305 TPI into S-10 Blazer
super_kev
03-16-2004, 10:28 AM
Hey guys,
We have an 1984 S-10 Blazer (4x4) with a 2.8 V6. I know there are conversion kits to drop a 350 in there, so since the 305 is basically a smaller bore 350, it should work. The TPI motor is from a '85 Trans Am, since I'm thinking of dropping a modded LT1 in it's place. :D We've wanted to upgrade the S-10 engine for a long time, and the 305 TPI that I have in my T/A gives me 25 MPG, so that would be a lot better than the 15 we're getting with that junk 2.8. Plus, the TPI was just rebuilt 5-10K miles ago.
Anybody have any ideas on what would need to be replaced/changed out on the S-10? We'd like to keep A/C. The tranny (700R4) has been rebuilt about 10K miles ago, and aside from motor mounts and the possible radiator upgrade, I can't think of what else would need to be done to it for the 305 TPI to fit. The computer and everything would need to be pulled, correct? I know with the LT1 swap, I'll need new harnesses anyways, so the 305 TPI wiring pulled from the T/A isn't a problem.
Would the truck sag quite a bit in the front with the 305 in place of the 2.8 V6? How much, and what would be done to limit sagging? What about exhuast? Are there special headers used to fit the V8 into the S-10? Anything else I've overlooking?
Thanks!
We have an 1984 S-10 Blazer (4x4) with a 2.8 V6. I know there are conversion kits to drop a 350 in there, so since the 305 is basically a smaller bore 350, it should work. The TPI motor is from a '85 Trans Am, since I'm thinking of dropping a modded LT1 in it's place. :D We've wanted to upgrade the S-10 engine for a long time, and the 305 TPI that I have in my T/A gives me 25 MPG, so that would be a lot better than the 15 we're getting with that junk 2.8. Plus, the TPI was just rebuilt 5-10K miles ago.
Anybody have any ideas on what would need to be replaced/changed out on the S-10? We'd like to keep A/C. The tranny (700R4) has been rebuilt about 10K miles ago, and aside from motor mounts and the possible radiator upgrade, I can't think of what else would need to be done to it for the 305 TPI to fit. The computer and everything would need to be pulled, correct? I know with the LT1 swap, I'll need new harnesses anyways, so the 305 TPI wiring pulled from the T/A isn't a problem.
Would the truck sag quite a bit in the front with the 305 in place of the 2.8 V6? How much, and what would be done to limit sagging? What about exhuast? Are there special headers used to fit the V8 into the S-10? Anything else I've overlooking?
Thanks!
VJL
03-16-2004, 02:45 PM
Oil pan, exhaust.
You'll probably also need a remote oil filter from a 4.3 4x4.
Since it's 4x4 you can probably get an alignment shop to set up "ride height" with a turn or two on the torsion bars, which is fiine let them do it because you'll need an aligment anyway after changing ride height. Do your lower ball joints first though.
Go to Google and search on S10 V8, fnd some others that have done the swap... I recall seeing a TPI one somewhere. I was going to V8 my 89 until I started pricing it all out then I decide to just rebuild and warm up my 4.3.
You'll probably also need a remote oil filter from a 4.3 4x4.
Since it's 4x4 you can probably get an alignment shop to set up "ride height" with a turn or two on the torsion bars, which is fiine let them do it because you'll need an aligment anyway after changing ride height. Do your lower ball joints first though.
Go to Google and search on S10 V8, fnd some others that have done the swap... I recall seeing a TPI one somewhere. I was going to V8 my 89 until I started pricing it all out then I decide to just rebuild and warm up my 4.3.
fabrikator
03-18-2004, 04:35 PM
I've had good luck with Jegs ( www.jegs.com )
They've got Edelbrock shortie headers and motor mounts that will work for your 4X4 (I believe).
Also, I've just posted to another question regarding SBC swaps, there's a place called Jags That Run
http://www.jagsthatrun.com/
that will have some other stuff you might be interested in- like a manual with instructions on how to go about the swap.
My S-10's V8 is tucked in there w/o air but there's room for it. The passenger side tunnel has to be bent up a little for exhaust. Changing springs up front is a good idea. Good luck!
They've got Edelbrock shortie headers and motor mounts that will work for your 4X4 (I believe).
Also, I've just posted to another question regarding SBC swaps, there's a place called Jags That Run
http://www.jagsthatrun.com/
that will have some other stuff you might be interested in- like a manual with instructions on how to go about the swap.
My S-10's V8 is tucked in there w/o air but there's room for it. The passenger side tunnel has to be bent up a little for exhaust. Changing springs up front is a good idea. Good luck!
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