'95 4.3L Vortec Engine question

[GaBnn3]

My son got a '95 Chev S-10 Blazer, with the above W-Series engine. The block is seized. But, the heads are good. Will any 4.3L block work with the Vortec heads, or does he need a Vortec block? Also what year range will work. Thanks a bunch.

 

[dyeager535]

Interesting question. I know GM was calling 4.3 motors "Vortecs" long before 1996 when the V8 Vortecs were introduced, so I have no idea what the intake bolt pattern is compared to a "non-vortec" 4.3L.

How many intake bolts does it use, and at what angle? (V8 vortecs are two bolts at each corner, eight total, all being perfectly vertical)

 

[Busted Knuckles]

They're pretty much like the V-8's. The heads don't care if the block has a balance shaft or not. You will need an intake that fits, these have the same squirreley intake bolt pattern as vortecs. They flow like 'em, too - clean up the short turns and blend the bowls and you'll have a good pair of heads.