470 heat exchanger

[Insidethestorm]

Hello. I have a question. I’m looking to upgrade my 1985 mercruiser 170/470 that lost a piston ring to a balanced 4.3 vortec engine. I like the closed cooling on the 470, and was wondering if the 4” heat exchanger for the 470 I have would work for other applications, or if it was too small for the 4.3. Any advice? TIA.

 

[QBhoy]

Not sure it would be worth it. I’m not sure there is a known example of a GM 4.3 actually rusting right through ever ?? Just change the manifolds when you need to if you in the salt and don’t flush after.
apart from that, you’ll need to change those engine mounts to suit the V6, from how they are now. Think about a slight prop change too. More pitch required. Best of luck !

 

[Scott Danforth]

Get a proper HX for the 4.3 if you want it HX cooled. The HX from the 470 would have the wrong configuration for the V6

 

[Insidethestorm]

Sounds good. Thanks.