I have a '91 s-10 blazer, 2 dr, 4wd, 700r4, 3" BL, 33/12.50/15r tires. The 4.3 is showing its age at 228,000. I have a 305 out of a '91 camaro that my brother swapped for a 350. I was wondering if it would be worth the time and money to put in the 305 for towing purposes, occasional off-roading, and all around awesomeness?

What modifications I would have to do to get it in there? I've read I will need new motor mounts, but what make/part number/out of what model of vehicle? Also I want to get some headers in there but I can foresee a clearance issue with the steering shaft combined with the 3" body lift...

Any input or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

 

Looks like s10v8.com sells every part you would need. I bet Ebay has everything as well. Otherwise I'm pretty sure Jegs and Summit sell them as well. I doubt there is any less room on the S10 than the Camaro the engine came out of. I'm not so sure the 305 is a whole lot better than the 4.3 other than maybe lower miles. I'm willing to bet a higher stall converter and some gears would make just as big a difference as an engine swap. I'm pretty sure in '91 Camaros only came with TPI, so they made a bit of power, but in all honesty my '88 TBI Firebird made somewhere around 190 stock I think. TPI was maybe 15-20 more. If you just rebuilt and updated the 4.3 a bit you might be better off.

 

shop around S10V8, Jegs & Summit, they all have kits for the conversion.


actually, there's quite a bit more room in the Camaro than the S-series.


yeah, not much of a gain with that conversion. for the amount of work to swap in a 8, you're better off to do a 350 or go more modern, & do a LS/LX swap. either way, you're getting into wiring & ECM work, so make it worth while & get the most you can.

but going with what you already have..........you can squeeze some half descent power from it. i had 330hp out of the 305 i built up for one of my old LB. don't sound like much? well.....the guy that owned the BN GTA that decided to play one day, sure didn't like the fact that he couldn't get by me.

want to see some of the work involved in doing that kind of swap? check out THIS member's build.

as for rebuilding the 4-3 in there already.......well..are you looking for more power, or just a fresher engine? you can do the swap for about the same as rebuilding the 4-3.

GL, be sure to keep us updated with a build thread of your own.