The reason the V8 appears to fit in this S-10 so well is because the radiator
support was modified so that the 19861988 Corvette radiator could be placed
in the "forward" position. This required relocating the 4.3 V6 air-conditioning
condensor in front of the radiator support. The original 4.3 V6 radiator will
not easily fit into the "forward" position because it is too wide. The
4.3 V6 fan shroud was modified and trimmed to work with the radiator and modified
radiator support.
The engine was set-back about 3/4" inch, it could not be moved anymore
rearward because the LT1 exhaust manifold on the driver's side gets close
to the upper a-arm. Also, the LT1 exhaust manifold on the passenger's side
requires some hammering on the firewall to move the engine rearward.
The LT1 manifold on the passenger's side interferes with the starter used
on the V8 trucks. The flywheel or flexplate should be replaced with th 153-tooth
unit used in passenger cars, and a 9397 Camaro LT1 starter should be used.
The hood clearance is a bit tight, and the hose fittings on the air-conditioning
compressor contact the hood insulation. We have been involved with another 97
S-10 with a Vortec V8, and cutting the ears on the Stealth Conversions mounts
(using the 2wd Blazer position) in the new body style lowers the engine 3/4
inch, and will work fine, but the corner of the oil pan sump has to be hammered
in to clear the front crossmember, and the transmission oil pan ends up being
as low as the frame rails on the truck. The exhaust headpipes will hang a little
lower and may cause ground clearance problems. |