Rebuild your current engine

Question:

I have a 1990 Chevrolet S-10 with a 4.3-liter V-6 engine with throttle body and an automatic transmission.

I love my truck and I’d like to pass it on to my grandson when he graduates from high school.

My truck has new paint and upholstery but the engine needs attention. What’s my best option?

Should I rebuild the 4.3-liter engine and add a cam and headers? Or would a small block Chevy engine be my best bet? Is there an engine that would hold up in place of the 4.3? A crate engine would simplify my project.

Answer:

If you are interested in simplifying your project then I would recommend rebuilding the current engine. If you do this, then you won’t have to worry about the long list of changes that will likely be required if you swap to a 5.7-liter V-8.

If you do decide to switch to a V-8 then you will have to change the engine control computer (or have the old computer’s fuel and timing maps revised), exhaust system, and a host of other parts.

As far as getting more performance out of the stock engine, a cam and headers will certainly help. You can also benefit from installation of aluminum (available from GM Performance), tweaking the truck’s engine management computer, and changing to an aftermarket induction system.

If you want to go a step further, consider the installation of a supercharger.