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Motor thoughts for s10 project

I used to have a 94 S-10 with the vortec 4.3 and in my opinion, it had plenty of power for that little rig. sometimes simple is best.

I know, boring answere, but food for thought- could put more money and time into the suspension and gears...
 
I had a 95 S10 with the 4.3 and yes, it had ample power for a lowered 2 wheel drive street truck. There is no way I would want that motor for highway or crawling duties trying to push 35's around.
 
mine was a 4x4 with 31s. I would think with the right gearing, the tire size wouldn't be an issue. Towing might be, but I don't think thats the goal of his build.

I'de think a 4.3 with a sm465 behind it would be a great trail rig combo...
 
Well theres more than one reason other than power. I'm also in search of economy and waterproofness.

I love the idea of a motor that runs on 1 wire.

I'm not gonna cheap out on my drivetrain. Only thing I'm changing is I'm not going with a high pinion front any more.
 
COCHEV said:
mine was a 4x4 with 31s. I would think with the right gearing, the tire size wouldn't be an issue. Towing might be, but I don't think thats the goal of his build.

I'de think a 4.3 with a sm465 behind it would be a great trail rig combo...
Click to expand...

Nah I need OD. This thing is gonna be on the road traveling doing long trips. I have nothing against the 4.3. Infact it was part of the reason I was going with this truck as a platform but I'm just thinking a 6.2 (preferably a J code) would be plenty peppy and get me around reliably with good economy.
 
Stomis said:
Nah I need OD. This thing is gonna be on the road traveling doing long trips. I have nothing against the 4.3. Infact it was part of the reason I was going with this truck as a platform but I'm just thinking a 6.2 (preferably a J code) would be plenty peppy and get me around reliably with good economy.
Click to expand...

make sure to do a very detailed build thread :D
 
My truck with having a low compression 6.5 and an regrind cam gave a repeatable 15 mpg when i drove it to work. I work in freehold and drive 34 everyday, so you know what a racetrack that road is. I actually just swapped out the aftermarket cam for a stock one( cold starts were a bitch with the more aggressive cam) but I think my mileage should remain the same or hopefully improve some.

As for weight, I'm running superlift 6" hd springs up front and it actually rides pretty smooth. I have bilstein shocks on all corners too which helped a ton in ride quality.
 
Ideal sweet spot for max economy is 1800 rpm (at approx 65 mph)...in theory. My '83 pick-up actually squeezes out about another 1 mpg if I drive 70 mph average than it does at 65 mph, which goes against all conventional wisdom. Whatever...;)

2000-2200 at 70 mph should be quite fine on the highway on 35's. if you get to a grade and it starts to slow, drop it into 4th around 60 and you'd be able to pull about any hill you could think of.

I got double the fuel mileage I did with my carb'd 350, and that was without OD, or sane tires. My 6.2 was pushing 39.5" TSL's around with 4.56's and no OD. Freeway was ~2600 rpm minimum. That is not where the 6.2 wants to be for fuel economy. I still averaged 16.5 mpg (to the US gallon)

I do recomend whatever noise insulation you can find for the underside of the hood, firewall, and floors. They can be a little noisier than a gas engine.

Rene
 
He should be just fine doing head gaskets with ARP studs, and a reseal for the rest. Timing chain and water pump are fairly cheap and a good idea too.

Rene
 
Well if I get one from 84CUCV like I'm thinking I will wind up doing then it will probably wind up getting dropped in. I wont know til I pull the heads and see whats there for a ridge and hatching.

I have full intentions of pulling the heads, putting studs in, new gaskets and seals, new water pump, and replacing the timing chain with gears.
 
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