Engine block for 4.3L Volvo

[zomowiec]

My block is cracked and it's garbage so i was thinking if it's possible to buy 4.3 chevy astro short block and swap the accessories with the cam.
As far as i know the block is the same so heads and intake should fit no prob.
Chevy astro has 4" bore with 3.48 stroke the same as my old engine same firing order. The only thing that im worried about is difference in crankshaft and balancing because i would have to swap the balancer so my pulley and water pump would fit, Also im worried that marine rods, pistons, crankshaft is build stronger than car engine to withstand hi rpm's,
Do you guys think it could work

New marine short block is $2000.00 and my boat is 91 so it's not really worth putting so much money into it.

[stonebreaker]

The balancer should work fine since the short block is the same. However, you might take this opportunity to swap in a set of +96 vortec heads, along with a new intake manifold. Easy 40 hp over the old style heads, even with the same cam. Just make sure you put in a good set of valve springs.

[zomowiec]

Thank's for the reply, but my question is do you guys think this shortblocks will be the same, they have same numbers but i'm thinking if crankshaft from 4.3 astro will be strong enough for a boat which runs most of the times around 4000 rpm

[stonebreaker]

It should be fine, 4000 rpm isn't that high. But if it makes you feel better, just swap the boat's crank into the new block.

[zomowiec]

was thinking about it but than you have to deal with bearings rod bolts, it's possible but also a lot of work