New to the group,wondering what opinions are out there, I would like to put a diesel in an old body 4X4 S10, what do you guys think the best choice would be, as in common engine (affordable parts) and MPG? I put a 3-53 in my '75 GMC C35 and love it, get reasonable mileage (mid-high 20's) but I'd like a smaller winter beater as well. 4BT sounds good but a bit heavy and pricey. Kubota, isuzu VW etc all sound good too, but I'm not familiar with the smaller engines. I had a 2.5 gas in my S10 and it was okay, about 110 horse 120 lb i think, something along those lines would be good?

Bill

 

Check out "S-10 Kubota Diesel Conversion", that one is my thread. It should give you a good idea of what to expect from a Kubota. Also check out Jakes "Ranger Kubota". Shoot me any questions you might have.

 

My son put a ve pumped Cummins into his 93 S10, but it's 2 wheel drive. I would imagine that 4wd would add to the complications. His truck is in the Jan issue of Diesel Power, although it's "under the knife" right now, just finished a P-pump conversion, and about finihsed doing a twin turbo setup. Pics can also be seen at diesels n guns Yeah, the motor is heavy, but fuel economy is excellent. (if he keeps his foot out of it)

 

That would be my recommendation, but it's kind of a pain....


I recently purchased a 3.3 Cummins turbo that would make a good candidate for an S10. I also used to own an '88 Mitsubishi-Fuso 1 ton box truck that had a 3.3L turbo diesel in it. It was 118hp, very peppy in the 5700lb box truck, and efficient. I measured it thoroughly when I had it to verify that it would easily fit in the engine bay of an S10, it seemed like it would fit nicely and it was mechanically injected so wiring should be a breeze.