V8 S10 conversion

[GrandmaLS]

SBC into a 2nd gen S10. The same as a million trucks out there. Where would you guys get the conversion kit? What's the best kit (headers/mounts, headers/mounts/radiator, etc)? I know there are S10 V8 forums but I don't feel like registering just to ask a question. It's easier because I know a few of you guys have done it.

If it matters the truck would be a 2001 Chevy S10 2wd, reg cab, short box, orginally a 2.2 5spd work truck (manual locks, manual windows, rubber floors, bench seat, etc)

 

[Sean124]

Ls1 that bad boy.SBC's are so yesterday

 

[GrandmaLS]

Ls1 that bad boy.SBC's are so yesterday

LS1 to expensive. I do know where I could get an LT1 Camaro for $1300 that was rolled. I could probably part out a grand worth of parts and snag the LT1/A4 for myself :icon_mrgr I know everyone and their brother had put a SBC into an S10 but I already have a SBC in the garage and have my chance to get a work truck for less then $500

 

[88ls1blazer]

i usually use the allstar kit we sell, and then use the becool swap radiator, there are definately cheaper ways to do it, which we could do as well, but that kit comes w/ the best of the best for s-10 swap parts, regardless, the best fit is ALWAYS 2.8 v6 frame stands, combined w/ either trans dapt, or advance adapters block mounts, the flowtech shorty headers fit good, but sanderson is the best, guys have used stock radiators, but the becool has way more capacity for cooling w/o sacrificing engine compartment room

 

[GrandmaLS]

i usually use the allstar kit we sell, and then use the becool swap radiator, there are definately cheaper ways to do it, which we could do as well, but that kit comes w/ the best of the best for s-10 swap parts, regardless, the best fit is ALWAYS 2.8 v6 frame stands, combined w/ either trans dapt, or advance adapters block mounts, the flowtech shorty headers fit good, but sanderson is the best, guys have used stock radiators, but the becool has way more capacity for cooling w/o sacrificing engine compartment room

So you tear off the 2.2 frame mounts and put the 2.8 frame mounts? In the exact same location? I'd get a manual if I go to do it for sure. Shit, probably a thirsy box and recruit one of you guys to help that step.

 

[88ls1blazer]

well i have built over a dozen, so i pretty much have seen all kinds of combinations on those trucks, yes you do take of the 2.2 mounts, the 2.8 1st gen mounts go right on, the frame never really changed over 23 years of production

 

[86CamaroZ28]

i got my stuff from S10V8.com's parts section. i bougth the patriot headers and their motor mounts. the headers were a cheapo special. id recomend the sanderson's like stated above. as for radiator i just used the radiator out of the 4.3 truck i used to have. hopefully my V8 goes back in this spring. :nod:

 

[88ls1blazer]

i have never had long term luck w/ a 4.3 radiator, but most of the trucks i built NEEDED something better, ill confess, ive never built a truck the the stock 26" wide could cool, thats why i always recommend the 31" wide becool, its a thick single core, so you still have awesome clearance for water pumps, but its super wide to give more capacity and cooling area

 

[MentallyChallenged]

There's several ways you can go. Seems that 88blazerls1 has pretty much awnsered your questions. IM me if you want any further advice.

Most*** swaps from what I've seen put the motor wayyy to far forward. Mine is moved back a bit from most swap locations and has caused several problems with long tube header fitments and driveshaft length etc. But it does alleviate other problems. I run a fullsize chevy truck starter without any clearance issues, and I have a lot of clearance up front for accessories (even though I dont have any).

 

[GrandmaLS]

What the best trans to go with? 4l60e? 700r4? How well does a T-5 line up with the floor boards? Same T5 bellhousing from a 2.2 bolt on to a SBC?

 

[88ls1blazer]

no, 2.2 trans wont bolt up, also its not a t-5 in those years, i think it was a new venture. a t-5 fits nice, but is a pile of garbage, a 700r4 or a th350 would be easiest, but a tremec would be bad ass

 

[86CamaroZ28]

its a bitch to get ahold of a T5 bell housing. you can get one from a 4.3 astro or a camaro. the ones in the camaro's though tilt the trans towards the driver somewhere in the neighborhood of 15*-20* IIRC

 

[88ls1blazer]

yeah, dont even bother w/ a t5, if anything, get a NVG3500 from a 4.3 truck

 

[86CamaroZ28]

yeah, dont even bother w/ a t5, if anything, get a NVG3500 from a 4.3 truck

NV3500 FTW! just make sure its out of an S10 if you get it from a junk yard. makes life easier. the s10's had a 27 spline output shaft and the fullsize trucks had the 31 spline shafts. i happend to find that out the hard way. :slap:

 

[dave89iroc]

T56.............

 

[86CamaroZ28]

T56.............

WHOA!:icon_eek: high roller! :laugh:

 

[dave89iroc]

WHOA!:icon_eek: high roller! :laugh:

If I had wanted to do a s10 v8 i would have used one


a great way to do it is find a totaled camaro/firebird, and use the engine(LT1) and trans(T56)

 

[86CamaroZ28]

If I had wanted to do a s10 v8 i would have used one


a great way to do it is find a totaled camaro/firebird, and use the engine(LT1) and trans(T56)

ive often thought of doing that for the 86 camaro im about to scrap out. hell there getting cheap enough just buy a high mileage beat to shit 4th gen for 2500 bucks that runs. :dontknow:

 

[dave89iroc]

ive often thought of doing that for the 86 camaro im about to scrap out. hell there getting cheap enough just buy a high mileage beat to shit 4th gen for 2500 bucks that runs. :dontknow:

yeah, a couple years back, I bought a 94 z28 that was hit in the rear for $1500, had 84xxx miles on it, I ended up selling the T56 and all the swap stuff for $1500 shipped, and the LT1 is now in my K5, and most of the other parts are gone as well




anyone looking for a hatch or passenger door off a 94 Z28? :icon_mrgr

 

[GrandmaLS]

I just plan on doing a SBC cause I have one. A truck would be $400. And and I could get a trans free. The only thing costing me any cash would be a S10 conversion kit. Anyone smell at $2500 V8 S10???:icon_mrgr