Is it best to fix my Merc 4.3 with my 96 Blazer?

[Unseenthings]

Picked up a late 80's 18ft Cheetah that has a 4.3 needing a rebuild. I have a 96 Blazer 4x4 that received a new gm long block crate engine a year ago that I picked up for $700, it needed a transmission. Looking at the price of a rebuilt short block, I'm tempted to part the blazer and snag the motor. Is it going to have the correct rear seal? I thought i had to reuse the merc heads, but i'm reading that people are using the vorttec heads as a upgrade. What about the cam? Do I bring over the merc cam?
Should I get a aluminum intake and a 4bbl carb or does that require changing out too much other stuff?
Thanks
Brian

 

[Bondo]

Re: Is it best to fix my Merc 4.3 with my 96 Blazer?

Ayuh,... Depends on what year Late 80s means...

87 or later is an Easy swap,...

Grab a 4bbl. Carb,+ manifold for it,+ it's Good to Go....

 

[mthieme]

Re: Is it best to fix my Merc 4.3 with my 96 Blazer?

I'm eying up the 4.3 in my neighbors' S10 !!!
The truck has been rotting nicely for quite a while now and I get him to start it up once a year.
All the internals are not marine. No problem there.
You'll need brass/bronze freeze plugs and marine gaskets.
Everything you have will move over provided it is serviceable of course.

 

[Unseenthings]

Boat is a 86, found a rebuilt 87 4.3 today with a 4bbl and highrise intake for $400, can i make it work?
Thanks