember? It was a good deal and I didn't need it at all, but I wanted it. All leather, Bose stereo, rear DVD, heated 1 & 2 position memory seats, interior is almost perfect, it even still had the factory DVD remote control, with 164k miles for $1500 due to needing wheel bearing & cv shaft. I still had my old TB out back, will a fairly new front wheel bearing assy, and a CV axle, that was just fine. I just wanted it back. That's as close as I can get. We have been making friends with each other when I'm home.

[@PANTYEATR1]

i like that Atlas engine. I've been intrigued by it since the first time i saw it by changing the coil packs for a friend on her Trailblazer. i also have a wish list for the car manufacturers...make inline 6 and 8 cylinder engine!

[@corvettezr19]

I wish Chevy would make a inline 3.8 that would handle 10,000 rpm like many destroked Ford Barras do that would be sweet

[@johncampbell5594]

they make a 3.5 inline 5

[@kylecurry6841]

Hell yeah Richard! I was just thinking about these two GM blocks the other day, even though I'm sure the Atlas will dominate mod for mod on account of better air flow from the heads being dual-cam. Edit** you allowed for the V6 to have some gains (apples to oranges show down)

[@DayoftheJakeL]

I love this series. These engines are so common and cheap! Everyone around here has a an old trailblazer or jimmy etc sitting around.

[@Blske9758]

I have always loved the 4.3 and the new design really pushed it over the top. BUT I have an Envoy with the 4.2 I have been driving for a few years now and love it now just a little more the. The 4.3 because of the bottom end. Between 1500 and 2500 rpm when towing. I have been heavily considering a small turbo setup to give just a little bit more on the bottom end. In 2005 the built a prototype 4.2 (I believe) it was twin turbo. 460 ft and torque. But they never produced it.

[@TerminusHostilia]

I'm pretty sure only second gen (after 2006?) 4200 Atlas motors had improved valves and exhaust ports. The first gen motors need a lot more detail work to squeeze all the power out of em.

[@brettspaulding5855]

Chevy built 18 degree heads and single plane manifolds for the 90 degree v6. They also produced a few different crank shafts as well as a raw crank forging through the Chevrolet performance catalog. It's been about 20 years though. Most of it was for imca racing and some off-road racers ran that stuff too. All the tricks that the small block received could be duplicated with the V6. There was also an aluminum splayed 4 bolt main block available. In theory you could build a 3/4 383 stroker using the parts from the bowtie catalog.

[@brettspaulding5855]

Evidently 310 cid seems to be the target size For these things. 650-675 horse is not out of the realm of possibility for a properly prepped race engine. I would expect that the off-road guys would de-tune for longer desert races.

[@LeeroyPwnkin]

Cx racing does make a twin turbo kit for the 4.3 but as you were concerned reliability becomes a concern at that power level

[@jimparker7778]

Back in the 1980s both NASCAR and even some Indycar teams used a few GM V6 engines. The 4.3 is a good base truck engine but it cannot compete with a multivalve DOHC engine of similar displacement.

[@shadowopsairman1583]

I still see more 4300s on the road, reliable engine. You forget the Syclone/Typhoon

[@jimparker7778]

@@shadowopsairman1583 I did not forget. I had a brand new 1988 S10 4.3 I bought in Sept 1988. Drove it 8 years. Kicked ass. Beat a lot of Mustang GTs with it.

[@2000freefuel]

Rich perhaps the answer to the heads and intake for the 4.3L are EDM cutting the OEM parts for better flow.

[@jacobmay7594]

Very informative, just need to find out what the compression ratios are, fuel used, peak timing, relative air fuel ratios, and any sort of internal engine specifications. I was glad the estimated size of the engine was mentioned; no actual dimensions needed for that.

[@richardholdener1727]

91 pump gas, AF and timing was optimized for each (no more hp to be had), all specs are available on line-the engine size is not estimated

[@stevefranklin9920]

I understand that the newer 4.3 V-6 comes from the factory with 11 to 1 domed pistons and great flowing heads. This setup might change my mind for a compact street build! Still, a 4.3 Vortec with just a freshen up, cam upgrade, and of course some boost kicking out 450 ain’t nothing to laugh at!

