Thread: s10 v8 swap help

Tweet

I have a 89 s10 with a 2.5L 4 cylinder that threw a rod. this motivated me to finally small block it. i bought another extended cap s10 that had a v8 and am doing the conversion. the only problems that are still in the back of my head is the rear end and the driveshaft. any suggestions on gear ratio's, different rear end swaps or gears that will fit. or also what will have to be done with my driveshaft would be appreciated. thnx

When you fab up tranny and motor mounts then you will have to either lengthen or shorten the drive shaft. Rear end gears don't matter, it only matters on what you want them to be.

If you're serious about a Small block V8 into an S-10, then you should visit this site:

www.v8s10.org

Everything you need to know about the swap is on this site. The 89 S-10 usually has a rear ratio of either 3.08, or 3.42. That is the favorite ratio for highway speeds. The simplest way to go is a small block Chevy with special engine mounts from JTR. hooked up to a TH700 4R trans. The whole thing is a bolt-in and you can use the existing driveshaft without altering it. The whole process is explained within the posts at the above site. If you want to use another make of engine and trans, that's covered in there too.

I quit shortening drive shafts long ago. Go to the wreckers with a tape measure, you'll find one that'll fit.
Done a few of these swaps. Place the engine as far back as possible, to the point of having to beat the flange on the firewall flat and denting the heater housing for clearance. Cut a notch in the X-member for starter clearance, and use the "soup can" starter. Notch the frame for fuel pump clearance. This way you can use the common long snout water pump and factory alt and PS mounts, and the balance of the truck is much better.

Originally posted by smokinsdimess
I have a 89 s10 with a 2.5L 4 cylinder that threw a rod. this motivated me to finally small block it. i bought another extended cap s10 that had a v8 and am doing the conversion. the only problems that are still in the back of my head is the rear end and the driveshaft. any suggestions on gear ratio's, different rear end swaps or gears that will fit. or also what will have to be done with my driveshaft would be appreciated. thnx

i used the back 1/2 of the reg. cab drive shaft and front 1/2 of the ext. cab drive shaft and it worked ok. i used the 700r4 trans. with the 4:10 gear that was in the truck. you'll have to move the rad. forward. its not a bad job, but its a tight fit. i used the JTR motor mounts.

Go to JTR web site look at thier parts section. The radiator that they sell is a Modine unit for a Corvette, it is cheaper thru them than can be purchased on the outside. It is a simple instalation if you remove the core support. Short water pump will let you put the radiator in the stock position. Headman s-10 sbc headers work great also.