1984 Chevrolet S-10 2.8 liter gasoline V6
Summary:
Shouldahadda five-speed!
Faults:
Word to the less wise: Don't buy a General Motors product with a four-speed automatic transmission. I've had several and they will always break your heart. Two of the Chevrolets I owned were 1980's S-10s with 2.8 V-6 engines. They shared three common traits: both were blue, both had transmissions that blew and both leaked out the rear main seal of the engine. Incidentally, neither of them had air conditioners that would blow when I let them go.
General Comments:
The 2.8 liter V-6 seemed to be a durable, tough, hard pulling little engine. I cannot brag too much about its fuel economy, but it made up for it with sheer torque.
I've been told that the Ford Ranger is a better truck. If you look around, you will notice that there are a lot more older Rangers on the road than S-10s. This is a sign.
If you chance it, make sure to get a Chevrolet with a 5-speed manual gearbox. If you choose to stray from my warnings, my God be with you... Or at least a couple of quarts of Dexron II.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 13th February, 2003
14th Dec 2003, 10:15
These trucks are a lot of fun if you have a little time and money on your hands. I had a 1984 S-10 for a little while. The original owner had dropped a 350 V8 into it. You wouldn't believe the power that truck had. It had the stock 4:11 gears in it, so it had awesome acceleration. I sold it to my cousin, since I couldn't afford to drive it all the time. He built a brand new 350 with 305 heads, forged pistons, ARP rod bolts, a huge cam, and an Edelbrock 650 CFM four-barrel carb. He also installed a new transmission with overdrive to improve the fuel economy, and a set of Flowmasters for better sound (it had straight pipes when I owned it). He then started working on the outside. He lowered the truck around 2-3 inches, installed new rims and tires, installed a roll-pan with corvette taillights, welded plates over the factory taillight openings, and primed it. He had to sell it before he got around to painting it. That truck was absolutely awesome. It had around 320 horsepower when he got done with it, and it got attention everywhere he drove it. Everyone he met knew it had a V8 in it as soon as they heard it.
7th Sep 2003, 10:11
I was also told that the 2-8 liter engines in the early to mid 1980'S had a problem with the bottom end, it was first to go, and often. is it true. If it is (I have one) how can I get a 3-0 V6 pontiac engine to fit. its sitting in front of the truck with the transmission right now. Along with the 2-8.