So the g/f is looking at buying a S-10, and we would like to know what to look for in them. Were looking at a 1999-2004 model with the ZR-2 offroad package. What I really want to know is if there is anything about the 4.3 liter Vortec V6 I should know about? Is it a good engine, is it underpowered for that truck? Do they have the water pump problems? Or anything like that?
Thanks for any help,
Rob
Everything LOUDER than everything else!!
the Vortec 262 V-6 is a 350 without cylinders 7 & 8. It is a reliable engine and can take a beating the engine has been around since the 1980s, but since it's based on the SBC the architechture is much, much older. It is a torque monster, it took until 2001 for a comparable N/A 6-cylinder to be put into a truck, there were 6s with more Horsepower, but none of them had more torque until Nissan put the VG35DE into the Pathfinder came out.
With 190 horsepower it won't set records at the track, but I wouldn't call it underpowered, I've got a 4600 lbs. truck and 235 hp is plenty to move it with authority, and since the S-10 is lighter 190 hp is plenty for the truck. The S-10 can tow more then the Colorado, and has more torque, and personally in a truck I'd rather have more torque then horsepower.
Yella02-I promise I will return to you in one piece and this will stay up until I am safely home
great engine, rough ride, terrible gas mileage
Dont know if it matters but its also governed at like 90 or 95 mph. forget which. Engine is kick ass. Very cheap, reliable and easy to repair.
I love mine!!!!! I bought my 2002 ZR-2 in March and have had nothing but fun. I can honestly say that I can't wait till it snows
. BFG A/T KO's stock kick @$$.
I get about 17 mpg mixed...mostly city though. Ride isn't bad...alot smoother than my cavy with goldlines on KYB's.
And in case you were wondering....
"What Makes a ZR2 Different From a Regular S-10 ?
If you are wondering what makes a regular S-10 a RPO ZR2, the following is the list of the factory modifications:
RPO ZR2 only full ladder-type frame with modified suspension mounting points which provide:
100mm wider track (3.9 inches wider than regular S-10)
Three-inch suspension height increase
Enhanced front (7.25" ring gear) and rear (8.5" ring gear) axles w/ 3.73:1 rear-axle ratio
Larger wheel and axle bearings
31 x 10.5R-15 LT/C black wall off-road tires (BFG A/Ts on pickups and BFG Long Trails on BlaZeR2)
46mm gas pressurized Bilstein Monotube shocks
Rear axle track bar (pickups) / rear sway bar (BlaZeR2)
Wheel flares (black on S-10 pickups and BlaZeR2 / body-color on Sonoma pickups)
33mm (early model) / 28mm (late model) front anti-sway bar
Skid plates"
good tough engines, bad gas milage though, i want to get a 99ish ZR2 blazer but i cannot afford it right now
im trying to buy an 03 Xtreme with the 4.3 and have been reading a lot on s10forum.com AND s10forums.com. Two different forums, yes, both have good info.
The 262 v-6 has great torque and responds to mods well. As well as being based on the somewhat older 350's, they sound great with a full exhaust. The limiter can be changed... not removed... changed with the addition of a chip. (or so ive read)
And think, being based off a 350... dont ya think you can swap a 350 at a later date. Tons of fun!
SBC swaps are a piece of cake in a sdime.
-Borsty
cool, glad to hear all that....is there anything bad, other than gas milage?
Everything LOUDER than everything else!!
ummm...not that I can think of off hand.
i have my s10 for sale. not a zr2, but it's a clean little 4 banger with a lot of little tricks to it.
<img src="http://registry.gmenthusiast.com/images/cbrenn71/personal_pic.jpg">
I loved my s-10 when I had it..but mine was only 2wd...loved that 4.3 though...
Some of the Zr2 had 4x4 issues (stuff breaking)...but other than that, they are tough
little truck....a co-worker has a 00 zr2 w/ 125k on it...loves it..had a few tiny issues...
Nice trucks, go for the ZR2's.
The only problem I can think of is the intake gaskets tend to go south, as most newer gm v6's.
^ yeah...I was gonna say that. It's hit or miss. Some have the problem...then you get the ones that don't. It's really not that bad of a fix. I did one on my friends s-10.
I got a friend whose a mechanic, so pizza and beer, and parts are all it costs me for repairs (and some of my time) So as long as I know what to look for, I'm pretty much certian were looking for a ZR2 S-10, looking at 98-2004 models, and she wants fully loaded....Did they ever offer sunroofs on the S-10? She wants the extended cab with the 3rd door, but I think all the ZR2's from 98 on have that...Do they all have push button 4 wheel drive too? I went to s10forum. com and looked around some, and I want over to zr2.com also....some good information....for a truck (the s10) being out for almost 20 years.....they only have like 5 recalls currently on the books? (atleast from 97 up) So thats a good start.
Any one have one close by them for same? Blue, Red, Yellow, Or Green (or some uncommon color? ) No Black, white, silver, or pewter.....We are looking for stock pretty much, cause I know how much it costs to do work to something thats been upgraded...lol.....Anyway, I've been through Auto trader and some others...Any others out there? I got about 500 miles if the right one comes up...
Thanks for the help
Everything LOUDER than everything else!!
cbrenn71 wrote:i have my s10 for sale. not a zr2, but it's a clean little 4 banger with a lot of little tricks to it.
You're STILL trying to sell that truck? Damn, youve been tryin for a long time
how much you askin for it anyways?
^too much if he cant sell it
-Borsty
ive been looking for a zr-2 also, as a daily driver
glad to see there are not to many problems with them
