Z284ever

I'd imagine you'd probably need some sort of adapter plate to bolt a Powerglide onto a flathead, but I betcha it wouldn't be cheaper.

The way I look at it, it's a work implement. Before the factory grease markings are rubbed off, these work trucks will be riddled with scratches, scrapes and dents. Me personally, I wouldn't be able to tolerate the 4.3 for longer than a quick drive. But it's not aimed at people like me. I'd simply pay the premium for a 5.3/A6 if I were in the market to buy.

If anything can kill the 4.3/A4 combo, it'll be CAFE.

black02

Probably not .

On the other hand, a three speed without lockup would be cheaper than the 4 speed....at least judging by the cost of rebuilds.

I get the point about a cheap, functional engine helping with a low price point but I think GM needs a decent V6 for everyone else buying these trucks.

The Ford 3.7 is a great engine for today's average truck buyer -- i.e. one that may tow a trailer on occasion, take stuff to the dump, sometimes be used for weekend trips, and is mostly used to commute to work, but never sees a construction site. Even through Ford could have kept the 4.2 for the work truck market, it probably isn't worth the additional complexity to the lineup and the CAFE hit.

formula79

Honestly, the Atlas I6 would probaly feel a lot closer to a HF 3.6L than a 4.3L or 5.3L. Remember, we are talking DOHC with variable valve timing. I had a Trailblazer with the I6, and it was very sewing machine like and you really had to rev it to get going. It definatly made most of its power and tq up top. Like I could see if I ever had to tow a boat with that thing it would be cruising at like 4000 RPM. I think mentally however we are more accepting of an I6 than a V6.

rlchv70

http://www.transmissionadapters.com/fordflathead.htm

lymelizzard

Whats a guesstimate on the 4.3 if it was hooked to the 6speed transmission. Secondly is the engine that inefficient or is it being used to move heavy vehicles and be worked harder than the typical idk say 5.3

teal98

It's that inefficient. It's essentially 3/4 of the 5.7 V8 last sold around 1998.
There has been a lot of progress in combustion technology since then.

The Ford 4.0 in the Ranger is similar in technology to the GM 4.3. In spite of being about 1000 pounds lighter than the F150 and being down about 100 HP on the 3.7, mileage is worse by 1 in the city and 2 on the highway.

routesixtysixer

Here's an interesting comparo relating to this thread...
http://special-reports.pickuptrucks....ork-truck.html

HAZ-Matt

I just saw that linked off of autoblog. I think it is sort of odd that there is even a 4.3L available in the GMC since it is allegedly Professional Grade and upscale compared to Chevrolet. Interesting that the Sierra lost 5 points in fit and finish compared to the Ford... I don't know about this particular model, but my dad's '10 Silverado seems well put together on the inside.

At any rate, it would be interesting to see how many of these trucks GM even sells with the 4.3L and if a different 6 is needed... and how much it would add to the cost to switch to a more modern motor. Would really be something to throw a turbocharged 2.0L into the truck because...

4.3L V6: 195HP @ 4600RPM, 260lbft @ 2800RPM
Regal GS 2.0T: 255HP @ 5300RPM, 295lbtft @ 2500-4000RPM

You would actually get more torque all over and more power.

Z28x

Hmmm.... that would be interesting.

94LightningGal

I can't imagine that they sell many at all. You can't get anything on them. If you want the V6, you can't get any optional gears, no limited slip, no trailer towing package, no nothing.

It is like they want to force you into a V8. If you click on any of those options, on GM's site, it will automatically switch you over to a V8.

Then they probably sit there and wonder why they don't sell many. Hmmmm..............

91_z28_4me

I don't think they want to sell that many. The 4.8/5.3 get best in class mileage. The 4.3 is just there for people that want the cheapest truck possible (parts running). Besides the 4.8 is more profitable for GM and since it isn't the base they make even more money on it.