[The777superman]

hello I recently inherited my dads 87 s10 which I believe has the 2.5, i let it sit for about a year after one day it randomly stopped running after digging into it and replacing some parts I found a loose wire at the starter and that fixed all the issues it had before, now I believe it has a rod knock, it only does it under load after its warm, I know it has good oil and good oil level, so I am looking for a replacement engine for when it finally dies. I want to keep it legal because I'm in Cali and I have to deal with smog but I assume I can put the bigger displacement engine in it keeping it a V6 so I can keep driving it. my question is which engine would I look for ? if there is a thread already dedicated to this I apologia I couldn't find it.

Any help would be appreciated !!

 

[oldeerslayer]

Since Cali smogs vehicles back to 76 changing engines is difficult task. First you need to verify what engine is in there now. You say you want to keep it a V6 and you think it is a 2.5. It's one or the other. 2.5l is an inline 4 cylinder. To swap to a V6 if that is the case would require using a an 87 or newer V6. Including all emission equipment appropriate for the year of the engine. Operating and in it's original position. What transmission does it have now?
Your best bet IMHO is to rebuild the existing engine or move.
Your Dad kept the truck very nice.

 

[ScottyV1966]

Remove engine( which ever it is) bring it to a shop, or engine rebuild facility, then reinstall same engine. As long as the Block and Crank are not destroyed this could be done for about 1500-1800 dollars. You will have a very Good engine to drive. Peace of mind sometimes is worth the extra money. Truck Looks like it is in Great Shape! Keep it running!

 

[The777superman]

It is for sure a v6 I've done the sparkplugs in it with him. lt sounds like the best option is to rebuild it. should I change while doing a rebuild? to wake it up a bit?

And we basically rebuilt it together he got it repainted a pearl whiten and we painted the camper together along with lowering it so it definitely has some sentimental value to keep it going

 

[aitch]

IIRC, if the engine is indeed a V6, then it would be the 2.8L. I'd suggest getting some quotes for a (stock) rebuild, and then decide if your budget can handle any 'performance/ upgrade' options, bearing in mind the CA regulations. Due diligence on your part is important. Be sure to seek out reputable shops for the work, and make sure that the quotes specifically detail what all is included. There are shops that can give you a really enticing ('lowball') estimate, but do a mediocre job, and/ or start tacking on '"additional" things once underway. You want to be sure you are comparing 'apples to apples'.

 

[oldeerslayer]

Again because you're in CA anything you could do to upgrade the engine will likely fail smog.

 

[ScottyV1966]

It is for sure a v6 I've done the sparkplugs in it with him. lt sounds like the best option is to rebuild it. should I change while doing a rebuild? to wake it up a bit?

And we basically rebuilt it together he got it repainted a pearl whiten and we painted the camper together along with lowering it so it definitely has some sentimental value to keep it going

I have my Dad's 02 Silverado. It has Flaws But I just fix one thing at a time, Too Much Sentimental Value for me to sell it. Even if I got 10k for it I would feel horrible selling it.
I know how you feel.

 

[TokoDragon]

bummer, I guess in that situation I'd just save some cash here and there and get the 2.8L rebuilt, chances are too slim on getting a good junkyard 2.8