Manual tranny for 81 Malibu cross?

[robertisaar]

thats odd... the only difference between the Chevrolet 3.8 and the 4.3 is that the 4.3 has the bore of a 350, and a 3.8 has the bore of a 305.... it should be the same block externally...

[rgaz]

When I measured it with the heads on, the heads were a different shape or had something that would cause an interference. I can't remember which it was, it might have been the height or something else. I ahd the 3.8L already sitting around anyway.

[robertisaar]

probably the 4.3 had vortec heads. which would be in improvement in power and economy, but if you can't fit them, oh well.