My next dumb project (S10 content)

It's one of those projects that sounds simple and easy, but experience tells me it's probably a monster.. I've got a short wheelbase/standard cab S10 4cyl/auto and an extended cab 4.3/auto S10 that's got alloy wheels and that funny looking faux-stepside bed on it. Both are two wheel drive. I want to take the entire 4.3 power train from the LWB truck and put it in the smaller S10. I also want to move the "sportside" bed and alloy wheels from the LWB truck to the SWB truck. I think a short wheelbase/standard cab S10 with a 4.3 could be a fun little hot rod on the cheap. Dean1484 wants what's left over to build a Challenge car, so that will probably be a thing.

Skip swapping the 4.3 and just drop in an SBC. it'll be funner.

That 4.3 is 3/4 of a 350. Go 350 SB.

I don't want to go SBC because a lot of the appeal of this project, for me, is being able to build something relatively cool using only parts I've already got.

Are the beds the exact same size? Do the holes and mounting points line up?

In reply to Brett_Murphy:

I don't know, but I think so. There will be a lot of measuring before any bolts are removed.

Then go 4.3. We had a 1994 S10 Blazer 4x4 that had a 4.3 that was rated 200hp. It flew. Much faster than our Trailblazer.

What was the setup in the Syclone/Typhoon? That was turbo 4.3, wasn't it? Seems reasonable to head that direction...

Speaking from experience, the extended cab is the way to go. I've owned several of these little trucks, and the standard cab is super cramped. Aside from that, should be a fun little truck.

I like the idea of this project very much. Especially if the 4cyl truck has lower rear end gears.

Stock 4.3 S10s are pretty punchy. I would probably put a limited slip before power mods if you have any kind of budget for aftermarket stuff.

The little S10 - the standard cab - turned out to be much rustier than I originally observed, so I'm canning the whole idea. Now I've got to figure out what to do with the V6/extended cab truck I was going to cut up for the (now stillborn) project

If the scrap proceeds from the single cab are equal to the cost of a nitrous system then i think you have your answer.

M030 wrote: The little S10 - the standard cab - turned out to be much rustier than I originally observed, so I'm canning the whole idea. Now I've got to figure out what to do with the V6/extended cab truck I was going to cut up for the (now stillborn) project

ignore the sunk costs. cut your losses, scrap/sell what you can, and move on to something you actively want to build.

I vote 4.8 ls. Why dick around when it's a swap anyway.