I've got a line on a mid 80's S-10 blazer 4x4 for next to nothing. The body and interior are in very good shape but the engine is dead. Listening to the guy trying to start it sounds like it threw the timing chain, which probably means bent valves too. Rather than mess with the worn out 2.8 (which sucked even when new), I was looking into a V-8 conversion but really don't want to get THAT involved with it since I have way too many other projects already. This 3.4HT crate motor looks like a heck of a deal...it only costs about $200 more than a basic 2.8 crate motor, and since it is rated at 160hp/194#'s of torque, it should be a huge improvement over a 2.8. Anybody ever tried one?

Or, would it be possible to do a V-8 swap for less than the price of the 3.4? I have a few running smallblocks and useable th350's and a th400. I am worried about using a much stronger V-8 though with the wimpy 7.5" rear end, not to mention the factory t-case (if thats even possible).

[ 12-17-2003, 09:19 AM: Message edited by: travis ]

Travis,
One of my customers/friends put one in his Astro Van about a year ago and he loves it. Had no problems that I know of, basic bolt in swap.
Hope this helps,

The sbc 350 swap will need a special oil pan for the 4x4 s-10. And the 2.8 is a 60 degree block, so if has an auto trans, the trans will have to be changed also to match up with the 90 degree v-8 block

I would think a 4.3 would bolt right up, and since it would be a mid 80's Blazer, that all you would have to change is the intake manifold and carb. I don't know if the 2.8 intake would work on the 4.3. If it didn't, you could get a Edelbrock Performer and 500 cfm 4 barrel Performer carb, and would have a very nice setup. 4.3's are very plentiful in the junkyards, and you can put about a billion miles on them. Just an idea anyway. It would probably be much cheaper than the 3.4. They havev been out for many years now, and when I worked at a Chevy dealership, I never sold one, or had even anyone inquire about it. That probably doesn't mean anything though. :rolleyes:

The 3.4 and 2.8's are 60* V-6's, while the 4.3 is a 90* V-6 (basically a 350 with 2 cylinders cut off). I agree that the 4.3 is an excellent engine, but I would have to change the tranny anyway as the bolt patterns are different. If I am going to go thru that much trouble I would rather drop a 350 in it.

I have one here in my dealership been here for a while I'll sell CHEAP!!! graemlins/beers.gif PS.$1687 PLUS shipping can send pics if needed. :D 3.4 #12363230

What do you think it would cost to ship one of them things halfway across the country?

I'll check I'd guess about $220 :rolleyes: I'll e-mail ya smile.gif

If the 3.4HT is anything like the 3.4L in my '02 Chevy Venture you'll like it. Even in a big van if I nail the gas it WILL spin them dinky little radials in front a little :eek: not like I plan on racing it or anything, but it has good power for a driver and gets 25-26 mpg on the e-way.

I ordered the S-10 swap manual from JTR today. I am still torn between the ease of just dropping in a 3.4 or using some of the spare parts I have around here and dropping in a mild 350. I am not looking for mondo power, but after having driven a few 2.8 4x4 blazers that couldn't get out of their own way, something needs to be done.

Eric, I think they are basically the same engine but the 3.4HT has a slightly larger cam (same specs as the crane 260 powermax...204/216@.050)

At my current rate, I will have all projects finished around roughly the year 2060 :rolleyes:

Yeah, I'm sure you will burn off some of that "angry energy" by then . . .