S-10 Exhaust System Tips

The 1980s saw a shift in the compact truck market which had initially been dominated by cheap Japanese imports since 1970. To thwart the importation of low-cost trucks, Congress pushed through legislation slapping a tariff on all imported pickups. That 25 percent tariff remains in effect today, but in the 1980s caused each of America’s three largest automakers to design and build its very first home grown models. The Chevy S-10 along with the similar GMC S-15 were the first of the lot, small pickup trucks built by General Motors.

First Generation

You won’t find too many of the earliest first generation Chevy S-10 pickup trucks around, powered by a variety of engines during its 12-year run. Those engines include an 84 horsepower and 101 foot-pounds of torque 1.9-liter four cylinder and a 110 horsepower and 148 foot-pounds of torque 2.8-liter V-6. From 1983 to 1985 GM sourced a 2.2-liter diesel from Isuzu, its Japanese partner and eventually swapped out the small four for its 2.5-liter “Iron Duke” engine.

By the time the first generation model ended, the S-10 offered three engines including a 4.3-liter V-6 rated at 165 horsepower and 235 foot-pounds of torque. Yes, the model’s biggest engine was its most potent one and remained an S-10 performance enthusiast’s fav until the truck was replaced in 2004 by the Chevy Colorado.

Compact truck competition has always been fierce and, despite the tariffs, were still dominated by Toyota and Nissan then and now. The Isuzu P’up, Madza B-Series and Mitsubishi Mighty Max were other imports; Ford countered with its Ranger and Dodge with its Dakota.

Second Generation

The second and final generation Chevy S10 hit the market in 1994 and was available in long and short beds and in various cab configurations. As before, two- and four-wheel-drive versions of the truck were sold, and various packages were offered including the SS, featuring a high output V-6 engine and alloy wheels.

The base engine used during much of the S-10‘s second generation run was a 2.2-liter four paired with a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. Rated at 118 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 130 foot-pounds of torque at 2,800 rpm, this model was the fuel miser of the lot, delivering 26 mpg. For power, the only other engine was the 12-valve 4.3-liter V-6, but with one important twist: a high output version rated at 195 horsepower and 260 foot-pounds of torque was also offered.

Speed Racer

The Chevy S-10 has never been an off-road maven, but when equipped with a V-6 it could certainly hold its own. Whether offered in SS, LS or other trim level, this truck is enhanced by cat back exhaust systems, cold air intakes and an assortment of performance parts and accessories, all the stuff enthusiasts want for filling their need for speed.

The list of brands offering exhaust parts and systems for the S-10 is extensive:

• Heartthrob
• Magnaflow
• Gibson
• JBA