Finally got my tax returns back a week ago and needed to get a car,
> me and my wife had settled on an older used SUV since it would have
> room for the family and have cargo room to take up camping and stuff,
> and I wanted 4WD for playing up in the mountains.
>
> So, I jump the gun and get an '85 S10 Blazer 4x4 with the 2.8L V6 & 5
> spd manual tranny.
>
> After I get the truck, I get told by virtually everyone I talk to
> that I should get rid of it, because the 2.8L V6 is a piece of junk,
> and they have a habit of blowing out the lower half on the engine. > Wonderful.
>
> Now, it's in the shop because it needs a new clutch and rear main
> seal. The mechanic told me I most likely would not need a new
> crankshaft, main bearings, or whole new motor (as another mechanic
> told me I would) since the motor is still running pretty strong right
> now, but it's leaking from the rear main seal and has gotten oil on
> the clutch so it's slipping bad.
>
> I'm having the repairs done for now since it's the only vehicle I
> have. My tentative plan (if it's even possible) is to build another
> engine up as money allows and then swap out the 2.8.
>
> My friends all tell me not to do it, just get something else.
> However, call me a freak, but I like the body style of the S10 Blazer
> and would like to keep it and fix it up real nice.
>
> Is it possible to put in something like a 4.3L V6 to replace the 2.8,
> without having to hack apart the engine bay? If not, are there any
> other motors I can put in that will fit and have the correct mounts? >
> Also, what else am I likely to have to replace to do something like
> this? Transmission, transfer case, differential?
>
> I'm not terribly knowledgeable about cars, been a long long time
> since I've done any mechanic work... I have a few friends that would
> be willing to help me out with doing the work, but none know if
> there's anything I can put in that will fit, have the correct mounts, > etc.
You have lots of options at this point. There is the option of swapping in a 3.1 or 3.4 motor (my understanding is that the 3.1 is virtually plug and play). If you move to something else, you also have to change the transmission. 4.3 = new transmission If you are going the extra distance to do the 4.3, you can put a 350 small block in with not much more effort. No modification to engine well needed for either 4.3 or 350. 350 and 4.3 will also require new hoses and radiator, as if my memory serves me correct, the hook-ups are on the opposite sides. New shocks for sure up front with a
350, though with the motor out it's a piece of cake to change them. Explore your options at
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and
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Both are outstanding resources for anythingrelated to the S-series. If you are thinking about anything, 99% likelyhoodsomebody on one of those two forums has done it and can tell you all thetricks and what to avoid. Big Chris