John Scott Posted December 31, 2000 Share Posted December 31, 2000 I'm a 4.3 fanatic. I've had more fun with this set up than any of my big V8s to date. There's an amazing amount of aftermarket parts availible and considerable power to be made in a relatively tidy package. I've also enjoyed having unique powerplant, that quite honestly has whipped the pants off of every car it has encountered on the street. If I could win the lottery I'd continue regardless of price with this great engine. The reality: My dream engine is becoming an overpriced investment. For starters, the bow tie block has jumped from an expensive $900 to a unaffordable $2500. Yeah, the new one is CNC machined with splayed four bolts. Throw in an aftermarket forged steel crank for another 2 grand. $1700 more gets you a set of really nice brodix heads. Gee, I'm already over $6000 and still haven't bought any rods, finished the bores, balancing, pistons, cam shafts, manifold etc, etc. So for about $7000 you can have a really, REALLY stout 4.3. Aluminum block? Don't even ask! I've come to the conclusion I won't be satisfied with the stock block and don't want to spend the extra to "four bolt" it with out at least a head upgrade. $500 + 1700 + the thousands I've already spent is too much for me. I've read about the 500 hp naturally asprirated and 700+ turbo'd 4.3s, but there is a simpler and cheaper way to at least as much power. SBC! So, I plan to enjoy the 4.3 for now. I think I'm on to some big power gains with the jetting and fuel pressure tweaks. I'll continue to abuse the heck out of it and as in the past it will perform exceptionally well. Next time the bearings are shot, it will be time for something newer bigger, more powerful... and less expensive! JS Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BLKMGK Posted January 1, 2001 Share Posted January 1, 2001 Hrm, so let me get this straight... you've got a 4.3 NOW, love it, but moving up to a full race setup is too expensive? Why not just really enjoy what you've got and hunt for bargains in the meantime? Are you sure the block you're using now is at it's limit? Would those nice Brodix heads fit this block? Worth the money? Seriously, I've seen lot's of Mustang guys spend silly cash on forged everything and buy race blocks only to never see more than 400HP out of their motors. A stock Ford 302 will take 450 easy before things get iffy. I overbuilt my SBC some too just for piece of mind but no way was I going to spend the money for a GM race block - I even skipped the 4bolt block! 500HP is pretty darned nice from such a light package. What sort of motorsport uses those motors? Maybe try getting to know some of the folks that race in that series would net you some cheaper sources? I didn't realize just how much power could be made from the Ford 2.3 motors or how high they could be spun with stock parts until I hung out with all the local circle track guys. Now, if I wanted a motor like that I know EXACTLY who to goto for parts and I know it'll be cheap too Heck, enjoy the ride for now and buy the paerts as you find bargains maybe? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Scott Posted January 2, 2001 Author Share Posted January 2, 2001 Yes I love the engine. How many can say they've run the same engine for 12+ years? Only 2 rebuilds! The 4.3 has been used in many forms of racing from championship drags, to ASA gran mark series, to Nascar Daytona Dash. Someone can probably figure what it takes to make a 3500 lb Syclone with a sponge of a transmission transfer case run a 10 sec. 1/4, but its some serious hp! The V6 has been nixed recently from the big race series. The Brodix heads will fit and are worth big hp gain. Down fall is all aftermarket heads need custom exhaust and an expensive manifold. The stock heads are the biggest restriction of power on the 4.3. But, as I complained before everything is really expensive. I've been searching for deals for years! The best I could do to my block would be the heads and 4 bolt conversion. I lose my bearings in about 4-5K miles. Way too much flex going on. I plan on enjoying it for a couple of years to come and will try to wring every ounce of power out of it. I'm just saying the next round will be something I know will cost less and make way more power. Remember, I love procharged engines!! JS [This message has been edited by John Scott (edited January 01, 2001).] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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