Installing a fast idle setup on a GM 4.3

[George7941]

I have a 2006 GMC Sierra with the 4.3 V6. I want to be able to have the engine fast idle at about 1500 rpm whenever I want to. Only way I can see is to have a dash-mounted cable that will open the throttle manually or have the cable operated by a solenoid. Is there any other way to get a fast idle?

 

[JustinH]

Why do you want a fast idle?

To warm the car up faster?

If so, then consider a engine heater before this.

 

[George7941]

The fast idle is for inching forward or backward on an incline. The 4.3 does not have any low-end torque at all, I have a 3.23 rear and the NV3550 transmission does not have a granny first gear, so it is like you are constantly starting off in second. I like the 3.23 for the fuel economy, at 60mph the engine is only spinning 1650rpm but it takes quite a bit of clutch slipping to get the truck going. It is difficult to modulate the engine speed with the throttle when you are inching back up a steep incline and I end up using more revs than is needed and therefore causing unnecessary wear on the clutch. With a fast idle switch at least the high rpms will be controlled. I had a fast idle set on my previous truck which was carburetted and I used a GM fast idle solenoid to hold the butterfly open a bit.

 

[Jim 5]

I have a cable operated manual idle as a stock option in my '66 Ford Bronco. It works like a charm for when you're trying to crawl up a rocky hill in 4 Low and the bumpiness is causing your foot to gun the throttle everytime you hit a bump.

I'm sorry I can't offer the solution, but I think if you figure out a mechanical way of doing this, it is going to work quite well.

 

[alreadygone]

Isn't it possible to build a bracket to mount same GM solenoid to push on fuel injection acutator?

Bob

 

[George7941]

Quote:

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Isn't it possible to build a bracket to mount same GM solenoid to push on fuel injection acutator?

Bob

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It is possible but it looks like it would be less work to install a cable, so I think I will go with the cable. On my Ford F250 I fabricated a bracket to mount the GM solenoid and it pushed on the throttle lever to keep it open.

The reason for my original post was to see if there was a way to command the Idle Air Control motor to keep the idle high.

 

[mechtech2]

If I had to do this, I'd get a solenoid [like those used on a carbureted car] that would engage and raise the idle for AC use. I'd put it on the throttle body lever. You could make very fine adjustments, and turn it on and off at the flip of a switch.

 

[Jim 5]

That's a slick idea. I think my buddies in the 4x4 community could make some good use of this!