88 Chevy

[JNP]

I know this isn't a truck forum but I've seen pretty good advice on here before. Theres a 1988 Chevy pickup with a 305 V-8 in it. Its pretty much rusted out and in pretty tough shape. I have a 89 Chevy with a 262 V-6 in it that is almost wore out. The body on this truck is in good shape though. I am interested in getting the other truck just for the engine. It has good oil pressure, doesn't smoke, and has no major leaks that I can see. Would I have to change any of the computer stuff in the trucks to put the 305 in my truck? Also is $500 a good price for the truck? Thanks in advance.

 

[bradk]

To put a 5.0 in the 4.3 truck,all you'll need is the ECM(computer),the upper and lower radiator shroud,the radiator and hoses,and the air cleaner assy.The wires will stretch out the extra couple inches to reach the injectors,alternator etc.

500 bucks is a good price for the extras you'll need.

 

[vitzarus]

I suggest you explore ECMs on Ebay etc. There was some carryover among the smaller engines. Those who intend to sell will tell the code/GM part# and often the prom #. There is a bit more to it as your trannies may be different. That also may be why you consider getting the truck. The ECMs need a loop to respond correctly to throttle body actuation by that resistor. The engine may run but only marginally and worse than a carb if it's not set up right.

 

[JNP]

So all the stuff I need should be with the 88 truck? Also the 88 has an auto tranny while my 89 has a manual. Will the clutch pack for the 4.3 bolt up to the 5.0? The clutch in the 89 has less than 9,000 miles on it.

 

[Allan in NE]

I'd swap 'em out and leave the original ECM/Prom in place to start with.

Give 'er a try and I'll bet ya she'll shine like a new penny. That original ECM should learn the new fuel curve demand in short order.

Allan

 

[Anonymous-0]

I would certainly take the whole truck if possable. The ECM should be moved with the engine, as the ECM's E-prom was programmed at the factory with the default settings for the 305. With changing from the V-6 to the V-8, I wouldn't try to use the same ECM and definently not the e-prom. Move all the engine harness's with the engine. You'll have a lot less headaches in the long run. All the hardware to change engine/tranmissions should be available from the donor truck. $500 is a reasonable price for a good running small block, especially a fuel injected one.

 

[Anonymous-0]

think about changing the body and not the engine.might just as easy

 

[oldrustycars]

Try this post on WWW.Chevytalk.org, in the correct truck forum. I'll bet theres 10 guys over there who have done this exact swap.

 

[Richie Osgood]

Try the 4.3 comp first. I know 2 people that have done the swap sucessfully with no problems. The 43 and 50 should have interchangable flexplate or flywheels.