2.8 and 4.3
01-23-2012, 05:49 PM
#11
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4.8, T56, tuned for mileage would likely crack over 30 pretty easy.
I remember a guy with the username BlackX had a 5.7 swap, ran in the 10's and claimed he got near 30 mpg in a 2nd gen s10.
01-23-2012, 06:47 PM
#12
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I have had nearly every single variation of an s-10 that you can dream of. BY FAR, the best mileage was from a 2 different 2.8L 5 spd trucks. The one we just sold was a 93 with 3.42 gears, it averaged 22MPG in town and 28 MPG on the hwy. Actually, better then my 91 2.8L 5spd 3.08 geared truck that never did better then 25MPG. I haven't had a box s-10 with a 4.3L that would do better then about 22MPG.
4.3L definitely has more power, but isn't as smooth of a engine as 2.8L. Has to do with motor mount design and a few other things.
I have talked to a few different people that have gotten a 4.3L extended cab 5 spd, and swapped in a stock TBI 305 V8. Pretty straight forward swap, and conservatively driven, they are getting mid 20's pretty consistent.
If you really want a small truck with fuel mileage, get a box s-10 and swap a Kabota diesel engine in it. It has been done and the mileage result is pretty impressive.
A 2.8L isn't going to win any races, factory rated at 128 HP, but I wouldn't call it gut less. Yes, they were totally useless in a 4x4 with an automatic, but a 2.8L is a pretty great little engine in a 2wd with a 5 spd. A standard cab short bed box s-10 only weighs in at 2800 lbs with a 2.8L and 5 spd. So you aren't having to move much weight at all.
4.3L definitely has more power, but isn't as smooth of a engine as 2.8L. Has to do with motor mount design and a few other things.
I have talked to a few different people that have gotten a 4.3L extended cab 5 spd, and swapped in a stock TBI 305 V8. Pretty straight forward swap, and conservatively driven, they are getting mid 20's pretty consistent.
If you really want a small truck with fuel mileage, get a box s-10 and swap a Kabota diesel engine in it. It has been done and the mileage result is pretty impressive.
A 2.8L isn't going to win any races, factory rated at 128 HP, but I wouldn't call it gut less. Yes, they were totally useless in a 4x4 with an automatic, but a 2.8L is a pretty great little engine in a 2wd with a 5 spd. A standard cab short bed box s-10 only weighs in at 2800 lbs with a 2.8L and 5 spd. So you aren't having to move much weight at all.
01-23-2012, 07:11 PM
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The quest for 8's... Couple updates. Few pictures.
Not so great with the mileage anymore, but the previous build was impressive.
I got a buddy that added a T56 to the 4.3 and got really decent mileage.
A bunch are finding the LSx V8 swap is also coming with the added advantage of better mpg's.
My S10 on it's best day sees 20 hwy. I average around 18, providing I stay out of it.
Fellas with the 2.2 have been claiming upper 20's for mileage. God awful performance though.
Last edited by Dogsofjune; 01-23-2012 at 07:18 PM.
01-23-2012, 11:01 PM
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92 s-10 could have a 10 or 20 gallon tank. Conservatively driven, you should be able to get 16-20MPG out of a 4.3L. It would be great for a run about if it is only about 20 miles. I am only 5'10" on a good day, and I tend to be uncomfortable on a s-10 standard cab.
You sentence structure is a bit confusing for me. You wouldn't happen to be deaf would you?
You sentence structure is a bit confusing for me. You wouldn't happen to be deaf would you?
01-23-2012, 11:28 PM
#17
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i've had 5 s10's...02 rc s10 4.3 auto..plenty of power.got 19mpg no matter how i drove it.99 s10 rc 2.2 manuel.no power.got 19mpg with my right foot to the floor all the time.93 s10 rc 4.3 manuel.decent power.around 17-18mpg.93 s10 rc 2.8 manuel.decent power.got 24mpg.tough truck.i wish i would have never sold it.getting hard to find a obs 2.8 s10 in decent shape.93 s10 rc 2.8 manuel.also got good fuel mileage.also a tough truck.this was my first truck,i got when i was 15.i couldn't blow it up.trust me,i tryed.i would say over all,if your gone buy a obs,get a 2.8 if you can find one in decent shape.imo the tbi 4.3's didn't have much more power than 2.8's and got way less mpg.if you get a nbs s10,get a 4.3.they have way more power than 2.2's and get same mpg.i wish i could find another 2.8 s10 in decent shape for gas mileage.
01-23-2012, 11:56 PM
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OK, at least he has solid reason. I am just stupid and can't proof read worth a hoot. Feel free to make fun of my poor attempt of using the english language.
As to the topic on hand, I have enjoyed having a 4x4 4.3L Blazer the most. The mileage is honestly about the same as a full size rig, but the small size makes them very maneuverable in traffic and parking. They have a nice amount of interior space and fairly comfortable seats. Not to mention, they typically go like stink in most mild off-road and snow/ice conditions.
If you do decide on a 2.8L 5 spd truck, I can offer one bit of advice, they love to be short shifted, almost to the extent of lugging the engine. The little amount of power they make is at a very low RPM. You can actually feel the engine stop pulling around 3,000 RPM. Get it through the gears quickly with light acceleration, and you will be rewarded with good economy.
As to the topic on hand, I have enjoyed having a 4x4 4.3L Blazer the most. The mileage is honestly about the same as a full size rig, but the small size makes them very maneuverable in traffic and parking. They have a nice amount of interior space and fairly comfortable seats. Not to mention, they typically go like stink in most mild off-road and snow/ice conditions.
If you do decide on a 2.8L 5 spd truck, I can offer one bit of advice, they love to be short shifted, almost to the extent of lugging the engine. The little amount of power they make is at a very low RPM. You can actually feel the engine stop pulling around 3,000 RPM. Get it through the gears quickly with light acceleration, and you will be rewarded with good economy.
01-24-2012, 12:06 AM
#20
I've driven and worked on all of them. IMHO, the "power" difference between the 2.8 and 4.3 was never stellar by any means. It definately did not offset the loss of MPG's in my mind.
If you're really just looking for a reliable smaller truck, to get you better MPG's for your commute, try to find a 2.8 in decent condition. If you get the 4.3, you're only gonna get around 18 MPG, and that's really not much better than you can get with your Silvy. In my mind, that defeats the purpose of buying the S10.
If you're really just looking for a reliable smaller truck, to get you better MPG's for your commute, try to find a 2.8 in decent condition. If you get the 4.3, you're only gonna get around 18 MPG, and that's really not much better than you can get with your Silvy. In my mind, that defeats the purpose of buying the S10.