GM has been making the 4.3 v-6 for a long time. it has whitnessed 2 or 3 small block v-8 changes as well as the new version of the big block which shares the LS series small block design. So i've been wondering, where's the new v-6? I'd like to think it's going to be phased out, but the I-5 is not powerful enough to make it into the silverados and the trailblazers I-6 doesn't seem to be a garantee that it will see any other vehicles either. I'd think if GM was golin going to keep the v-6 alive, they'd make a new one based off of the LS series small blocks....after all, the 4.3 is a 5.7 v8 missing two cylinders. the 4.3 is a pretty good motor. my 96 4.3 c1500 has 109k miles. only problems being a bad water pump and a bad fuel pump. still runs like brand new and it's relatively quick because of it's lightweight (reg. cab short bed 2wd). just wondering if anyone has heard of anything??? i don't see gm keeping the 4.3 in the silverados since the 4.8 V8 gets just as good, if not better gas mileage and creates much more power. any thoughts?

 

I think for the trucks they are dropping the V-6 and going with an inline six.

 

thats what I heard. I am not fan of the 4.3L V6. Rough engine. Unless an engine is designed from the outset to have 2 cly chopped off I don't think its a good idea. Despite the fact it could be done.

 

I don't understand the Inline engines on anything but a 4cyl. Why in the world would you make an engine that is so long, when you could make a V6 that will:

1) Work just as well
2) Fit in more vehicles (shorter)

It's beyond me. I6's are so 1950's.

 

The current I6 in the trailblazer makes 291hp it makes many v8 offerings by the competition look very week in comparison..........Now if they would have made it fit in the Colorado Though there's supposed to be a update to the I5 and I4 engines I believe there was a 3.7 I5 running around and guessing it has the same upgrades as the I6 in the trailblazer we could see a 20hp increase. Though It would still be very nice to have the I6 available in the Colorado. Maybe they will tweak the platform for the refresh coming up so it can fit...........

 

Yeah, but what I'm getting at is they can get that Same power out of a V6. It's not magic because it's an Inline. Why limit yourself to a few platforms with a longass Engine, when you can have one 1/2 the length (app) and put it in MANY more applications.... Maybe I just don't get it... heh.

 

The inline 6's are the most durable engines ever. They are also inherently smooth. If you have ever ridden in an old chevy with the 235 you would know what I mean. Inline 6's also make power down low and have a fairly flat torque curve.As for 1/2 the length, yes, but twice the width. Plus you can lay an inline 6 on its side to lower the hieght of the engine bay. Gm did this a few years ago with a concept car.

 

There's a few advantages:
- better inherent balance
- only one cylinder head
- only one set of cams, cam phasers, and cam drives
- more room for accessory mounting
- more room for high-performance intake & exhaust plumbing, especially turbos
- having a 'hot' side and a 'cold' side is good for components that don't like heat
- fits in narrower engine bays
- are usually simpler designs that are easier to manufacture

 

Yes. I6s are naturally balanced, which means no balance shafts. Right there you can gain some power. The advantage of the V6 is usually packaging, which can be a substantial one.

 

or even at a 45 degree angle like BMW does with their I-6, which allows an intake with longer runners.

 

Slant 6's are also cool.

 

just what GM needs-more V6's.

 

Like everyone else already said the 4.3L V6 was replaced by the 4.2L I6 and the 3.5L I5

 

the 4.3 is still kickin in the 1/2 tons. i heard once before of the i-6 reaching the 1/2 tons, but they discussed a possibility of failing future regulations. since the current silverado has all of the motor in the engine bay and not much of a bump in the firewall to fit it that way... the i-6 would be stretching very close to the radiator much like the current 4.0 jeep configuration. (what a PITA those are to work on in the front.). new regulations in the near future will require different air bag standards, as well as many other safety features. Engine placement in the bay could be one of those things changed to enhance crumple zones and whatever else. IF these changes needed to be made, that would force the silverado to have somewhat of a tunnel in the firewall to get the I-6 engine back far enough. that would require internal changes to the dash and pretty much all the interior design that wouldn't be necessary to the v-8 versions. none of this is for sure, but this is what i have heard a lot of from a couple friends that used to head and support operations in the fort wayne truck plant. thats all i can squeeze out of them for now.

 

we have the 3800 Series III now