I scored a 1991 S-10 2.5L, 5-speed, standard cab 2WD for $100 that has been my daily driver for a year. I would like to restore the exterior (2+ years) and interior to stock condition then do the required 350 Chevy swap. I want a stupid quick, sleeper/daily driver.

Question: To use as a daily driver here in Commineticut, I have to be emissions legal. As I understand to do so I need an engine of the same year or newer and retain all emissions equipment. I want to use the GM Goodwrench (10067353) engine as a long block and throw good aluminum heads (AFR, Dart, Edelbrock), proper cam and an Edelbrock (or similar) multi-point EFI at it. I would really like to use this GM block because it is an all new 4-bolt block for a good price.

Problem: Technically it is a 1970-1986 replacement, not a 1991 or later. Can I use this block by fooling the emissions police with a modern EFI set-up and retaining all the factory emmisions parts?

I could go with GM P/N 12568758 long block (1987-1995), but it is a 2-bolt block, which is probably okay for the power I want (450hp or so), but lates face it, 4-bolt sounds soooo much cooler.

So is there a 4-bolt block out there that will meet my emmisions needs? I would consider a "crate" long block or something post 1991 from a Chevy that has a 4-bolt block. Or even an LS1 if one could be found at the right price.

Next question: I would be happy with 400hp, but 500hp is really the new 400hp. Is 500hp possible with the right aluminum heads (Edelbrock, AFR, Dart), good hydraulic roller cam and valvetrain, compression (9.7:1 - 10.0:1) and proper injection system in a reasonably streetable condition? I need streetable because I want a daily driver, but it is a manual trans with brakes as the only power accessory, so I can be flexible on that definition. Can you recommend a multi-point EFI set-up that could support 450-500hp and possibly meet emissions?

Thanks,

Chris Monaco - Connecticut

I am not knocking the small block swap but really check hard into the 4.3 V6 version of the 350. Shure the V6 is lighter overall but think about the crankshaft in the V6 vs. the 350 and how much less energy needs to be used to spin that short (in length) crankshaft. Outstanding power can be made out of either engine. Just a thought. 

another option u might want to try is an LQ4 block....this is identical to an LS1 except its a 6.0L iron block and of cource it has a six bolt main......just a thought....