[Harley]

That's a great start to a swap. The factory exhaust manifolds on the Envoy should work with a 4x4 if you want to go that route.

 

[kmk523]

That's what I was hoping. Any idea if the accessories will fit as is or do i need a different set up?

 

[Harley]

Accessories should be fine. Lots of swaps have used the truck accessories (Envoy uses these) on both S10s and Blazers. Radiator will have to be moved forward for clearance, but I've had to do that on swaps with Corvette accessories too.

 

[kmk523]

That's good to know

 

[kmk523]

Just a little update, I've still got this and still planning the ls swap. I'd like to take it out one more time before I start tearing into it. I've got the truck oil pan on it, block drilled for a dipstick and the transmission rebuilt. The motor has obviously seen better days but it did run good. I'm not going to worry about rebuilding this motor just yet. I want to get the swap done and if this motor blows I can look into getting this LM4 rebuilt or just buy a cheap $500 LM7 to slap in it. I do like the idea of running the aluminum LM4 since it's only 20 lbs more than the 4.3 thats in it. Anyway, here is a few random pictures.

 

[Cwhite138]

Nice to see you still run this thing

 

[kmk523]

Still running great, unfortunately I've really only used it for random errands here and there. I drive it about 2-3 times a week. Sometimes just down the road a few miles to my parents house. Still collecting parts for the LS swap and thinking about doing 2x4 rockers next weekend.

I've got to get back out there and start working on it again.

 

[eshaw]

Do you know of anyone who's running the Envoy manifolds in a 4x4? I'd be interested in seeing how much clearance they provide, etc..

 

[kmk523]

No, i sure don't. If they work it'll be pure coincidence, i planed to buy headers but if they work I might was well use them. They are pretty slim and exit pretty close to the block so fingers crossed...

 

[kmk523]

25 months later, this thing is still going and it's had a couple changes. Shortly after the last update, I sold my old house, moved in with and married my current wife, built a garage with a little help from a couple friends, sold the LS and acquired a 62K mile L31 350. Swapped it in along with an 0411 ECM and wrapped up new shock mounts.

Still working on my goal of getting it out in the woods more this year. I just finished swapping out the front u joints and checking the oil in both diffs last night. Here's a couple pictures.

 

[Ednoma]

It's good to see some old familiar rigs still around. I sure do miss my old blazer. Report back on how you like the 350. Was debating on doing one vs an ls swap

 

[kmk523]

So far so good, it's no power house but SO much more power than before, the extra torque vs the 4.3 is amazing. It cruises so much more like a modern/stock-ish vehicle. Overdrive with the 4.3/4.10's and 37's was pretty much useless but now it'll cruise and pull some decent hills without downshifting. 70 MPH no longer feels like I'm beating the daylights out of it, it's effortless. It should come in handy on the trails too.

The reason I decided on the 350 over the LS was was simplicity and circumstance. This 62K motor was basically given to me so selling the LS I already had basically paid for the entire swap. I had high hopes for the LS but it just wasn't in the cards. According to Rabbit, he prefers the 350 (well 383) in his.

Future engine plans would probably be to start building another 350 for decent power (maybe 400?) and learn HP tuners so I can tinker with it.

 

[Ednoma]

That's good man. I had 4.10s with 37s on blazer and 5th gear was useless on the highway. Have you looked into regearing?

 

[kmk523]

I've thought about it but wanted to get the v8 in it before I decided. 4.56 or 4.88 probably wouldn't hurt but I think much over that and it would take away from the street drive-ability. The front axle needs a complete refresh and I'm still on the fence if I want to put money into the 44 or spend nearly the same for a 60. Not quite sure yet.