S10 Swap how to

[KRFitz]

Hi Guys, new to the thread, 1st post. I'm considering doing an S10 swap on my '51 5 window. Is it possible to use the 4.3L as it sits without moving the motor position? Looking for the simplest way to approach this project. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

[joedoh]

Originally Posted by KRFitz

Hi Guys, new to the thread, 1st post. I'm considering doing an S10 swap on my '51 5 window. Is it possible to use the 4.3L as it sits without moving the motor position? Looking for the simplest way to approach this project. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.

no, its not. the fan would be through the core support.

you can buy V8 S10 swap mounts and flip them side to side so it moves the mounts back 5 inches, but for a 4.3 moving it back 8 inches is a lot better.

[KRFitz]

Does the motor mounting position come down to what a guy plans on doing with the fan? I have seen electric push fans used on the front side of the rad. Does this allow enough room to use the flipped V8 mount option, or do you still suggest the full 8" move.

[gigamanx]

Originally Posted by KRFitz

Does the motor mounting position come down to what a guy plans on doing with the fan? I have seen electric push fans used on the front side of the rad. Does this allow enough room to use the flipped V8 mount option, or do you still suggest the full 8" move.

It doesn't matter too much what is done with the fan. I tried to get away with not moving the motor at all. You need every bit of space you can get. My radiator didn't fit at all with the core support mounted and the radiator in place. It hits the lower engine block pulley.

[joedoh]

Originally Posted by KRFitz

Does the motor mounting position come down to what a guy plans on doing with the fan? I have seen electric push fans used on the front side of the rad. Does this allow enough room to use the flipped V8 mount option, or do you still suggest the full 8" move.

I moved my first one 5.5 inches and there was no room for the clutch fan but I was able to offset an electric fan to fit as a puller. I moved my second one 8.5 inches and the clutch fan barely fit.

both of those were 4.3. which is a good point to bring up. the engine mounts are in different places on the block on 4.3 vs V8s. the V8 mount is very forward, the 4.3 is more to the middle of the block so flipping S10 V8 mounts moves a V8 rearward more (its like an 8 inch total move on a V8) than a 4.3.

I guess what I am saying is, if the mounts were in the same place on V8s and 4.3, using the swap mounts would move it enough, but if they were in the same place on V8s and 4.3, swap mounts wouldnt exist!

[KRFitz]

Great to know. Well since I have no choice but to move the motor back, is there specific years of S10's that works better for doing this? I believe I read some of the earlier years chassis worked better? I would appreciate any suggestions on what all my options are for ideal donor vehicles. I live in an area with smaller population and therefore limited selection of used vehicles to choose from. I understand S10, S15, Sonoma, any others like Blazers, etc.? What years? (Would like to use the stock 4.3 motor). Thanks,

[gigamanx]

Originally Posted by KRFitz

Great to know. Well since I have no choice but to move the motor back, is there specific years of S10's that works better for doing this? I believe I read some of the earlier years chassis worked better? I would appreciate any suggestions on what all my options are for ideal donor vehicles. I live in an area with smaller population and therefore limited selection of used vehicles to choose from. I understand S10, S15, Sonoma, any others like Blazers, etc.? What years? (Would like to use the stock 4.3 motor). Thanks,

..and don't forget hunting down a long bed model will save you some time. Wheelbase is the same 117" as an A.D. truck.