[88' RestoMod]

Hey guys I have a 88' S10 Extended Cab Long Bed that I'm looking to do a LS swap on. Now before I get started I'm planning on rebuilding this truck from the inside out. I'm restoring the whole frame, stripping and rust treating the interior and refinishing pretty much everything. What I'm trying to say is I really love this little truck and I'm planning on keeping it for a long time. So now for how this all ties into the LS swap. Currently I have a 2.8 pushrod V6 powering my s10 and if I'm being honest its a dog of an engine and pretty underpowered (at least to me). I need some ideas about what V8 swap kit I should get and more importantly what LS I should drop into it. I would prefer a LS that would more readily drop into the truck but if that doesn't really exist than I'm more than ready to do some fabrication. I'm a mechanic so it shouldn't be too hard.... right? Lastly I'm not looking to be the fastest s10 on the road, I just want my truck to be quick and most importantly sound good.

 

[Rhotpursuit]

Moved to LSx Discussion.

Read thru this section. There are lots of knowledgeable people here.

 

[oldeerslayer]

I have a 88' S10 Extended Cab Long Bed

You sure about that? Please post pics as the only ext cab long beds I've seen were custom made years after manufacture.
Since it's a 1st gen putting a SBC in it wouldn't be wrong. Would be a lot less work and a lot cheaper. 300 HP is easily attainable and sounds like about what you're looking for.
LS swaps are getting like belly buttons. Everybody has one.

 

[bk2life]

...any V8 engine of your choice will be an improvement over your current motivator.
But, for an FYI, any LS style engine, are all physically the same size on the outside. So any LS swap kit, or headers, or whatever cool thing you buy really only needs to be either square or cathedral intake port.
But, just from your post, you have lots to read and plan your road ahead. Also, make sure you have at least $5k before you even start. Yes, you can have a running and driving V8 swap for under 5K, but judging by your post, you might not have all the technical experience required, which will cost you money in the end.

 

[Tranzman]

Read all the stickies at the top of the LSx section. there are several of us that are doing 2nd gen LS swaps right now. i learned so much from just reading.
at first I was going to get a used 4.8L-5.3L because they are cheap right now. most are looking for 6.0L-6.2L engines. then I came across a 5.3L aluminum short block and decided to go with that. My wife decided we need to cam it, like a hot rod I had when we met. LOL Then she say's it needs paint another year delay.
then decided on the Holley swap system and front accessory drive system and a CPW complete swap harness & computer. Saved $$ with that, Hell no. Saved time not hunting down junk yard parts, Hell yes!!!
If your good at fabricating, you could put a low mount A/C system in, fab your own cross-member & etc.
Good Luck
we will be here for you...

 

[Briglicon]

Most important things to research: notching the frame for the oil pan, GM's LS muscle car oil pan, moving the radiator forward into the core support, cooling fans, fuel pump, cross member, and exhaust system.
Things i didn't find on this forum: The electronics are cake using the LT1swap.com info. You'll need a tuned PCM. Summit sells a V8 swap dual exhaust kit for a first gen that fits all years with minor mods, then weld the flanges on that mate to your headers. A flex fuel 4 cylinder fuel pump from a 2002 model fits into the original fuel pump bucket and provides more than enough volume and pressure to run a NA LS. (I run a 530hp 6.0 with no issues 6500rpm) 2000 model A/C lines, dryer, compressor can be bolted to in the LS alternator position if you relocate the alternator to the upper right. Nylon fuel lines can be made with a double flare tool and a vise for about $30. Happy hunting.
PS- my engine, trans, harness, PCM, and 8.8 diff were all free and i rebuilt them... and i still put around $5k into this project. But damn it's fast!

 

[bk2life]

Most important things to research: notching the frame for the oil pan,

you dont have to notch the frame for the oil pan to install an LS.
You can use all factory parts from a truck, with the truck ac compressor.
an ebay/amazon walboro fuel pump will also fit into the stock fuel basket.
the stock V6 s10 radiator will cool an LS
around me, a complete, minus ac compressor LS from the parts yard is $325

There are lots of information on this site, lots of good people, lots of help.
Post up your thoughts and we can help.

 

[88' RestoMod]

Thanks for all your help guys

...any V8 engine of your choice will be an improvement over your current motivator.
But, for an FYI, any LS style engine, are all physically the same size on the outside. So any LS swap kit, or headers, or whatever cool thing you buy really only needs to be either square or cathedral intake port.
But, just from your post, you have lots to read and plan your road ahead. Also, make sure you have at least $5k before you even start. Yes, you can have a running and driving V8 swap for under 5K, but judging by your post, you might not have all the technical experience required, which will cost you money in the end.

I've worked as a mechanic for a while so I think I'd be able to complete the swap on my own. I've been pulling engines out of Mercedes and BMWs for a couple of years now. But I appreciate all the information that you've given I'll consider it and save up some

 

[88' RestoMod]

You sure about that? Please post pics as the only ext cab long beds I've seen were custom made years after manufacture.

May be wrong about the long bed part but I'm 100% sure Its a 88' extended cab