93 S-10 2.8 build

[rallen]

I've got a 93 S-10 and wanted to know what junkyard parts I can use to bump up the HP alittle. Future plans call for a 3.4 swap but with the economy, or lack of economy right now I'm trying to hold on to what little money I have. Any body know of cheap headers for the rwd? 1.6 roller rockers off a mini van? can I get aluminum heads from anything that will work on an S-10?

[geoffinbc]

You can get stamped rockers from an early 3100 that are 1.6 ratio. Comp magnum roller tip rockers are only $150 with new pivot balls and nuts. You could do a 4.3L throttle body swap but would have to pay for machining cost to get the manifold bored out. There are no aluminum heads that will work with your fuel injection system, ignition system or manifold

[rallen]

thank you

I was thinking of the stock full roller rockers off of a later model. I've been reading on this site that some mini vans had full rollers on them, but I don't know if they will work on my RWD. if they will fit under the valve covers and if I need different push rods. Im working on an adapter plate to fit a 305 TBI on an old Edelbrock Torker manifold. The only other problem I think I'm going to have is working the EGR valve. I also have a deranged idea of using Fiero manifolds and a used set of headers to make a cheap set for my truck.

[rallen]

rockers

If I use the stamped rockers, would I need diff push rods? any year in particular?

[geoffinbc]

You can use stock pushrods. The roller rockers found on later 3100 and 3400 engines will not work. They will not fit your cylinder heads.

[Superdave]

If you go the aluminum head route (which will make alot more power) then you'll have to get an external crankshaft trigger and convert to DIS. All the parts could be found at the junk yard except for the trigger which is avaliable from WOT-Tech.com.

It might cost a little more but a 40-50 HP gain isn't too shabby.

You would need the engine harness and ECM from a early 90's Cavalier/Beretta, the heads, lower and upper intakes from a 2000+ 3100 or 3400 V6, the external crankshaft trigger, gaskets and maybe Ben could burn you a chip for the computer to run it.

[rallen]

WHY?

Thank you for your help. Can you tell me what year stamped 1.6 rockers come on? Also can you tell me why the stock roller rockers don't fit? Is it valve cover clearance? Different studs? Anything I can fix?

[Superdave]

94-95 3100 V6 Berettas, Corsicas etc.. for the stamped rockers.

the roller fulcrum rockers on the gen3 heads are self aligning, they have a special notched mount that fits into the head. It would require extencive machine work to make them fit gen1 heads.


BTW, how is Glendale these days? I lived right on the Glendale/Phoenix border for like 8 years, 41st ave and Glendale ave.. I left in '97 though. lol

[rallen]

Glendale

Ive been doing some more research. Looks like the 93 FWD engines started using the 1.6 rockers mid year. Then they started using self aligning rockers. What do I need to look for in the junkyard to get rockers that are either rollers or 1.6 that will work on iron heads? Make, model, year? Glendale is nice. So far, but then again I guess the job market sucks everywhere. Much bigger than Tullahoma TN.

[rallen]

I see

94 and 95 3100 ok and those will work with my push rods? direct bolt on? I'm not expecting a huge jump in hp. what you thik they are worth on a stockish engine?

[WrathOfSocrus]

Check the buy/sell/trade section. There are at least 3 sets of rockers for sale there.

The stock pushrods should be fine as mentioned earlier. The rocker studs on iron heads are adjustable. The extra lift should help the engine breathe better. Now all it needs is good intake and exhaust flow to compliment the work being done.

[rallen]

cool

I remember reading somewhere that you could use the self aligning rockers if you got rid of the stock guide plates. but that sounds like it won't work now?

[WrathOfSocrus]

http://www.60degreev6.com/forum/f96/gen3-rollers-on-94-gen3-heads-t42648

It is possible to make it work but would require a lot of tedious work for just one to fit properly and not dislodge itself. Older heads (up to early gen3) do not have notches to accept the newer rockers. The roller fulcrum rockers have a pedestal that bolts down in the area where the pushrod guides sit, so that thickness would have to be removed from the pedestals. On top of that you would need a different way to bolt the rocker down since it will now have some side to side play and perhaps some sort of bearing to eliminate binding or wear.

Multiply that by 12 and the money spent could be used towards a set of full rollers. For the money, the stamped steel 1.6 ratio rockers are a good buy. The full rollers would be great for a performance oriented engine, and come with a performance oriented price. The aftermarket roller tip rockers are another option, but the roller tips are known to not roll at higher RPMs and don't seem to be worth the additional cost.