[@MrBigR928]

I thought Edelbrock made heads for the 4.3 V6🤔 Those lil puppies are wicked when set up right! They sound like a pissed off Briggs & Stratton lawnmower engine when they're set up right😁👍🏿. Appreciate you having that 2005 4200, which is the one I have in my Trailblazer! I've gotta email ol'saint nick & tell him to drop me a turn off a small Garrett while he's in the neighborhood 😁🎅

[@kamranetemad4968]

4.3 in my s10 behind manual trans is very reliable and peppy with more then 300 000.with reg maintenance they are very solid.

[@apexchaser8830]

I really dig your “other guy” tests, and would love to see a Ford 3.8/3.9 split port. These 3.8s are in 01-04 Mustangs. Many have done a 4.3 stroker (3.8 0.030 over and 4.2 crank from F150 4.2) so an interesting comparison could come from a split port 3.8-4.3 vs Vortec 4.3.

[@hugieflhr03]

This was a great video Rich, keep up the good work and I would like to see more of the dyno runs. It’s just cool to see and hear what an engine is doing. That Atlas was silky smooth but I worry about the balance shaft cracking at high rpm.

[@dondotterer24]

The factory 4 barre on the 4.3l is heavy but tall. Probably able to modify and even outperform the Eldelbrock. I have modified the TBI intake to put a 2Jet carb on it. It ran great.

[@jacobmoses3712]

The aftermarket did support the V6 in the bad old gas shortage days. I think Gale Banks made a twin turbo kit for them. There was even a Smokey Ram intake available for it. I guess when fuel became plentiful again people stopped modifying V6 engines and went back to V8s

[@thunder_lloyd]

I'm in the process of building a 4.3 turbo s10. I really wish the aftermarket support was there. I've definitely been jumping through hoops to it right and reliable

[@treenutz360]

Promax makes heads

[@fastnasty6627]

And like he said anything that will bolt to the front of a SBC will bolt right up to the 4.3. Just need more head and intake options.

[@thunder_lloyd]

@@treenutz360 they're no better than stock vortec

[@thunder_lloyd]

@@fastnasty6627 head and intake are the biggest hurdles. Also no affordable aftermarket crank..

[@TeckMonster]

4.3L Vortec vs 4200 Vortec (4.2L i6) would be really cool to see. I have yet to see someone find the max power for the 4200 before it pops.

[@John1Brady]

Nice! Maybe do a home "porting" on the heads comparison... "free" junk yard power

[@itslegit7362]

The engine was not built for power. It is already in it's home. Maybe later on he can pick one up and big bang it.

[@kylecurry6841]

Buy a used Syclone intake on eBay and see if it helps the 4.3 any...(my curiousity) My gawd though...I love the idea of the 4.2 and the mountain of TQ it puts out... Just wish it would fit under the hood of my Astro🤔

[@darinr9424]

ASTRO van? No but a v8 will fit.

[@ItsDaJax]

Bruh, that 4.3 made 450 hp, that would suit an Astro just fine, granted there would be no room for the super charger. The one he built versus the L99 made similar power. The Turbo 4.3 used a stock intake I believe. I think the only difference was heads and compression. Now you got me thinking about a Astro Syclone. Call it the Hurricane. Plus it's on the s10 platform, so suspension is little problem.

[@darinr9424]

@@ItsDaJax Bubba an awd ASTRO was made. Plenty of them out there. A stout 4.3 would be good. But a milt to stout street build 350-383 or ls would flat out Rock anything the 4.3 would do. Especially in lower rpm torque where you would get the giggles the most.

[@ItsDaJax]

@@darinr9424 I know. The Astro/Safari and Bravada both came with SmartTrac- which then found itself on the Sy/Ty. If I recall, it's a Borg Warner tcase, The early 00s Mountaineer also used it, and I think the H3.

[@darinr9424]

@@ItsDaJax yea I had a 93 bravado with it. The last year of the non electronic case. It was an all the time 60-40 split and not that electric crap to quit workin

[@Rodster13]

Thats awesome I love my trailblazer with the 4.2. It's one of my favorite engines. I also have a 2500 silverado with the 6.0 and I love that too but my dad had a 1500 silverado when I was younger with the 4.3 v6 and that definitely had some pep in its step. I'm surprised how low the power numbers are for the 4.3 I always thought they would have more considering how my dad's silverado performed.

