Flip this S10!!!

[fanmanj]

So my buddy calls me the other day, and says, "if you want that old S10 I've got, $300 and I'll deliver it!". So now I'm the proud new owner of a 1988 S10 extended cab, 2.8 V6, automatic. The truck has been body worked and primed with new roll pan, billet grille, smooth bumper, clear turn signals, the jambs, hood, and dash trim have all been painted a dark metallic blue. The bad?? About 5-6 years ago, when the truck was getting painted, the hood was left off... So was the air cleaner... The truck was outside... It rained... And the truck has been in limbo since... Well I've yanked the 2.8 out, ripped the heads off, and yep, it's rusted up! So, I'm gonna go the local u-pull it, try to find either a good 2.8, OR a 3.4 out of an early 90's camaro... Then try to flip the truck, or possibly a new work ride for me!



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[screamin_c10]

Drop a 4.3 in it. The 2.8s were about as gutless as they come and the gas mileage wasn't all that great either. I've owned several 2.5, 2.8, 3.8T, 4.3 and a 350 powered.

[fanmanj]

I had thought about that. BUT... Swapping to a 4.3/350 would require a new tranny, radiator, and countless other things.. And when I'm trying to make a buck or 2 off of it, i gotta keep things cheap! It has crossed my mind to find a nice TBI 350 to slap in it though!
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[screamin_c10]

Trust me, if you throw a SBC in it... you wont want to sell it...

[chevyrestoguy]

Originally Posted by screamin_c10

...The 2.8s were about as gutless as they come and the gas mileage wasn't all that great either.

I built a 1988 S-10 extended cab show truck back in the early 90s that had a 2.8 in it. That thing was a SLUG. My wife used to call it the "No pick-up pickup". It was going to get a TPI motor, but I sold it and it went to Japan.

Right before I sold it, I drag raced a buddy of mine in his Ford Festiva and he beat me by 3 car lengths

[NONHOG]

60degree sixes have potential. Check this out....http://britishcarconversions.com/faq...-fwd-compare-2

I love the idea of a 3.4 or better yet 3.5.
More 60* info. http://www.60degreev6.com/

Good luck!

[68 Four on the Floor]

ive always wanted to do a 3400/5speed s10

[fanmanj]

Well work on the dime has been slow. Been working 13-14 hrs a day at work.. I managed to make one run to the u pull it yard... All the 2.8's were either carb motors, or had super high mileage. There was one nice 3.4 in a '94 camaro, but someone had removed the intake plenum and the hood... It was full of water.
Here are some pics of the 2.8 torn down.... Look at the rust on that cam!!!



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[spudz]

what a shame, simply covering it up and that little 2.8 would still be going, I got a 3.1 in a 90 f-bird with almost 300k and it still runs great. I like those motors. If you was closer I would hook u up with a 2.8 I got in a 89 camaro.

[VA72C10]

will follow along...I love flipping rides

I'd be inclined to consider a 350 swap if you do anything other than a 2.8....if you're going to change anything...make it something that will maximize your return when you sell it...

[andrewmp6]

See how much you can get a remain 350 for from like any auto parts chain.

[fanmanj]

Update! The S10 finally has a new powerplant! picked up a 2.8 out of a '93 at u pull it. the truck had 244,000 miles, but I could tell by how clean it was, it wasn't the original engine.
I have removed the intake, valve covers, and oil pan, and everything looks good! I should be dropping it in soon depending on my work schedule.