And so it begins (2003 PT S-10)

[black2002ls]

I started a thread in the general discussion forum about 3 months ago, starting a new job. Well things have gotten rolling for me and I've started acquiring parts for my motor build. Here is the short of it. I have a 2003 S-10 Regular cab. Plans are for, in the beginning, a stock LSx build based off of a bored 5.3L iron block, and a T-56. Once that is complete and installed, I'll begin working the suspension, especially in the rear, I'm thinking 4 link build around a 12 bolt. Interior wise, I'm thinking corvette buckets and a custom console, after market guages worked into the stock location. Upgrading the stereo to a Nav/Onstar factory unit (that was my reason for hunting a 2003 model truck, it has the class 2 data system). Exterior I plan to freshen up the paint, not sure if I will keep it solid black or do some sort of two tone. For the wheels Chrome c6's or c6 z06's. Keeping the body mostly stock, custom roll pan with center exit exhaust to mimic the SS or Corvette style and a billet grille and cowl hood. Stage 2 will be an all out twin turbo build. I'll try and locate the pictures of the stock truck and will begin uploading pictures of the engine components as they come in. I'm hunting deals so it is slow going. I found the block for $150 locally.

[XcYZ]

An LSx and a T56 in a regular cab S-10 would be a blast to drive.

[black2002ls]

It is going to be a challenge at first. It will have the stock rear end and tires under it. I'm hoping to get the engine in for under 3K. Still looking for a name for this thing as well.

I found the only pictures I have right now.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/2003%20S-10/DSCF5784.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/2003%20S-10/DSCF5785.jpg

[awr68]

Sounds like a fun build! I like trucks...Lord knows I've had my share of them!!

[ArisESQ]

that will be an awesome truck when its done!

as far as names, what about LS-10?

[black2002ls]

LS-10 was actually one of the names I was thinking of. Still undecided though. If I went with the c6 z06 wheels something like z10 but still unsure. Not sure if I would try and have some badges made or airbrush them on the truck. Time will tell.

No parts arriving yet, I am piecing the motor together. This is in an attempt to come out better than purchasing a long block and having it rebuilt. Here is what I have on the way so far all stock parts unless otherwise noted.

Injectors ($42)
LS6 oil pump ($26)
Iron 5.3L block ($150)

I am trying to work a deal on 5.3 heads, a full set of covers (front, rear, valley, and valve covers) knock sensors and harnesses for $120 shipped.

My biggest cost, engine wise will be the rotating assembly, The major decision there is to decide whether to locate low mileage stock rods and pistons or come up with the money for forged units, which would cost as much as 10 times stock pull outs would.

As for the oil pan, if anyone is familiar with the LSx swap into an S-10, this calls for notching the cross member so that there is room for the pan. Well, with the 5.3L V-8 being introduced into the Colorado and H3 Alpha, there was a need for a new pan design. The design and dimensions of this pan allow the swap to be done without notching the cross member. However, the pan hangs lower than the cross member so there will be a need to fabricate a skid plate, I'd much rather add than subtract in this area!

[Beegs]

Should be cool! I built one way back....extended cab with 350 SB. It was a blast to drive.

Since you are on such a tight budget...why not call it "ledger" ? Just a thought.

[latterlon]

the C6 Z06 wheels would look killer, especially in the comp grey with the black truck.

[Kendall Burleson]

That truck will be killer I'm building a S10 2002 blazer Xtreme with LS2 for a shop truck.The cool factor:yes:

[black2002ls]

Should be cool! I built one way back....extended cab with 350 SB. It was a blast to drive.

Since you are on such a tight budget...why not call it "ledger" ? Just a thought.

I'm only on a temporary budget. Hopefully. The original engine is a budget build. Something reliable that will offer some fun while I piece the rest of the truck together and get ready for the TT build!

the C6 Z06 wheels would look killer, especially in the comp grey with the black truck.

I've been torn between the comp gray and chrome. I kind of like the stealthy look of the comp gray, however, I kind of like the blingy look of chrome. I'm not a big fan of chrome though. Photo chop anyone?

[black2002ls]

Well I spent the day picking up my heads and block. I've only got pictures of the heads right now. The block is sitting in the back of the truck until Sunday when I can get someone to help me bring it in the house. Iron 5.3L block = HEAVY. I've also got the injectors, LS6 oil pump, fuel rails, front, rear, and valley covers, as well as a cam shaft on the way. The guy who sold me the heads said he has a stock water pump and balancer he will give me, as well as any other stock parts he has laying around, all I have to do is cover the shipping.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/2003%20S-10/motor/DSCF5952.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/2003%20S-10/motor/DSCF5943.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/2003%20S-10/motor/DSCF5941.jpg

The pictures are dark, my batteries were too dead to use the flash, I'll get some better ones when I get the block inside

[black2002ls]

More parts arrived today, my fuel rail and all of the covers...

