geterdun
+1y
I'm sure everyone will tell you I am partial to the 4.3 (right away jump to 190 hpr.) GM Vortec, truck engine (Astovan has stuff too high on the engine) because it is the only one I have done in a Mazda. I did it because it looked like an easy swap. I mean, I put a 350 four speed in a '77 Vega Sedan Delivery Wagon in '84. That was interesting, and others along the way.
The 4.3 automatic is as close to a drop in fit as it gets, probably. The motor mounts sit on the original mount pads in the truck. I went with a carb and '86 HEI distributor.
I think there were only three mentionable modifications, the cross member under the oil pan, the driver's side exhaust manifold and redesign the shifter. Truck looks original. Of course have to fabricate engine mount saddles for 77 GM engine mounts, fabricate transmission cross-member, transmission shift leaver and drive-shaft.