[@bcbloc02]

The best testing on you tube!

[@kelevra558]

Id like to see some duratec stuff Rich. Like that little 2.7 liter in the f150s. Test the EcoBoost setup, then convert to a single like gt35 or comparable. Even the 3.0 n/a duratec v6 in like the gen 1 escape, gen 1 fusion etc. I have a 3.0 duratec v6 in my sand rail. Its absolutely BOMB PROOF. They also have multi port injection with a common injector style and size. My issue is, theres NO aftermarket support as far as ecu upgrades. I put gen 2 coyote injectors in mine, walbro 450 with a OEM ford flex fuel sensor to run e85 and she makes 266 to the wheels through an adapted vw 4 speed transaxle. I have 3 spare engines i paid $180-$340 for. They have all the ingredients for impressive boost numbers. They rev high, the head castings are surprisingly unrestrictive and stout, the timing chain is identical to the 4.6 liter v8, and like i said, theyre actually good little engines. I beat the life outta mine and ive never thrown a rod, just head gaskets which is to be expected with 200k mile engines pegging limiter in 100° heat. Thanks for what you do buddy.

[@AraceaeFanatics]

Something I have not seen anyone do, and I've been curious of, is mpg. I'd like to see these motors side by side comparison of tuning for best mpg obtainable in relatively stock trim, and then compare HP and torque in that tune.

[@richardholdener1727]

that needs to be done on the street

[@fastnasty6627]

I have an 07 trailblazer 4X4 4.2L and a 88 s15 4X4 truck 4.3L both automatic trans. The trailblazer tells me i get 16 to 18 MPG and my s15 at last figure was about 19 average. The 4.3 has a 600 CFM throttle body, MSD, 1.6 rockers, injector spacer and Adj. fuel PSI regulator. It's the crate HO version Vin W 200HP 260 TQ like he's using in this vid but mine has about 20,000 miles on it. The 4.2 has about 126,000 miles. Those would be considered city estimates a lot of stop and go. The 4.2 was not known for good MPG's.

[@james10739]

On the 4200 you should try honing them and putting in new rings or if they look good reuse them since you said you think compression is down

[@shawnmanges9189]

Gm still makes the 18° heads for the 4.3 and I think the intakes are still available. I see used 23° heads and intakes but they are pretty expensive. I would like to see the ecotec 4.3 vs the atlas

[@SyTySpeedShop]

GM has discontinued all 90 degree V6 performance parts a few years ago. Still stuff out there available, but 18 degree heads/intake would require custom headers as well.

[@shawnmanges9189]

@@SyTySpeedShop Actually gm still has 18 degree heads in stock

[@textucker3909]

I'd like to see a comparison of the Ford Cyclone V6 (3.7L) against your favorite Chevy, N/A and boosted.

[@richardholdener1727]

I don't have a favorite

[@mytmousemalibu]

There used to be quite a fold of very high performance parts from GM Performance back in the day. Ive probably still have that or a Scoggin Dickey SDPC catalog kicking around somewhere. I think GM offered a 4.3L Bowtie block. I know they had some wild aluminum heads making the 4.3 a splayed valve head. Jesel shaft rockers, Hogan's sheet metal fabbed intake manifold, etc. GM might have had an "SB2" head for the 4.3. About all this was for certain NHRA Comp classes. Always loved the oddball stuff and loved seeing & hearing the occasional V6 or inline 6 powered comp eliminator rail or car! Very unique, cool, unmistakable sound of a mean 6 banger drag car! They made some wicked parts for them back in the day! Would love to see you test some of that stuff if you find anything Richard! I saw a little bit of it ages ago when I few V6 parts came to the engine shop I worked at. Patterson Racing! I can honestly say I played a role prepping parts for David Rampey's super comp SBC. Far as the awesome 4.3L V6 goes, remember the GMC Syclone & Typhoon were GM's fastest production vehicles at one time!

