'87 4X4 S-10 with 20k on rebuilt 2.8 V6 $1200. Good deal?

I'm interested in the truck described in the subject, but I've never dealt with the 2.8 V6. I have a friend that says that I should stay away from the 2.8, and that the 4.3 is the only decent GM V6. However, I've read various forum posts where people have said the 2.8 is excellent and reliable.

I am not looking for power (I understand the 2.8 is lacking there), I'm just looking for dependability and decent mileage. Would the 2.8 fit what I'm looking for? Would the 4.3?

Thanks

Hi!

The 2.8 is a fine little V6 if you can get past the lack of power. I've heard that the 2.5L four cylinder will handily outdo the 2.8L V6. It too is a good engine.

I bought a new S10 in 2003, when the only engines available were the 4.3 V6 and the 2.2 4 cylinder. One salesman said "oh that 4.3 is way too much engine for that truck" and he really didn't want to sell me the V6. Fine, I'll take a test drive. Well, I kept turning the A/C off on that extended cab, four cylinder, automatic transmission truck to get the thing to have any kind of power at all. It couldn't get out of its own way. Towing? Ha-ha.

I opted for the 4.3.

The 4.3 is--for the most part--extremely dependable. But if you never pull anything, and if you go with the regular cab, it's more engine than you need.

William

Thanks for the info. as it turns out I found a different Chevy with the 4.3 in it, in way better condition for the same price, so I went with it. I guess I will see for myself how well the 4.3 does. Thanks again.

Hi!

It is more or less a 350 with two cylinders gone and it is reliable.

The best numbers I've seen from my truck for fuel economy were around 24 MPG unloaded and driving to Wisconsin around 65 miles an hour. Loaded with a bed full of computer stuff, it almost managed to do 23 MPG.

My truck has an automatic, extended cab and a 3.42 rear end in it.

William

Bob La Londe