[starkweatherr]

Sorry, I don't currently own a Chevelle, but I have owned a '65 and a '68. What I do have is a 1951 Chevy 1.5 ton truck with a 235 I6 in it. I don't plan to use the truck for heavy hauling, and I've been thinking about a 4.3 liter V-6 and a 700R4 to replace the existing power pack. What I need to know is: How hard is it to convert a 4.3 liter to carburetor and non-HEI ignition? I don't think an ECU would be comfortable in a 1951, and, although I realize that there are great benefits to ECU systems I wouldn't be comfortable with one.

I drive less than 10,000 miles a year and there is no emission control requirement for 1951 vehicles here.

If you haven't died from laughter yet, I have the same question about the 2.5 liter Iron Duke. Not the early one but the latest version. I've read that both these engines were originally carbureted when installed in S-10s. Is there some cut off year where they can't be made to work without an ECU or can I just scrap that stuff and use aftermarket goodies to fill the holes?

 

[BillK]

Rory,
85 & 86 came with a Q-Jet carb, so it should not be much of a problem. I dont even think those carbs were electronic. Just use an HEI distributor from the same year. I think they used a knock sensor, but if I remember correctly, all you have to do is unplug the 4 wire connector and it will run fine. Would probably run pretty good !

As far as the 2,5 goes, they are nice little engines, but I dont think they have the guts to drag around a heavy metal piece like yours.

 

[novaderrik]

you can get a carb intake from Edelbrock for the 4.3- but somewhere along the line (late 90's) they went to a different intake pattern just likethe vortec V8's, and i don't think an intake is available for it.
i believe GM or MSD sells and HEi distributor for it.
realistically, tho, a 350 would probably be a better bet. it would get about the same (or better) mpg as the 4.3, and will just flat work better.
the only thing the 2.5 would be good for on a truck like that would be to add weight over the rear axle for better traction.