[@shadowopsairman1583]

The lu3 is a stout block

[@nedaCFilms]

The 4.3 Vortec V6 is an absolute workhorse ❤

[@joehart3564]

Straight 8 with DOHC upgrade should be a strong engine. The Duesenburge straight 8 was the most powerful engine available for a very long time . It is supercharged most generally tho . What about 2 iron dukes connected front to back and timed with a v8 distributor cap ? Just letting my brain run umuck lol. Interesting results you have there. The I6 atlas is a powerhouse!

[@Agilepickleunite]

Iron dukes you smoking that stuff again

[@sijonda]

Excited to get a 2006-2007 4200 in my Wrangler build. Hope I can mate my built AX15 to one. Can't stand autos.

[@whitefreeman5798]

i really wish you could do low rpm test showing power and torque where most people drive engines around at.. helping people build efficient powerful trucks for working that wont be racing

[@Angelface11]

I had a TBI 4.3 in an Astro cargo van it was an animal I believe it had vortec heads it would burn em through second gear go sideways all day,then I had a bit newer version with a 4.3 that said vortec on it that was a dog it had no downlow power couldn't break em loose at all

[@SyTySpeedShop]

Your TBI 4.3 didn’t have 96+ vortec heads, as TBI ended in 95. But I do agree those old 4.3 TBI’s would run strong.

[@richardholdener1727]

who said this was a tbi 4.3L? it did have vortech heads on it

[@whiteorchid5412]

I wonder how a Mopar Pentistar V-6 compare to these two engines in terms of power and torque potential?

[@brandonobaza8610]

Love this content, Rich. It's like a "what if?" for us poor 6-cyl guys 😁 I have a 6MT Accord coupe with a J35Y2 and have pretty much given up on the idea of modding it. Just too much money and headache. It's my only car right now.

[@richardholdener1727]

turbo

[@brandonobaza8610]

@@richardholdener1727 Yeeeess 😁 It's the only answer. I could use a limited slip and the traction control is a bit...aggressive, but 70 more hp to the ground would be beautiful

[@camcutcnc]

Hi Richard, why did you go with a 110 degree lobe centerline? In most of your videos you seem to like wider spread. I would think you would see better power with a 112 or 114. Thanks

[@richardholdener1727]

I don't like any particular lsa (there is no universal), I am just showing you what different cams do

[@hugieflhr03]

Rich do you have an information on how much these engines weigh?

[@richardholdener1727]

NO SIR

[@willsteele9249]

I love your videos on these two very underrated motors I don't know a whole lot about motors being that I am a cook but I have 2007 Chevy TB I love it so much by far my best vehicle I thought it made good power for a truck of its size and weight, my girlfriends 01 Chevy TB had 4.3 and it made good power too and your video confirmed my suspicion on both and that the 4.2 will make about 300+ hp NA! I will continue to take good care of it .By the way is there anything I can do help extend the life of my beloved 4.2 thanks! Btw just subscribed too 😁😁‼‼

[@richardholdener1727]

WELCOME ABOARD

[@turbolq4]

The 4200 vs 4.8/5.3 vortec. We know the V8s make better power but what I'm interested in is the dimensions of the two engine types. Driveability with standalone aftermarket controllers, is the bell housing comparable?

[@yourmom-ii8ep]

The bell House is the same on the 4.2though 6.2its Chevy

[@ScootyPuff_Jr]

@@yourmom-ii8ep Unfortunately the Atlas family of engines uses a unique bell housing pattern. That's probably part of the reason the 4200 was never swapped much.

[@ScootyPuff_Jr]

The 4200 really can't compare. It's longer, so harder to package. Has zero engine specific aftermarket as far as I know, and shares essentially nothing with engines outside of the Atlas family

[@turbolq4]

@@yourmom-ii8ep I looked it up and it doesn't share the bell housing with the V8s.

[@turbolq4]

@@ScootyPuff_Jr I found basically the same information.

[@justinschlaud9443]

I vote for the same test but with LS 4.8 and the 4200 6. Both are closer to the same era of technology, with good flowing heads and can handle boost.

[@professormadlad7773]

the 4.2l Atlas need more love ill love to see the crazy Hp numbers that people can get out of them.

