How to Install a V8 in an S10

Installing a V8 in an S10 means the engine will fit without changing the transmission or its location. When completed the results are very gratifying. The truck will handle and ride better with the extra weight. The fuel mileage on a stock engine will generally show an increase over the original engine. The V8 will have less vibration and the performance will be exhilarating.

Things You'll Need

• S10 conversion kit
• Flexible transmission dipstick
• Three or four core radiator
• Radiator shroud
• Smaller diameter distributor than an HEI such as Unilite or Mallory
• Floor jack
• Jack stands
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• Set of 3/8-inch drive sockets
• Common screwdriver
• Set of wrenches
• Engine hoist
• Exhaust pipe cutter
• Mig welder
• Aftermarket exhaust system for a Chevy S10 conversion

Instructions

1. Install the offset motor mounts to the frame mounts. Make sure they are positioned with the offset to the rear. Insert the bolts and tighten them with a socket.

2. Set the engine in the engine bay and connect the transmission. Install the long bolt in each engine side motor mount and tighten with a socket.

3. Disconnect the rag joint by removing the two bolts with a wrench and a socket. Loosen the steering column slider just above the rag joint, using a socket. Pull the rag joint up toward the firewall to separate the steering from the steering box.

4. Place the driver's side header down next to the engine and work the steering column with the rag joint through the header. Install the header gasket and hold the header to the head. Insert the header bolts. Tighten the bolts with a wrench.

5. Re-connect the rag joint, screw on the nuts and tighten with a wrench. Tighten the slider joint with a wrench also. The passenger side header gets installed normally.

6. Push the flexible transmission dip stick into the transmission, then attach it to the firewall with a self tapping screw through its clamp. Install the new distributor by inserting it back into the intake manifold with the same orientation of the rotor as when removed. Install the distributor hold down clamp and bolt and tighten with a wrench. Install the oil pressure sensor wire and the water temperature wire connectors to the sensors on the engine.

7. Install either the carburetor (or throttle body if you are using a fuel injected engine). Lay the carburetor or throttle body over the four studs in the intake manifold, install the four nuts and tighten with a wrench. Install the throttle linkage and transmission kick down cable to either of these. Connect all the vacuum lines by physically pushing them on their vacuum source with the index finger and the thumb.

8. Set the radiator in place, then screw in the bolts and tighten with a socket. Install the fan shroud and the engine fan, then tighten the bolts with a wrench. Install the upper and lower radiator hose and tighten the clamps with the screwdriver.

9. Install the aftermarket exhaust kit by installing the header pipes to the headers and insert the bolts in the flange and tighten. Install the mufflers and muffler supports. Attach the muffler support to the floor with the bolts provided using a socket and ratchet.
   Install the muffler clamps and tighten them with a 1/2-inch socket and ratchet. Install the tailpipes and tighten the clamps with the same socket and ratchet.