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Physically small V-8?

Zeus33rd

Zeus33rd

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Workin on a new project these days. Picked up an '87 Mazda B2600 for free. Motor is done- No head and the cylinders have been providing residence for a family of rats. So I'm tryin to figure out what I want to do about repowering the thing. The 2.6 that came in it was only rated at something like 107hp. The plans for the truck are one tons, 44"+ and a low crawl. More crawler than anything else. Anyways, the engine compartment is obviously very small...I'm lookin at either a 5.0 out of a late 80's early 90's mustang, or a gm 4.3 v-6. I know I could make a 4.3 fit no problem...But what about a 5.0 ford motor? How big are they physically? How much does one weigh? Is there such a thing as a "small" v-8 that would be relitively inexpensive to aquire?
 
We have an awd astro with the 4.3 vortec w motor, its an auto, but it def doesn't lack power, I couldn't image it with a 5 speed, that little thing gets up and goes. In a smaller vehicle i'm sure it would do more then what you wanted it to. and with some bolt on mods..you'd be set.
 
I've got a 4.3L "W" Vortec with a 5 speed standard in my 96 GMC 1/2 ton 4x4, and it has plenty of power for DDing in a big heavy fullsize. It definitely feels any load you put behind it, or if you put it into 4x4 though...
 
Fords also have the 4.6 V8s..
Common in newer land rovers, crown vics, and i think but hope not..the new moosestang.
 
Ah, that reminds me of the 4.8L V8 in some of the older GM cars, used for a FWD application. They looked pretty small, but you'd need to change the intake out, since it comes off on the rear of the engine...
 
Cadillac makes a 4.1 digital fuel injection V8. I had a 1984 Cadillac Fleetwood with one it got great mileage for a big car, about 25 MPG on the highway:D
 
AFUFO said:
Fords also have the 4.6 V8s..
Common in newer land rovers, crown vics, and i think but hope not..the new moosestang.
Click to expand...

4.6L V8s are small displacement but physically huge due to the ginormous OHC heads.

The Mustang has been running them since about 1996 or 1997, same time they went in the trucks.
 
Dunno about inexpensive, but what are the 4.1 Cadillac and the Northstars like for size?

I know the 4.1 is universally maligned as a POS (not sure why, but probably well founded lol) but I'm unsure if their size is something that would be desirable.

The Northstar seems to be pretty well liked, and maybe the Oldsmobile Aurora motor might also be a candidate, since it's based on the Northstar.

As I recall, people have installed Northstars in RWD platforms (unsure if it ever was, stock) so it's gotta be doable. :)

Pauly383 beat me. :)

I figure if they cram them in FWD vehicles, they must be somewhat compact, no?
 
I figure if they cram them in FWD vehicles, they must be somewhat compact, no?
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i wouldn't say that's exactly accurate. how about the new grand prix gxp and impala ss with a 5.3L v8? asaik, the dimensions are the same as a truck 5.3.

my vote goes for 4.3L. mine has served me well for 120K+ miles, and that's in a half-ton xcab that is my dd, and used for any hauling/towing i do. it will never run a 12 second quarter mile, but it's a solid performer. 2 friends have the 2000 and newer 4.3s and another had a 92. all have been satisfied.
 
I vote 5.0 or 350. a)2 of the most common swaps B) parts are very cheap and vastly avaible c) a stock v8 will give you ample torque to turn those 44s no problem e) v8s sound much better
 
turbo 5.3 in a buick? New to me, but I always thought the only turbocharged motor they had was a 3.8.
 
iwaxmyjimmy said:
turbo 5.3 in a buick? New to me, but I always thought the only turbocharged motor they had was a 3.8.
Click to expand...
Maybe it was the 3.8 and I'm just mistaken :P. But they are good motors :]
 
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