4.3L TBI on 3.8L Engine ?

[alford-jw]

I've stopped getting any mail from this list, is something wrong with my
mail ???  I got a couple of messages that mysteriously had no sender 
and then no more mail. If anyone has an answer please reply directly to
me. Thanks.

Shannen Durphey wrote:

>  3.8l started life as a Buick powerplant.  Uses Buick distributor.
Very
>short.  4.3l started life as Chev 350.  Uses chev v-8 distributor.
Much
>longer. If you use a distributor, use Buick dist in Buick motor.
>Also, the manifolds are completely different.  You could probably buy
an
>aftermarket 4bbl carb manifold, get the TBI to manifold adapter/heater
from
>a 1988 or so 7.4l efi Chev, and use the 4.3l throttle body on that.
>Possibly some of the early Regal turbo engines had 4bbl manifolds.

I've been to the GM dealership looking for the part you reference above
and
could not find it. In particular I was looking for the part on a 1990
454 SS,
the exploded views showed no such part. You don't happen to have a
part number do you or a more specific application that I can tell the
guy to
look for it on? (they're not the most helpful counter guys!)
I'm using an Edelbrock performer 4-bbl intake, this piece would just fit
the
ticket if it does exist. Holley's piece is offset to one side a bit
according to
the pics on their website.

>And more about the distributor thing.  Somewhere around 1986, when the
>dist. was removed from the engine, front drive 3.8l engines had the oil
>pumps moved and changed.  They switched to a crankshaft driven pump.
>Completely different.

My engine came from a 82-83  RWD vehicle. I am concerned about the dist.
though,
most all of the 3.8L HEI's I've seen are vaccum advance. Were computer
controlled
HEI's put on non-EFI engines ???

>I don't have your original post, so I don't know what year your V6 is,
but
>you can probably use the PFI setup from any injected, rear wheel drive
>Buick.  I think the early GN and T-Types were batch fire.

I couldn't find any of these in junk yards. And I don't even want to
think of
what they'd want for the GN parts ... Did any other vehicle have the
3.8L
with fuel injection beside the GN's and the newer camaro/firebirds with
the 3.8L ?

>Were you trying to put a front drive engine in a rear drive auto?
Front
>[wheel] drive engines have a different trans/bellhousing bolt pattern
than
>rear drive.  Also, mounts are in different locations.

My engine came from a RWD car. You are correct though, after 1988 and
some
of the 88 3.8L FWD engines did not have RWD motor mount holes, and when
the engine became the 3800 it no longer had the same bellhousing bolt
pattern.
And for all those who posted about the 3.8L engine, it's a 60-degree
engine, at least
the two I have are. Can't speak for the GM one in the camaro/firebird.


Joe Boucher wrote:

>If Mr. Alford is really interested, we need to know the year models of
>the equipment to assess the risks.  Then I'll have to dig through a box
>of magazines to find the diagram for the seven wire module.  There
would
>be no guarentee about this either.  A lot of this is a crap shot of one
>form or another.  You get an idea, study it, way the risks, research
the
>problems as best you can, close your eyes and jump.  Then solve the
>problems you missed.  If anyone thinks this is as easy as upgrading
your


Well, I haven't bought the TBI unit or it's controlling computer. I
believe the
vehicle is a 1989 S-10. Several asked about what number the ECM is, that
I don't
know about. This is my first real dealings with modifying EFI so I'm
unsure of
what/where this number is ?? What does this number mean ??


I also inquired about an engine harness, (and their high aftermarket
price!), several
asked what sensors I was trying to avoid. I'm trying to avoid the EGR
sensor (I live
in Alabama, no smog police) and the VSS (if possible?) what effect would
it have on
the computer by not having a VSS ? I'm using a manual tranny, I've seen
devices for
sale that adapted my speedo for the VSS but my emphasis for this project
was low-budget
and I just can't see spending $150 for that thing...

I found a web page from a company called FIS (Fuel Injection
Specialists) and they sell
what they call "OFFROAD" TBI harnesses that have the EGR, VSS, and
several other
sensors removed the harness and they claim:
"These deletions do not detract from engine performance. All harnesses
include the ALDL connector. "
They want $325 for their aftermarket TBI harnesses! Ouch ...
How can this be ? Other companies, Howell in particular, will sell you a
wiring harness without
those connectors and tell you that you have to use their computer.

Thanks for all you guys' help !!


Jack Alford
jalford at off-road.com