3.8 head/intake interchange, fwd->rwd?

[914turboford]

I am wondering how hard it is to take a fwd 3.8 and use it in a 2.8 4x4 Blazer with a 5 speed.

I would like to go with a junkyard engine and understand that some of the fwd 3.8's have the intake facing the wrong way for a rwd application.

Also, I have heard that the starters are on the opposite side for rwd. Does this present a problem?

I am interested in using a 3.8 instead of a 4.3 because they seem to be more efficient in the tradeoff between hp and mpg and it seems that it is easier to get a good one cheap. It seems that the only comparable 4.3 is the vortec which is pretty pricey.

I am hoping that I could get 25+ mpg and 175+ hp with a 3.8 engine in this truck. What do you think?

Brian

[Bill@HPTuners]

just find an fbody 3.8 it would be a much easier swap imho

[914turboford]

Easier, yes. But more expensive, right? Is the rwd 3.8 basically the same engine as the fwd 3.8. Is it 90 degree? Small BH pattern?

Brian