When GM came out with the 4.3 V6 it was a VERY popular upgrade in smaller trucks like the S10 and S15 lineup and was the base engine in full-size trucks as well. Considering the previous 2.8L V6 was not a great truck engine, from both a power and reliability perspective, the 4.3 V6 was a monster. And boy did it make an impact. The S10 changed significantly, and the timing couldn’t have been more perfect as the Sport Truck movement was about to go into full swing with the introduction of the new OBS 88-98 Chevrolet pickup trucks. Since the 4.3 was introduced in 1985, there were already some parts available and it was a popular low buck base engine to get in a base model truck for those wanting to do some serious customization. The 4.3 V6 was directly based on the small-block Chevrolet, and therefore was pretty easy to hot rod as well since pistons, rods, etc were the same and cylinder head configurations were as well. This means camshafts and valvetrain parts are available too. And because they were also used in circle track racing, there are some trick heads you can find also.
But that’s not why we are here. We are here to see Richard Holdener put a 4.3V6 up against a 4.2 Ameri-Barra inline 6 that has way more technology and makes more power from the factory. Of course boost will be involved, because it is Richard. LOL
Here’s the video description:
BOOSTED JUNKYARD TEST-AMERI-BARRA VS VORTEC!!! 4.3L VS 4.2L!! WHICH OTHER GUYS 6-CYLINDER MAKES MORE? WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU COMPARE A JUNKYARD VORTEC 4.3L V6 TO THE SLIGHTLY SMALLER, 4.2L ATLAS (AMERI-BARRA) INLINE 6? NOT ONLY DID WE RUN BOTH THE JUNKYARD MOTORS ON THE ENGINE DYNO IN NEAR STOCK TRIM, BUT WE ALSO ADDED BOOST TO BOTH COMBOS TO SHOW HOW WELL THEY RESPONDED TO POSITIVE PRESSURE. IT’S THE BATTLE OF THE SIXES!! THE QUESTION IS, HOW DO THEY COMPARE?
