S10 Swap, Part 11: TIME REQUIREMENTS
The time needed to do the conversion will vary substantially from person to person. An experienced mechanic with the proper equipment should be able to perform the following tasks in the time shown.
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1.
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Remove S-Truck engine/transmission, clean and de-grease vehicle and engine compartment |
8 hours
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2.
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Modify engine compartment for V8 installation |
8 hours
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3.
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Engine preparation (engine dress) |
4 hours
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4.
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Engine installation (includes time to test fit engine until everything fits) |
8 hours
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5.
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Wiring/electrical for fuel injected engine when using Camaro harness and adapting it to the S-Truck harness. Time includes studying the shop manuals and is meant for the experienced only. |
40 hours
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6.
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Change fuel tank (fuel injected engines) |
4 hours
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7.
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Parts chasing |
30 hours
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8.
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Read and study the V8 conversion manual |
4 hours
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9.
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Muffler shop |
4 hours
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10.
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For a 4X4, add another 16 hours. |
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Make no mistake about it, a high quality V8 conversion is going to cost a lot more than replacing the stock engine, and is going to take a lot more time.
For many people, it may be a better decision to buy a newer S-Truck with a 4.3 V6 than to convert the old S-Truck to a V8.
However, for those who are mechanically inclined and want more power than the factory offers, the V8 conversion may be the better deal. Also, the V8 runs noticeably smoother than the 4.3 V6. Beginning in 1993, a balance shaft was designed into the 4.3 V6‹the 4.3 V6 engines with the balance shaft are very smooth.
As for the resale value of a V8 S-Truck, we have no figures at this time, but modified vehicles are usually difficult to sell, and are usually sold at a financial loss.
On the positive side, doing the engine swap instead of buying a newer model means you save on monthly payments, you save on registration fees, and you save on new car tax and license fees.
AVOIDING THE WAITING GAME
A lot of the Chevrolet parts needed for the V8 conversion are not normally stocked by your local dealer, and may need to be ordered in advance. If you find yourself needing the parts in a hurry, your Chevrolet dealer can "V.I.P." the parts for an additional fee.