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/2003%20S-10/motor/DSCF5954.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/2003%20S-10/motor/DSCF5955.jpg

[98L150]

this site may be of help in regards to oil pan. did not know if you have seen it before or not.

http://www.v8s10s.com/index.html


will have to keep my eyes on this build

[black2002ls]

Thanks. I haven't been on s10v8 in quite some time, thanks for reminding me of that site!

Anyone know anything about the AFX spindles? I'm thinking about re-doing the front suspension along with the motor.

[andrewmp6]

Also http://www.jagsthatrun.com/

[black2002ls]

A lot of people have had issues with jagsthatrun. The best place I've found so far is current performance wiring. I will be getting my Harness and sandersen shorty headers from them. I think they give a package deal at about 1g for both. That is a complete plug and play harness custom tailored to the accessories your are running, the trans you use, and everything works like factory even the guages!

I saw a picture of an s-10 sitting on some ZR1's yesterday, this has about changed my mind on wheels. I'm thinking 18x11 and 17x9.5. The roundness of the spokes on the ZR1's really fit the body of the S-10 much better than the C6 wheels.

As for name here are a couple I'm kicking around.

SS-10
ZR-10
LS-10

anyone got any other ideas shoot them out. Any external badging would be airbrushed, and would mimick its respective original badge name, (SS, ZR-1, not sure about the LS-10).

i finally got the block into the house yesterday. Hopefully it didn't get exposed to too much moisture. It was in the back of the truck for a week and saw quite a bit of rain (I bagged it before the rain started). Hopefully I can get some good pics of the block and heads by sunday.

[COYBILT]

Also http://www.jagsthatrun.com/


Ah yes Mike Knell, that guy hates my jag. My 79 xj12 seems to keep running away from his XJS. Mike Makes a good kit for putting a small block into a variety of cars. Seems like the guy loves doing motor swaps.

[andrewmp6]

Have you looked at lmctruck.com they have a lot of things for the s10

[Slow Ride]

Thanks. I haven't been on s10v8 in quite some time, thanks for reminding me of that site!

Anyone know anything about the AFX spindles? I'm thinking about re-doing the front suspension along with the motor.

Talk to ZZ4Blazer on this site. He is running AFX spindles.

Other site to check out.
www.blazinlow.com
www.v8s10.org
www.s10v8.com

I won't be much help with the pro-touring S-10 stuff since mine is more street/strip with a big block.

[black2002ls]

I've talked to zz4 over on the s10forums site. That is the way that I will go. The truck is going in the shop on Monday to have the cylinder 3 missfire checked out. If that problem is a relatively easy fix, I'll fix it and slow down on the build, probably doing the front suspension, rear end and wheels and tires before I finish the motor.

[black2002ls]

pictures of the block and goodies.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/2003%20S-10/motor/DSCF5958.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/2003%20S-10/motor/DSCF5959.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/2003%20S-10/motor/DSCF5960.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/2003%20S-10/motor/DSCF5961.jpg

[black2002ls]

No pics yet, the bumpstick and stock rocker arms showed up today.

Total rundown of what I've spent so far

Block-155
Heads-129
Oil Pump-26
Push Rods-10
Fuel Rail-37
Cam-25
Rockers-60
Covers-88 (this included a couple of sensors as well)
Injectors-42

So far I've spent 572. This will be a stock build. I figure I'll have all of the main parts for under a grand. Then spend what I would have spent on bearings and having it all machined and assembled and get out for less than I would have spent, buying an LS1 and having it rebuilt.

[black2002ls]

Thought I would dig this up and give you guys an update. Intake and TB are here. I'm trying to work a deal and get all of the missing bolts I will need for the covers and such. I was going to buy a short block but it got sold out from under me. I hope to order the wiring harness, mounts and Headers from current performance within the next week. Seems I've been hit with the need for another job search so that is going to delay things even more.

