Will a 5.7 starter work on a 4.3?

[TBigLug]

I went and priced a starter for my new DD today. It's a 1991 Chevy C1500 with a 4.3 L V6, 700R4 and 2WD. Cheapest one...

$94.99!!!!!!

So I asked him to look up the cost for the SAME truck but with a 5.7. Cheapest starter...

$34.99!!!!!!

So, I've heard people say that 5.7 starters will work on 4.3's, but was wondering if anyone has actually ever done it? Or, if it is one of those urban myths people repeat but don't really know?

[mudboggincrazy]

i run the starter from a 90 4.3 in my bogger and it got a 355 in it the starters should be the same its workin for me

[Eroq]

compare size....

95+S-Series were mini hitorque starters (may have started putting them earlier.. not 100% sure)

and them go for like $160+

other than that if its the big 18lb starter they are the same

[RIP_K52007]

same bolt up. they work either way.   FYI, starter on 2.5L is same as 5.0L too.

[TOOLMANN72]

A 70'S 350 starter works in a 94 s10 with a 4.3 . I did it before I changed it to a small block

[carbogger]

I have a 91 gmc half ton that had a 4.3 and if I remember correctly the exhoust manifold might be in the way.
If I remember correctly the manifold drops down in the center and the longer 350 starter comes to close
but if the manifold drops towards the back of the engine like a V8 it will probably fit.
Its been a while and I wound up putting a 350 in it after my brother blew up the engine for me
so I can't be sure.

[Kodiak450r]

from what i've seen you can put a V8 starter on a 4.3 no problem. but i tried using a 4.3 one to crank up my small block and it didn't have enough power. i ended up buying a starter from a 96-up fullsize. the 96 and up trucks used the high torque mini starters.

[TBigLug]

Thanks for the info. Looks like I'll give it a try.

[RIP_K52007]

worse case take it back say its the wrong one.

[RIP_K52007]

straight across is 2.5L and 5.0L and the diagonal ones are 4.3L and 5.7L from what I've seen

[TBigLug]

The 350 in my camo truck has the straight across pattern. BUT, the high torque starter that's in it has bolt holes for either.... hmmm, maybe a high torque starter on a 4.3! Can we say, OVERKILL!!!!!!!

[TBigLug]

Definitely the starter. i had to rap on it twice this morning to get it to kick over this morning. My manifold dumps out the back, not in the center so a 350 starter should definitely work. Time to save up and get a new one (so hard to do when it still works 95.321% of the time).

[jandrold]

You can save a few dollars and take to Dort starter and alt in Mt. Morris  and they will rebuild it for about half price.

[73chevytruck]

straight across is 2.5L and 5.0L and the diagonal ones are 4.3L and 5.7L from what I've seen

i had a 85 trans am, 350 that had a stright aross bolt hole starter, so they did put them on 350';s 2

[RIP_K52007]

straight across is 2.5L and 5.0L and the diagonal ones are 4.3L and 5.7L from what I've seen

i had a 85 trans am, 350 that had a stright aross bolt hole starter, so they did put them on 350';s 2

sounds like you had a 305 ... ever have the heads off?

[TBigLug]

My 350 (Camo truck) has a stright across pattern same as my grandpa's truck (bone stock 84 3/4 ton 4x4).

[RIP_K52007]

well i guess that answers that! lol

[TBigLug]

Just a follow up in case anyone has the same question and comes across this thread.

YES it will work. Did it this morning. It's tight and you have to drill out the hole in the end of the battery cable, but it will work.

[biggator64]

sorry i didnt read this one before i have a newer 4.3 starter and i would gave it to you
your not to far from me

[TBigLug]

Bummer, keep that little feller on a shelf somewhere. Maybe I'll need one again someday!