S10 project

[Croatan_Kid]

I've got an '85 S10 that was given to me a few years ago. Currently, it's a 2.5/4spd. It's kind of a fun little truck, just a bit of a turd though. So, since I took the 4.8 out of my Silverado in favor of a healthy 6.0, it'll find a new home in the S10.

The rear axle situation is easy enough...find a 1995 or newer 8.8 from an Explorer or Mountaineer. Bolts right in! Either get a conversion u-joint or swap the yoke out.

However, since the truck is already a manual, I'd like to keep it that way.



Here's a few questions I've had a hard time answering for myself:

Do I keep it fuel injected? I recently bought HP Tuners, so I've got that covered. Although, I hear the LS style motors are mean with a carb setup on them. Might be easier too.

What transmission do I run? The first thing that comes to mind is an NV3500. That's what is in my Silverado. I would just need to scrounge up a 2wd model and I'm not sure what year models are interchangeable. The 4.8 is a '99 model and from 99-02 the 4.8s had a crank that was .400" longer than the rest of the motors for whatever reason. I have the flywheel and a clutch set though.

Could I get away with a 1 piece rear driveshaft? Currently it's a 2 piece since it's a long bed truck. I guess it would be as simple as calling Carolina Driveline and asking one of the guys. If it was possible, I'd reckon it would be a big diameter!


Feel free to add any suggestions! This is probably going to be this summer's project. No AC, no heat, bare bones, cheap, but a fun little driver and parts getter. Probably toss in a nice cam, maybe do some head work, but eventually it may get twins

 

[Croatan_Kid]

No suggestions?

 

[criket]

The only thing that I can say is that that transmission may not fit that great. After reading a lot of s10 builds with v8 swaps, soemtimes the transmission choice is limited due to space, clearance, and linkage setup issues.

Of course it may be different in your case. But, if you plan to cut the floor some it shouldn't be an issue.

That's all I got. Now I'm just waiting for you to start building this thing

 

[Croatan_Kid]

Finally got some plans nailed down. Gunna take the stock 862 heads, port, polish, blend the bowls, and put in 2" intake valves. Going to keep it up around 9:1 compression so it'll still run decent when it's not under boost. Stock bottom end. Single GT45 turbo...or something like that. Custom grind turbo cam, same guy that did the cam for my 6.0. Still going with an 8.8, but going to change it up and build a 4L60E and get whatever stall I need to match the cam and turbo.


Should be fun. Hopefully going to take the heads to the machine shop Friday.

 

[Croatan_Kid]

Picked up a 67mm Holset turbo for this thing today. 150 bucks, I love Craigslist! So, moving along....not going to cut the heads for 2" valves, but still doing the rest of the work and my cam guy is punching numbers for a turbo cam. He's gunna give me some ideas for an intake setup and I got some 60lb injectors in a trade for some stuff I have laying around the shop. Gotta button up my Silverado (Alcan springs, steering box, etc) and then this thing will go under the knife

I can't wait to waste some tires!