All of the 4.3s in chevy trucks from 96 to 2006 (07 if it's a classic) were nearly identical,
the 2007 and up new body 4.3s had electronic throttle control and coil pack ignition instead of a distributor ,
but I wouldn't be surprised if they still had a distributor gear on the camshaft.
Also at some point in the 2000s they went to a returnless fuel system,
but you should be able to just retain your intake manifold and swap it onto the new motor for any 96- 06 4.3 litre.
I bet the 07 and up ones would work two, but you would have to make sure about the distributor gear on
the cam.

By the way I am not a mechanic, or an expert ,
just stating what I believe is accurate.

Joe

 

Also interested to know about the distributor gear on the '07+ trucks. Researching a cam swap on my '11 & wanting to know whether cams for the pre '07 trucks will physically interchange.

 

Not to much experience with the 4.3 to know but what is the reason you want to replace the motor? Is it just worn out? I have no idea of your budget but if your going to replace the motor, a little extra work could be done to swap in a Gen III or IV V8 to really up the ante. Just a thought.

 

Yah. If doing a motor replacement I would definitely think about a v8.

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Thanks everyone. the reason I am sticking with the V6 is due to the cost of the engine swap to a V8. Granite I would love to go to a 5.7 or 5.3, but from what I understand it is very costly and I haven't seen anyone doing it. everyone seems to do it in the S-10 trucks but not the C1500 trucks. I have been told if I want a V8 that I should sale this truck and find one that already has the V8 in it.

Shawn

 

The 4.3 will get you all the speeding tickets you can afford to pay.
Plus you can probably get a great low mileage one for next to nothing, since everyone thinks they need a v8.

Joe

 

A v8 swap on these trucks is easier than on an s-10. Its pretty basic. Theres a few threads on the interwebs on it.