Learn me V8 powered S10s

I might have access to a free Chevy S10. I could use a beater truck for my burgeoning parts biz, but I'd like to be able to tow with the truck as well. I know a small-block is an easy swap. But once it's swapped in, what kind of towing performance can I expect? I'd like to be able to tow something close to 5000, though 3500 would be more likely (Miata on open steel trailer, probably--don't have a trailer yet). Any help?

Oh, yeah--I don't care about transmissions. Manual, automatic, doesn't matter. Same with carb or FI. I don't know if the truck has carb or FI. It's a extended cab, 2WD, automatic right now, with (I think) the 2.8 V6.

Plenty of power. Brakes and wheelbase would be my concern.

http://www.v8s10.org/forum/index.php

I've looked into doing this myself some day. The 2.8 is ideal, since you've got the right frame mounts for most swap kits already. I'd suggest getting an SBC/700R4 combination from a donor together. Don't know if the rear in the 2.8 engine is the same as in the 4.3, but if it is, it should hold up to towing duty no problem. With the Extended cab, you should have an acceptable wheelbase, but I'd want trailer brakes. One annoying point on the extended cab S10s is the multipiece driveshaft. There are replacements out there that are one pice, but you may need to clearance the rear floor of the cab with a hammer a bit.

brakes can be overcome - they make brackets now that bolt ls1 camaro brakes on them.

i wouldnt try and tow much more than a utility trailer with a short wheelbase truck.

Mine gets towed...lol

i've towed a dolly behind a short/short '01 Sonoma many times with no issues. definitely recommend trailer brakes, though.

IIRC the 4.3L/5sp trucks got the 8.5" diff, all others got smaller diff (7-5/8" i believe)

stock tow rating for the 4.3 is (again iirc) 5k# for auto or 4k# for stick.

eastsidemav wrote: One annoying point on the extended cab S10s is the multipiece driveshaft.

My 95 4x4 ext cab had a factory 1 piece. was that a change for the 2nd gens?

I was set to give a big thumbs down on this- there is a frequent tendency (on this board and elsewhere) to ignore towing capacity ratings. Bigger engine does not mean more towing capacity. Brakes, cooling, suspension, type of hitch, frame construction, type of trans, drive wheels, gearing, wheelbase, cab size, etc. are all factors. Towing capacity is like a weak link in a chain- The chain rating does not increase because most of the links are stronger. It is based on it's weakest link.

However, it looks like there are actually some S-10's that have a factory tow capacity of 5000 lbs. So I'm not going to be a wet blanket.

Need more info. What model year?

That extended cab probably lowered the towing capacity.

My initial reaction is that you are probably fine, but I still wouldn't tow any more than the factory rating, regardless of the motor. You don't want to find that weakest link the hard way.

Grtechguy wrote:

eastsidemav wrote: One annoying point on the extended cab S10s is the multipiece driveshaft.

My 95 4x4 ext cab had a factory 1 piece. was that a change for the 2nd gens?

4x4 have 1pc rear shaft because of the added length of the t-case.

2wd have 2pc shaft, not sure why because the fullsize reg cab 8' bed trucks have a way longer 1pc driveshaft so it's not like the 2pc was necessary unless there was an alignment issue.

So, anyone know the factory tow rating for the 2.8 2wd extended cab automatic? I'm not looking to put a ton of $$ in this, if I do get the truck. Sorry, I don't know the year.

Actually, is there some site I should reference for tow ratings?

patgizz wrote: 4x4 have 1pc rear shaft because of the added length of the t-case. 2wd have 2pc shaft, not sure why because the fullsize reg cab 8' bed trucks have a way longer 1pc driveshaft so it's not like the 2pc was necessary unless there was an alignment issue.

AFAIK, its just a clearance issue with regard to the rear floor of the extended cab. A one piece 2WD shaft could hit the underside.

Don't know the tow rating for a 2.8 for certain (2000 lbs comes to mind, though), but others are correct in some of the 4.3 models had a 5K rating. I'm not sure, but I think chassis setup didn't affect the rating (ie 4X4 vs 2WD, std vs x-cab), though the stick shift models were probably rated for less.

steamcorners wrote: So, anyone know the factory tow rating for the 2.8 2wd extended cab automatic? I'm not looking to put a ton of $$ in this, if I do get the truck. Sorry, I don't know the year. Actually, is there some site I should reference for tow ratings?

Google is your friend.

Type year, make, and model with the words "towing capacity". Usually shows up pretty quickly, but make sure you take the time to weed out all the people asking if they can tow 10,000 lbs with their S-10 if they change to a cone filter.

Just want to clear up some stuff here...

All of the first-gen (boxy) S-trucks got the 7.5/7.625" rear. They like to go boom. They are a big no-no for a V8. They were used in F-bodies like the Camaro and Firebird, but they are also very traction limited. Swap in some sticky tires or put a trailer on the back and it won't last a day.

Starting with the ZR2 in the mid 90s, they started filtering in the 8.5. Properly built they'll handle a good bit of torque, but they are not the best choice for heavy towing but will do fine in a stout street machine. I tow 3500 lbs in my Impala SS with the 8.5 and 400 lb-ft. The bearings are shot, they whine like they're ready to sieze any day, and every 5000 miles I change the diff fluid and it looks like metallic paint. Sturdy resistance to torque; yes. Good for HD truck use; no.

By the late 90s almost all S-trucks had 8.5" rears. They are not all interchangable with each other; some are wider (specifically the 4x4 and ZR2), but for the most part a grassroots kinda guy like you should have no trouble making any of them fit. Look also to the Astro Vans, particularly the AWD versions. They sometimes got an 8.5.

Swapping is pretty easy in either the 2.8 or 4.3 truck with the right parts. The 4.3 truck will be a little easier in my opinion. The 2.8s had a different crossmember that will require a custom oil pan and custom mounts; both readily available from the aftermarket. 4x4 trucks will also require a custom pan.

The other nice thing about using a 4.3 truck is that a 4.3 is three-quarters of a small block V8. All of your accessory drive, motor mount holes, transmission bellhousing, etc will all bolt up. The 2.8 is a 60* V6 so the tranny bellhousing is different in addition to the motor mount holes, accessories, and other peripherals.

But, V8 swap kits are out there for 4-bangers, 2.8s, 4.3s, etc. Any of the trucks will do, but the 4.3 trucks will have the most amount of parts that you can re-use.

Don't worry too much about adequate braking. GM used the same basic 11 and 12" rotors and calipers on all F, B, A, D, G, early Y, and X-bodies, and those same exact rotors and calipers can be found on S-trucks, Astro vans, and light 1/2 tons. Basically, if it had 5-lugs, and either the 5" or 4.75" bolt pattern, they all get a variation of the same rotors and calipers on any GM intermediate, full-size, HD car, up to light half tons. You'd be surprised at how much interchanges between an S-truck and a Camaro or Caprice, both of which came from the factory with big V8 power. I've always found GM braking to be adequate. Nothing fancy or overkill, but enough to really do the job.

Ok. I think that I've got the picture. After looking at some of the swap info, I don't think I want to mess with a V8 swap. If I take the truck, it will stay basically stock. I'll strictly use it as a junkyard parts hauler, perhaps dragging a parts car via tow dolly a short distance if necessary. If I need to haul a trailer, I'll use my wife's Trailblazer (which by the way, hauls pretty damn well). Thanks for the advice, everyone!

Those trailblazers do nicely, don't they. They have a 9.5" rear and that little I6 does nicely.