Looking to buy a first generation Chevrolet S10 (82-93), are they good trucks? Any known problems? Don’t know which year or mileage?
Update, it’s a 2.8L V6 with a 5 Speed Standard transmission with 99,825 miles on it.
The 2.8 has an aluminum block and head and not much horsepower. Get the 4.3
4.3L
4.3L tried and true
2.8 is too weak
it's old so it's gonna be a project.
And you won't be haulin much with 110hp
I wouldn't say it's "good", but definitely worth $800. Especially if it truly is rust-free.
The upside is that those old S10/15's are super easy to wrench on yourself. They are also appreciating like bonkers (chip shortage + "square body" trendyness + people want a V8 swap). Nobody would blame you if you flipped it right away (you'd probably double your money).
The downside is there is guaranteed to be lots of little things - broken trim pieces, bad grounds, leaks & squeaks. It will definitely keep you busy (and get yourself a torch and an angle grinder if you are going to do anything on the undercarriage).
BTW: I had an '87 S10 back in the day (4cyl, standard transmission) and it was a champ. But that was 20 years ago.
The 2.8L V6 is a wimpy engine. I owned an '88 2.8L S-10 and put 160k miles on it. I remember it having difficulty keeping at cruising speed during head winds or going up hills. Should have waited for an '89, the 1st year that the 4.3L was offered. The 4.3 is also used in full size GMC/Chevrolet pickups. 1994 is the model year Chevrolet/GM upgraded the 4.3L to Vortec V6 which utilizes port fuel injection - it replaced throttle body fuel delivery. Another small pickup to consider is a 1991 GMC Syclone. It has a turbo charged 4.3L engine and is all wheel drive.
those Syclones are rare as hens teeth though, aren't they?
Yes. About 3000 were made in '91, a handful in '92. Accounting for accidents, or otherwise sent to scrapyard, don't see them around any more. Theres a 2021 Syclone now: https://specialtyvehicleengineering.com/2021-750hp-v8-awd-syclone/
looks like a custom aftermarket mod job
Hey Scotty, sorry about posting about the same topic but my first post was non informational. Anyways, would a 1991 GMC Sonoma (Chevrolet S10) with the 2.8L V6 and a 5 speed manual transmission be a good truck? It’s got peeling paint and the primer is showing but no rust holes anywhere, interior is in mint condition, and my dad is wanting to paint it as it might also be my first truck. It’s got 99,825 miles on it and our friend is selling it to us for $800. It runs like a clock. Should I get it? Are there any known problems with those trucks I should know about?
What’s the overall better, longest lasting, more reliable GM engine from 1991, the 2.8L V6 or the 4.3L V6? This is for a 1991 Chevrolet S10.
Just make sure not to get one with an automatic transmission, that generation was not so good.
