I need help with Engine mods.!!!!

Hi, I own a '96 s-10 and just got word that I need to replace a head Gasket, and I don't wanna pay to have it fixed. If I were to swap my 2.2L with say a 283, 302, or 350, what would I need to alter on the truck. New suspension??, rear end??, or just simply swap the engines and tear down the streets, if anyone can help me out, I would truly appreciate it... I trying to get a grasp on how all this stuff works, thanks a lot

I would suggest you get a copy of JTR's (Jags that run) S-10 V-8 conversion manual. You can probably find it at a well stocked book store
I have also seen them on ebay. You can also get some info from Advanced adaptors, but there info is not as informative.
There are kits that are basicly motor mounts.
You will need to replace your engine, transmission, radiator.
You can probably bolt the manual trans to the V-8 but it wont hold up
long. I recomend a turbo 350 or 700r4 if you can afford it.
the th350 should bolt in with no mods.
the radiator you need is from a C4 corvette or a 4.3 s-10 can work.
Both will bolt in but for better fan clearance you may want to move the
rad. foreward. I hope this helps. It it a lot of work but not that much more than an engine trans replacement when your done.
I can honestly say it is well worth the effort. I have done 2 of them now,
and helped my brother do one.
I will be more than happy to answer any questions.

Thanks a lot, for the advice, I have a few other questions, I need help answering. IF I swap a 350, how much HP can the original S10 frame handle before I have to replace the rear end. Also, will I need to change the suspension at all due to having a larger engine? Also, if anyone can point me to a good site or shop to buy crate 350's or 302's, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you

Your frame is plenty strong to handle almost anything you throw at it.
It sounds like you wont be gowing above 300hp so I wouldn't worry.
I'm not sure about the rearend, since yours is a 4cyl.
I know that the rear end for a 4.3 version will hold up to a V-8,
I don't think the 4cyl version had a smaller rear end.
Your front springs may be smaller, again I'm not sure.
I have never done a conversion from a 4cyl.
The 6 cyl springs barely sag at all under the weight of the weight of the 8 cyl. I would measure the bumper before and after the conversion,
if it drops to much you can get 6 cyl springs.
http://www.jagsthatrun.com/
Your on your own for crate engines. I don't know what you want to spend, but I like the gm engines.

definitly go with a 350.

and try s-series.org for your V8 technical questions.

May want to look into this if it applies to you....

00010 -- Special Policy Adjustment -- Coolant Loss, Visible Coolant Leakage, or Coolant Odor, Caused By Head Gasket Failure
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier, S10 Model Vehicles

1996 GMC Sonoma Model Vehicles

1996 Pontiac Sunfire Model Vehicles

Equipped with 2.2L Engine (RPO LN2 -- VIN Code 4)

Condition
Some customers of 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier, S10; Pontiac Sunfire; and GMC Sonoma model vehicles, equipped with 2.2L engine (RPO LN2-VIN Code 4) may experience a failure of the cylinder head gasket leading to external coolant leaks from the cylinder head gasket to engine block joint. Early evidence of this would be a loss of coolant in the coolant reservoir and an odor of coolant from the engine compartment. There may also be visible coolant deposits at the cylinder head to engine block joint.

Special Policy Adjustment
This special policy covers the condition described above for a period of seven (7) years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km), whichever occurs first, from the date the vehicle was originally placed in service, regardless of ownership.

The repairs will be made at no charge to the owner. This special policy applies ONLY to repairs requiring cylinder head gasket replacement as a result of cylinder head gasket failure that results in an engine coolant leak. It does not cover engine damage from continuing to operate the engine in an overheated condition after loss of coolant.

For vehicles covered by Vehicle Service Contracts, all eligible claims with repair orders on or after May 23, 2000 are covered by this special policy and must be submitted using the labor operation codes provided with this bulletin. Claims with repair orders prior to May 23, 2000 must be submitted to the Service Contract provider.

Vehicles Involved
Involved are all 1996 Chevrolet Cavalier, S10; Pontiac Sunfire; and GMC Sonoma model vehicles equipped with 2.2L engine (RPO LN2-VIN Code 4) and built from Start of Production to End of Production, which begins and ends with the following VIN breakpoints:

Year
Division
Model
Plant
From
Through

1996
Chevrolet
Cavalier
Ramos
TS100083
TS902867

1996
Chevrolet
Cavalier
Lordstown
T7100083
T7296297

1996
Chevrolet
Cavalier
Lansing
TM100009
TM140134

1996
Chevrolet
Cavalier
Genasys
TB100010
TB107187

1996
Chevrolet
S10
Linden
TK100122
TK231878

1996
Chevrolet
S10
Shreveport
T8100110
T8710889

1996
Pontiac
Sunfire
Ramos
TS800005
TS902860

1996
Pontiac
Sunfire
Lordstown
T7500051
T7585403

1996
Pontiac
Sunfire
Genasys
TB200035
TB205503

1996
GMC
Sonoma
Linden
TK500042
TK530057

1996
GMC
Sonoma
Shreveport
T8500033
T8533381

I just got done doing the swap and sure enough my truck tops out at about 60mph but don't worry you can easily swap the rear end with one you can get at a local junk yard. For a crate engine take a look at jegs or summit both very reliable sources. Also make sure you have a short style water pump or you will hit you radiator with your fan. Or like I did you could invest in a good set of electric fans. over all anyone that has any mechanical skill can do the job just make sure not to half aSSE stuff it will end up costing you a lot of money. Any qustions ask