Engine block switch out.

[tefindy]

My brother discovered he had a cracked block on his Vortec 4.3 engine so it needs to be replaced. Can we use a 4.3 block from a Chevy 2-10 or 1500 to rebuild or is there something special about the marine engine block that an automotive Vortec doesn't have?

 

[NHGuy]

No just get same vintage. Switch out the core plugs to brass, and switch out the head gasket to stainless or MLS. The put on the marine induction, electrical, exhaust.

 

[NHGuy]

If you can afford to get pistons there are big gains available with good quench.

 

[Scott Danforth]

As NHGuy stated, the differences are a marine long block has brass core plugs, stainless MLS head gaskets, and all the marine stuff bolted to the outside of it. The cam is slightly different than a truck, but not enough to worry about.

However the 4.3 went thru many changes over its life. You need to get the exact vintage with respect to rear main seal, balance shaft, fuel pump, and cylinder heads to use the stuff from your old motor