1995 S10 Restoration & LSX Transplant

Newb...Here is my project 

Started this little project a few weeks ago, first idea was to just install a 5.3 and use it as my parts truck, it was pretty dirty so figured it would be great for parts store/salvage yard runs but it quickly got out of control.

So here is what I started with, 1995 S10 saved from a future in the junk yard if nobody bought it within the next week (previous owner statement)









Very crude SBC engine mounts from the previous owner, lots of stuff I had to fix many poorly done mods to this poor truck.





Cab, bed, front clip all removed and thrown away, too many poorly done mods and body work. Cab floor had lots of stress cracks. Replacing cab and interior with a 02 Cab, dash, and complete harness.

Entire frame is in process of cleaning, sanding, and epoxy painting. Going to be running tubular upper and lower arms, rear 4 link Edit: Truck arm suspension, all coil spring. Everyone runs bags so I have to be a a little different.





These are not my pictures but will give a visual of what is to come....

Fuel Cell in spare location, 10-15 Gallon



Very few peeps would like this look or be caught dead driving it, I have always had a simple taste and prefer to spend the money on stuff that improves the performance rather than focusing on appearance.







The cab problem has been fixed, 2002 Cab picked up today. The 95 cab had surgury done with a sledge hammer in order to fit headers that were not designed for a S10, also large hole cut in the floor for a shifter?  Yet another poor mod from the last owner.



With the help of a few buddies we transfered the cab to the fram with nobody getting hurt & without spilling any beer.

Check out the tire size I am going to run compared to the factory size!



So... here is my rear suspension, old Nascar truck arms donated by a former Nascar team for the cost of shipping. (not my picture, will post a real one when I get home)



Ebay deal, $45 for a new crank for my 5.3 genIII the box states its a reman but appears to be a brand new crank from my measurements.

This is how the truck looked on Tuesday 7/26 UPS & FedEX unloaded a lot of boxes today!



Here is how it ended the day.









The brake lines, and brake booster adapter will be here on Thurday. This weekend my goal is to run the brake lines and test fit the engine, headers, and transmission. Depends on what fits better the transmission will be a T56 or a 5 speed from a 4.8 Silverado.

Short wheel stud problem is fixed!





My Nascar truck arms finally got here today.

4.8 NV4500 transmission is a big girl.  You'll be much happier for many reasons with a T56.

Looks like a good start on a pretty massive project. I'm un-endingly jealous of you guys who get to just tare everything out and start with a clean and blank canvas. I'm getting ever and ever closer to finding something else to DD and parking the blazer.

I noticed you got DJMs 3" drop LCAs, what's your opinion of them in terms of built quality? Are you using them with drop spindles as well, and if so,have you test fit them yet for any possible interference issues? I've been considering them so that I can get a lighter spring and go with something like a 16" 450 or 500lb\in spring.

Looks like a good start on a pretty massive project. I'm un-endingly jealous of you guys who get to just tare everything out and start with a clean and blank canvas. I'm getting ever and ever closer to finding something else to DD and parking the blazer.

It took me 3 years of looking to find a cheap S10, knew I was going to strip it down so it was better to wait for a truck headed to the scrap yard.

I noticed you got DJMs 3" drop LCAs, what's your opinion of them in terms of built quality? Are you using them with drop spindles as well, and if so,have you test fit them yet for any possible interference issues? I've been considering them so that I can get a lighter spring and go with something like a 16" 450 or 500lb\in spring.

The lower arms seem ok, wish they were a solid color instead of the Silver Hammertone, the sway bar is hammertone also. Running stock 98-05 Blazer knuckles and brakes #740lb springs, pretty sure it will change once the engine is in. The arms supposed to be -3" but really don't see much difference in the spring seat location vs. the stock arms. First plan was to splurge on a big brake kit, plan changed. Front + Rear disc brakes + Hydroboost should be pleanty of brakes for a S10.

4.8 NV4500 transmission is a big girl.  You'll be much happier for many reasons with a T56.

Whatever fits better re: shifter location is whats going to be used, not going to pay for a forward shift conversion for the T56 if the shifter is too far back. My goal is just a fun truck to run around in and not a dedicated race truck so if the getrag fits better...

that is a big tire....
i have some 275/60/15 on my rear now and it feels huge.
i wish I could run 15s as well.. btu the tire selection is so small, and you cant run bling brakes

looks like a big project! good luck!

that is a big tire....
i have some 275/60/15 on my rear now and it feels huge.
i wish I could run 15s as well.. btu the tire selection is so small, and you cant run bling brakes

looks like a big project! good luck!

Dual piston caliper, slotted/drilled rotors, full braided brake lines, hydroboost conversion, not enough bling?

Now this is a correct engine mount!!! (see the previous engine mount earlier in the thread)



Hydraulic brake booster test fit, note the custom adapter plate 

nice project man!

How did you score those truck arms for the cost of shipping?

Front end 98% done, ready for engine test fit #1

nice project man!

How did you score those truck arms for the cost of shipping?

Basically called and asked for them, these are 4 years old so in professional racing they might as well be 40 years old, garbage to them.

what's your goal for this truck? i would look into the flaming rivers joints while you're at it, i've heard it tightens up steering a noticeable amount

Or a lower steering shaft out of a Cherokee, dual hard joints and they're ridiculously cheap.

what's your goal for this truck? i would look into the flaming rivers joints while you're at it, i've heard it tightens up steering a noticeable amount

Main goal is just a fun truck to drive, Autox maybe, don't know much about it or rules.

Waiting on some parts to come back from powder coating so the only thing available to work on is the interior. Installed the 2001 dash and body harness, waiting on the new heater core so its just sitting there for now. Once the new heater core arrives I can finish up the dash. Only part missing for my 2001 dash is the BCM.

All the wiring and doors came from the same vehicle so it made it pretty easy to convert to power windows.

Since you have the newer dash now... Bravada gauges are a drop in, and the speedo is 0-120mph instead of 0-100.

Starting cleaning up and decided to hang some sheet metal to make it look like a S10 again, will be using the old core support and right/left fender to fit the radiator and supports for the junction block.

With the tire size I chose the stock inner fenders are a no go, still working on ideas for custom inner fenders.

Aluminum trailer fenders.