[@jacobhoke581]

It would be fun to see something like the newer gmc 3.6 V6 engines ran especially since they are so abundant in the junk yards now I know the twin turbo charged version on the Cadillacs can get up to 460 hp

[@Parents_of_Twins]

I've done some trading and am getting a Chenoweth dune buggy and thinking about moving away from the VW power plant to something newer and more powerful. I know I can upgrade the VW and get a fair amount of power out of it but based on what I've seen I would be putting in a fair bit of money into it as well. Looking for some suggestions. I don't mind moving the engine up front and I'm even considering converting it to AWD. I've thought about taking the drive train out of a AWD Chrysler Pacifica however that 3.5L seems to have a lot of issues so not sure if that's a good option. Figured I would start by getting the VW engine running and seeing what that's like and then move on from there. Suggestions welcome. Thanks

[@coffelt683]

Check out boostedboiz on youtube, they have a turbocharged honda j32 v6 in their sand rail. They are a dime a dozen in every junkyard and make good power with boost. And in my opinion, don't bother with awd, that will turn it in to an endless project.

[@Parents_of_Twins]

@@coffelt683 Thank you I will do that.

[@ItsDaJax]

I've not seen a kit for a 4.3 for sand rails. I've seen a Lima 2.3 kit and LS kit. People have been using EJ25s from Imprezas. I think Factory Five still offers an awd setup for the GTM, it used Impreza drivetrain somehow, plus there is Porsche awd system, you could look in to those, much better than a Pacifica and it's 9qt of oil Pentastar v6. I think Mercedes gave them that engine because it sucked.

[@Parents_of_Twins]

@@ItsDaJax Well everything else about the Pacifica sucks so the engine might as well too. Seriously had 3 issues in 2 weeks each would have cost probably 500-1k if I had taken them to a garage to have fixed. Those were outside of the idiotic gas line design on the gas tank which causes an issue and makes the vehicle fail emissions.

[@johnnydaymarine5609]

Would be cool to see you work on the 3.7 dodge v6, it’s just the 4.7 v8 with two cylinders cut off very similar to what gm did.

[@rdallas81]

3.7 is a very good engine. Seen those with 400,000 miles and burn no oil.

[@user-cs4pe5ym4n]

I would like to see what the 3.1 mpfi pre 95 motors can make

[@fenatic7484]

What were the Atlas NA numbers? I know that thing would run. My Daughter in law had one of those SUVs that had it and you would think it was a V8 the way it pulled everywhere. The previous video about the Atlas started and went on to this one for some reason. In-line 6 engines are cool the 4.9 Ford is a good engine.

[@richardholdener1727]

more 4200 stuff coming

[@brandonwomack7474]

I own a S10 with a race blue printed 4.3. yes I ported the heads and zero decked the block also. I trimmed the heads to a 10.5 compression ratio and kept the stock cam. This thing is a beast. Tranny had to be built to 4l85 standards to take it( tranny shop was pissed). It broke a 3.42 AUBURN GEAR HOUSING! It is hard to drive in the rain. It barks third gear DRY and does twelve inch wheel stands. These motors CAN BE BUILT for POWER. It also broke Dyno straps during great changes. They are no cocktail party joke!

[@DkingE39]

I would love to see the 4200 with better flowing heads n how high it can rev

[@Flies2FLL]

Back in 2002 in Orlando I was in my 928S2 5 speed one night, and this guy in a GMC Syclone wanted to race me. When we got onto 436 we both hit it and I was able to pull away from him. The 928 in question ran a 13.86 @ 105 at Bithlo speedway, it was 330 hp and about 3300 pounds. Back then that was pretty fast-

[@nordic5490]

The last gen of the cheapest petrol variant of the Barra i6, Power: 195 kW (261 hp) @ 6000 rpmTorque: 391 N⋅m (288 lb⋅ft) @ 3250 rpmCompression Ratio: 10.3:1, ex factory.

[@Hapkido82AUS]

So probably 300hp tested in this manner 😉🇦🇺

[@LimitedGunnerGM]

I have been daydreaming of a torque monster combination: either the 4200 or a Ford 300, advance the cam timing to shift the dyno curves further left, and then a small turbo (quick spool response) or Supercharger and then waste gate it to ~10 psi. I’d buy everything if you’d build and test it!

