s10 question

[only"T"intown]

I have just been given a s10 blazer 4x4 with a knocking 2.8. I've heard that these engines are junk. Does any one know if a 2.5 four cyl will bolt up to the same trans and motor mounts. Will the same computer and harness work? I hear it is a smaller but better motor and some s10's came with them just not the 4x4's.Is this right? I would consider a V8 swap but I just need something dependable to use in the snow next winter.

 

[myclone]

2.8s and 2.5s are different (2.5 is a 4 banger BTW) so the trans wont bolt up.

90% of 2.8s are garbage, which youve discovered, but a 3.1L (maybe 3.4 cant recall) is a bolt in swap and a slightly better motor. What year is the truck anyways? If its fuel injected then it might be worth fixing but if its one of the old carb'ed 2.8s call the nearest salvage yard and see if they'll come haul it off for free or use it for a lawn ornament.

BTW 4 bangers were available in the very early 4wd S trucks but discontinued after one or two years since the 4 cyl was so down on power even without the extra weight of the 4wd stuff.

 

[only"T"intown]

I'm pretty familiar with the 2.5 as I have had it in an old Monza as well as a S10 that I used to own. I was just hoping that the trans bolt pattern was the same. Stranger things have happened ie 3.8 rwd buick has same bolt pattern as the small block and big block BOP bolt pattern as well as the 4.3 having the same bolt pattern as the small block and big block chevy. The blazer is an '86 and is a fuel injected 4X4 with very little rust. It doesn't smoke and is very responsive and actually has decent power but knocks pretty bad. I have been told by more than one person that this motor pull was one of the hardest that can be done. I would greatly consider dropping a V8 in it if I could get the transmission adapter and motor mounts.

 

[tjthorson]

Just find a 2.8 out of another, it will be fine.... Thats the easiest way to go. Now, if you really want to do it right, find a 4.3 Blazer (87 and up) and rip out the engine, wiring and computer.

Dont necessarily need the Vortec v6, the TBI one is a good work horse for those trucks.

Dont even bother with the Iron Puke 4 cylinder in a 4x4. A good strong head wind will bring you to a stop even at WOT....

Now, if you are really creative, you can find a 3.4 OHV (NOT the DOHC) out of a Lumina van. Its a bolt in....

 

[myclone]

Since its a FI 2.8 either swap it with one from a bone yard (easiest) or one of the 3.4 motors tjthorson mentioned. Putting a 4.3/V8 in is gonna require a diff trans or adaptors due to the bell housing mounting.

 

[only"T"intown]

Does the 3.1 out of a fwd early 90's Corsica have the same bolt patterns?
It should work if I change intake,exhaust etc.. and just use the long block right?

 

[Drac0nic]

I will point out that the FWD 3.8 (not the T-rivis, they're standard BOP) or any of the 3800s will bolt up to the tranny, including the L32s/L36es. Now if the tranny will hold up to it is another issue entirely Far as the motor mounts go, not sure but it'd be bemusing. 260HP/280tq would be some real balls in an S-truck, you may have to scoop the hood to get clearance for the blower though.