'nother question or 2 bout my 88 s-10 4x4

thanks for the info on the motor swap from 2.8 to 4.3.

I have a couple more questions.

1. I know about the electric fan to replace the clutch fan and the fuel injector swap from a 4.3 . are there any other performance items (or tricks) that I can do? Im wondering how "upgradeable" my 2.8 is...I get into alot of places that a regular full size truck cant get into (3 and 4 wheeler trails, ect.) and love it.

1. the vacume actuator for the front diff (sits on the passengers side fender well) the diaphram is toast.... can I engage that permanately(temporarly) without damaging the front diff or transfer case??

80 bucks is what the dealer wants and the local scrap yard dosent have any 4x4's in their yard....

Thanks again!

Go to the sites previously posted s-series.org and such. Is there much you can do to the 2.8 -- Yes and No. No matter what you do it'll still be a 2.8 POS. Most of your options are expensive, and if you are unwilling to spend $80 on your actuator for the front diff, I doubt you're really interested in power options that cost considerably more, but if I'm wrong let us know (and read the web sites). If you want more bang for the buck, the 3.1 or 3.4 is a more upgradeable option with a better base platform from which to make power. Will you damage anything by putting it in 4 wheel drive semi-permanently? That depends on where you are going to drive it. You CANNOT drive it on pavement. CANNOT if you want to keep from tearing things up. If you only drive on gravel, sand, and loose soil you should be fine.

Big Chris

I agree with B.C., you're a early in the game to dicker about money. Speed costs money....how fast u wanna go ! somebody makes a cable that replaces the vacuum actuator......don't know who ? That 2.8 will scream with the right parts, but it would be more cost effective from all points of view to upgrade to a 3.4 litre engine then start bumping compression, duration, lift, flow chacteristics etc etc etc There is no substitute for cubic inches (except nitrous) he-he. Read the book on hot-rodding 60 degree motors, then take it 1 step at a time friend.

Here is another good link 4 ya

Nice site. I don't even own a 2.8 and I will bookmark that for future reading.

Big Chris

Yes, he CAN drive it on pavement withthe front locked in.

The front is an open diff. As long as he keeps the tcase out of 4WD, he'll be fine.

You're right, I guess I was thinking he would have it in 4WD if he engaged it, but that is not necessarily true. Good catch.

Big Chris