1984 Chevrolet S-10 2.8 liter gasoline V6

Summary:

Shouldahadda five-speed!

Faults:

Word to the less wise: Don't buy a General Motors product with a four-speed automatic transmission. I've had several and they will always break your heart. Two of the Chevrolets I owned were 1980's S-10s with 2.8 V-6 engines. They shared three common traits: both were blue, both had transmissions that blew and both leaked out the rear main seal of the engine. Incidentally, neither of them had air conditioners that would blow when I let them go.

General Comments:

The 2.8 liter V-6 seemed to be a durable, tough, hard pulling little engine. I cannot brag too much about its fuel economy, but it made up for it with sheer torque.

I've been told that the Ford Ranger is a better truck. If you look around, you will notice that there are a lot more older Rangers on the road than S-10s. This is a sign.

If you chance it, make sure to get a Chevrolet with a 5-speed manual gearbox. If you choose to stray from my warnings, my God be with you... Or at least a couple of quarts of Dexron II.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th February, 2003

7th Sep 2003, 10:11

I was also told that the 2-8 liter engines in the early to mid 1980'S had a problem with the bottom end, it was first to go, and often. is it true. If it is (I have one) how can I get a 3-0 V6 pontiac engine to fit. its sitting in front of the truck with the transmission right now. Along with the 2-8.

14th Dec 2003, 10:15

These trucks are a lot of fun if you have a little time and money on your hands. I had a 1984 S-10 for a little while. The original owner had dropped a 350 V8 into it. You wouldn't believe the power that truck had. It had the stock 4:11 gears in it, so it had awesome acceleration. I sold it to my cousin, since I couldn't afford to drive it all the time. He built a brand new 350 with 305 heads, forged pistons, ARP rod bolts, a huge cam, and an Edelbrock 650 CFM four-barrel carb. He also installed a new transmission with overdrive to improve the fuel economy, and a set of Flowmasters for better sound (it had straight pipes when I owned it). He then started working on the outside. He lowered the truck around 2-3 inches, installed new rims and tires, installed a roll-pan with corvette taillights, welded plates over the factory taillight openings, and primed it. He had to sell it before he got around to painting it. That truck was absolutely awesome. It had around 320 horsepower when he got done with it, and it got attention everywhere he drove it. Everyone he met knew it had a V8 in it as soon as they heard it.

1984 Chevrolet S-10 2.8 liter

Summary:

A real truck

Faults:

Engine threw a rod at 90,000 miles. A new engine was installed.

Transmission went out and was rebuilt at 75,000, 150,000 and 250,000 miles.

Everything else has been minor problems you'd expect from an 18 year old vehicle. Alternator, radiator, brakes, exhaust, etc. have been repaired or replaced over the last 8 years.

General Comments:

This truck is driven 160 miles round trip 5 days a week to work. Aside from the lack of power on the interstate I've had no problems.

Gas mileage is not as good as it should be considering my 1987 Suburban with a 350 (5.7 liter) gets the same mileage.

I've abused this vehicle and am very pleased with how it's held up.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th June, 2002

28th Apr 2004, 09:47

I own a 1984 Chevrolet s-10 Blazer, and it is the best car I've ever owned. It's 4x4, it's got a 4" lift on it, plus some pretty nice sized mud tires. I redid all the interior with black leather, and have a stereo system that would blow away 90-95% of the cars you see today. It does however have a few problems. The gas mileage sucks!!! I also have a 98' Suburban with a 350, 5.7 liter engine in it, and it gets the same gas mileage. Plus it has a lack of power on the road (except when in 4-wheel drive). But for all intent and purposes, it's a great vehicle. And the best thing about it, is that I've never seen another like it.