[black2002ls]

Pistons and Rods showed up yesterday!!! only internal parts that are missing are crank and lifters. I'll try and get some pictures up tomorrow

[black2002ls]

In an attempt to ease the cost of the swap and make it a little easier, not having to change springs and such right now, I've purchased an LS1 short block that I'm picking up on Thursday. Right now I have a stock cam to put in it. I'm thinking of looking into a slightly bigger cam. I may just step up to a GM hot cam. I don't want to have to worry about PTV issues but would love an aggressive tone. The only major components needed now are Transmission and wiring harness, however thats near 3K for the pair

[syborg tt]

it's getting there.

keep posting pics

[black2002ls]

I'll get some pics after I pick up the short block on Thursday. I also found a HECK of a deal on a Hot Cam. $25 and the heads I've got already have 918 springs on them so I'm good there. I was kicking around more names for this thing. It will have a Corvette type theme, with the LSx, ZR-1 wheels, and Corvette seats (if I go that route which is the plan right now). Any more suggestions on names and maybe some sketches? If anyone is feeling generous and wanted to photochop this thing onto some ZR-1's that would be awesome.

LS-Xtreme
simply LS-X

[black2002ls]

Well it took me a little longer than expected. Here are some pictures of the block. It will need a little cleaning before its assembled, the cylinder walls have some dirt and debris build up. It will also need some new cam bearings. Other than that I believe it is in good shape. It has 10K miles on it since the rebuild with fresh rings, bearings, and ARP Rod bolts. I believe all I need to finish the motor assembly is the oil pan and all of the miscellaneous bolts. If someone knows anyone who has bolts for the covers and such for an LSx I'm willing to pay for them!

I also found on LS1 tech, a couple of 10 bolt posi units. I plan to pick one of them up and find an empty S-10 rear end housing to beef up a tad to swap in along with the motor for some added insurance.

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/2003%20S-10/motor/DSCF5974.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/2003%20S-10/motor/DSCF5975.jpg

http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/black2002ls/2003%20S-10/motor/DSCF5976.jpg

[silver63c10]

Awesome project, can't believe I missed it til now. I have a 98 Sonoma for my daily and I've wanted to put an LS motor in it for a long time.

Getting it to handle really well will be a challenge, getting the LS1 instead of the 5.3 will help a lot. Definitely can't wait to see more progress.

[black2002ls]

Suspension will be pretty much stock out of the box. I will probably upgrade to ZQ8 sway bars to begin with. I plan to go to the AFX spindles up front, that will improve things along with different springs and shocks, then going to a 4 link set up out back, however it will be well after the swap that that will happen. I see you are in Denton, when I get the motor in I'll have to make a little trip out that way!

[badmatt]

Suspension will be pretty much stock out of the box. I will probably upgrade to ZQ8 sway bars to begin with. I plan to go to the AFX spindles up front, that will improve things along with different springs and shocks, then going to a 4 link set up out back, however it will be well after the swap that that will happen. I see you are in Denton, when I get the motor in I'll have to make a little trip out that way!

why not us an SD wisbone or triangulated 4-link and instead of using bags use a set of coils?

[malibu795]

get a 8.8 rear end.. you can find them under explorers, late model rangers and later mustangs unless you already have the 12bolt

i have a few friends that run low 10.XX in the 1/4 wiht a 8.8
iirc has a 5x4.75 bolt circle

also the 8.5 10 bolt is really common as well and be built rather stought. for any thing under 4,000 pounds
and 1.2 ton, full size B-body, tahoe suburban... only prob is the bolt pattern is 5x5 and not 5x4.75 60 bucks at a mching shop can re-drill them easily

[black2002ls]

why not us an SD wisbone or triangulated 4-link and instead of using bags use a set of coils?

My main concern with this type of set up is that most commercial set ups are for those who are trying to lay frame and look good. Not for someone like myself who ultimately in the end is looking for 1000 RWHP

As for the rear. I'll invest a couple of hundred in the 10 bolt for now and when I re-do the rear end I will sort out which rear to swap in at that time.

[black2002ls]

Time to bring this thing back up around the top I guess. Not entirely sure what direction this is going to go in the near future, however here are updates from the past couple....years... Spent some time bouncing in and out of jobs, ended up selling off all of the parts to stay above water. I finally sorted out the cylinder 3 misfire, it ended up being a bad spot in the injector harness. I suffered a mishap with the mechanical fan last winter. It decided to separate itself from the water pump and executed the radiator. I've got an electric fan in now yet I'm suffering another misfire. It started as a random cylinder misfire, after a tune-up it turned into a cylinder 1 misfire which I'm currently chasing. This thing should be paid for and mine hopefully within the next 2 months as long as my part time job holds up. I'm thinking after that, I'm going to work on small tweaks, adjusting ride height, and working out the suspension. I'm sure its time for new shocks and such. I figure now will probably be the best time to start sorting out these issues and making improvements to the handling aspect of this beast. I'm looking for anyone with experience with these things, suspension wise to see what options I have. I haven't really found anyone on the s10 forum I frequent that is really doing any performance suspension work, just cosmetic (i.e. ride height)