Questions and Answers
S-10 Engine Swap
Q. Hello Vincent. I'd like to ask you something about an engine swap that I have an idea for. Currently I am driving a 1985 Chevrolet S-10 4x4 Pickup. It has a 2.8 liter V-6, 4-speed auto transmission (including. Overdrive), and a 2-barrel 2SE (maybe E2SE) Rochester carburetor.
I am very disappointed with this engine due to constant oil problems that don't seem to stay fixed and the poor performance. Not to mention it is a nightmare to work on.
Anyways, I happen to have a Pontiac 301 (4.9 liter) V-8 from a 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix SJ that needs a home. This engine is equipped with a Rochester Quadrajet and the 79 Grand Prix had a 3-speed auto trans. I was wondering if you knew if this swap could be done without too much pain or if it is just a pipe dream.
Off hand I know that the 301 should fit in the S-10's engine compartment (I've seen them with 350's!). What I'm really concerned with is will the 301 match up with the bell housing readily. I feel that the motor mounts won't but that shouldn't be too much trouble. Also, the throttle linkages are on opposite sides. The 2.8's linkage is on the passenger side and the 4.9 is on the driver's side. What's the best way to remedy that problem.
Hopefully you can tell me how to go about doing this. I'd like to be sure about this before I go tearing my truck apart and run into extreme difficulties.
Thanks a lot.
A. The 4.9 will not bolt up to the transmission you have in it now. If you're going to do the swap, you'll need to do engine and transmission. You'll probably need to have your present driveshaft shortened to fit, but there are shops that can do that as well as balance it.
Since I have never done a swap such as this, I can only offer general advice. One way or another there will be a great deal of modifications you'll have to make as you go along.
As far as the carburetor linkage goes, the 2.8 has a accelerator cable and the 4.9 was mechanical. You might be able to swap enough of the linkage from one carb to the other to be able to use the cable. If not, you'll have to fabricate an adapter to connect the linkage. The cable will probably be too short to do this so you'll need to get a longer cable. You might also be able to buy a carburetor with the linkage on the right side.
If you decide to go ahead and try it, you should be aware that there will be problems that will crop up. Some may be minor and some may be insurmountable. There is no way of knowing before hand. Before you jump into it look at it carefully and you'll have to decide based on your skill level whether you're up to the challenge and if it is worth the work.
Let me know how you make out if you decide to go for it.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