[@richardholdener1727]

advancing cam timing will not have much of an effect-the turbo definitely will

[@billybobbob3003]

@@richardholdener1727 porting the heads on 4.3 still better engine less complexity and smaller package.

[@Friedbrain11]

I want to see the Atlas ran with the belt-driven supercharger. The torque curve of the Atlas at 8.3 boost is beautiful. That's where I would run it for the street.

[@button-puncher]

It'd be hilarious if you could bolt up a set of AFR CNC head and an intake and just leave the unused cylinders hanging off the ends. Make a block off plate for the coolant passages. I love the 4.3L in my Astro van but I can't wait to get a 5.3L in it. If the 4.3L didn't have TBI, I'd cam it and tune it for fun but it's just not worth it when I've got 350HP for $400.

[@Hutch.N2O]

How about the 4.3L MFI vin W type L35 Has the CPI, And the Vortec logo with orange outline. I'd like to see a dyno comparison with the late 90s 4.3

[@whitelx]

How about a Ford 2.3 Lima, vs 2.3 duratec, vs 2.4 ecotec, vs K24. Get to see how technology has moved on over time for popular 4cyl engines. N/A and turbo.

[@ItsDaJax]

The Lima carbed makes 88hp, the efi ones make 110hp. The duratec from the Focus makes more power. The Lima has the poorest head flow, even with Dport heads, which are the best heads. It can, however make 4/500hp if built right. Not sure how far the duratec can go, I think the Ecotec was making about 300hp in supercharged and turbocharged form. The Honda and Lima 140 are the only two most likely to be race engines. People used to bitch about ecotecs being hard to tune. I used to want a Sky Redline with a supercharger slapped on, from a 1st gen Cobalt SS.

[@jdvintageauto2958]

Didn't they run these 4.3 V6 engines in the NASCAR Busch series. I could have sworn the GM performance catalog offered heads and intake.

[@darinr9424]

They did.... a long time ago.... in a galaxy far far away... lol yup they did.

[@richardholdener1727]

i mentioned that in the vid

[@jdvintageauto2958]

@@richardholdener1727 sorry I must have missed it. There is a quadrajet version too, although I think it was a smaller displacement.

[@hanzgrueber145]

One day I wanna swap the 3.9l transverse v6 in my 08 impala for a full rwd conversion with a 4.2 Atlas I6. Not going for anything crazy but it would scoot for sure, I just want it to swing circles in a cloud of smoke lol

[@jeremycolston8383]

Hey Richard, if you can find one, I know in 94 GM had a better 4.3 that was in the s10 super sport. Not sure about the heads, and cam, but I do know they had tuned port injection. I used to have one. Wish I wouldn’t have gotten rid of it.

[@scottm7341]

The NA torque curve of the atlas is amazing!

[@LimitedGunnerGM]

I want to get you the block and parts for a ford 300 and have you build and make videos like these along the way.

[@richardholdener1727]

THOSE R EASY TO FIND IN THE LOCAL JUNKYARDS

[@Ang3lUki]

The Atlas heads breathe super well, but the engine has a stroke of over 4 inches, instead of using that head flow to rev, they turned it into TORQUE. Wish they came with forged cranks.

[@richardholdener1727]

If only big stroke motors could also rev-like Pro Stock or Mountain motors

[@jamest.5001]

I like the 4.3, a lot, but I think the 4200, will be capable of higher sustained power levels, because of the crank, in the V6 having split rod journals, just guessing but I'd say around 300-400 HP, and ft lbs, more and survive, over the V6, I do not trust the split pins, (and the balance shaft ) V6 is easier to package, but I'd love to turbo either, especially with aftermarket rods and Pistons, arp bolts/studs,

[@stevenstrawn5009]

I like the new 4.3 i think its great on the low end. Got one with headers magnflow exhaust, tune and upgraded flywheel. It runs great it does seem to lose its pull after 4500 rpm though where the v8's still have a little left in them but off the line my 4.3 with those few things feels stronger than a stock 5.3.

[@burnoutra43]

What about the Syclone/Typhoon 4.3 with the factory turbo?