History of the S-10

History of the S-10

Special Thanks to Thad, Chris, Ron and Ken for this info.

Also special thanks goes to Sport Truck Magazine, for their 9 page article on the S-Series in the July 2000 issue.

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First Generation
1982

The S-10 was introduced by Chevrolet and replaced the Isuzu-built Chevy LUV
Rod linkage style clutch on manual trannies.
Available engines included

an 84 HP / 101 TQ 1.9L 2 bbl carburated 4 cyl (Vin A)
a 110 HP / 148 TQ 2.8L 2 bbl carburated V6 (Vin B).

1983

An extended cab model and the Insta-Trac 4x4 system were introduced.
Available engines included

an 84 HP / 101 TQ 1.9L 2 bbl carburated 4 cyl (Vin A)
an 83 HP / 108 TQ 2.0L 2 bbl carburated 4 cyl (Vin Y)
a 58 HP / 93 TQ 2.2L Diesel 4 cyl (Vin S)
a 110 HP / 148 TQ 2.8L 2 bbl carburated V6 (Vin B).

1984

A heavy-duty suspension and off-road package was introduced.
Hydraulic style clutch introduced.
Available engines included

an 84 HP / 101 TQ 1.9L 2 bbl carburated 4 cyl (Vin A)
an 83 HP / 108 TQ 2.0L 2 bbl carburated 4 cyl (Vin Y)
a 58 HP / 93 TQ 2.2L Diesel 4 cyl (Vin S)
a 110 HP / 148 TQ 2.8L 2 bbl carburated V6 (Vin B).

1985

GM discontinued the 2.0L engine in the S-Series and replaced it with the 2.5L
Available engines included

an 84 HP / 101 TQ 1.9L 2 bbl carburated 4 cyl (Vin A)
a 58 HP / 93 TQ 2.2L Diesel 4 cyl (Vin S)
a 92 HP / 132 TQ 2.5L "Iron Duke" TBI 4 cyl (Vin E)
a 110 HP / 148 TQ 2.8L 2 bbl carburated V6 (Vin B).

1986

GM discontinued the 1.9 Liter 4 CYL and the 2.2 Liter 4 CYL.
The 2.8 received Throttle Body Injection (TBI).
GM redesigned the interior of the S-Series.
Available engines included

a 92 HP / 134 TQ 2.5L "Iron Duke" TBI 4 cyl (Vin E)
a 125 HP / 150 TQ 2.8L TBI V6 (Vin R).

1987

The 2.8L was converted to serpentine belts.
Available engines included

a 92 HP / 134 TQ 2.5L "Iron Duke" TBI 4 cyl (Vin E)
a 125 HP / 150 TQ 2.8L TBI V6 (Vin R).

1988

GM introduced the 4.3 Liter V6.
Available engines included

a 92 HP / 134 TQ 2.5L "Iron Duke" TBI 4 cyl (Vin E)
a 125 HP / 150 TQ 2.8L TBI V6 (Vin R).
a 150 HP / 230 TQ 4.3L TBI V6 (Vin Z).

1989

Rear wheel anti-lock brakes introduced.
An electronic instrument cluster, a new speedometer and transfer case were also introduced.
A rare version of the S-10 called the Cameo, was introduced. 2198 were produced.
Available engines included

a 92 HP / 134 TQ 2.5L "Iron Duke" TBI 4 cyl (Vin E)
a 125 HP / 150 TQ 2.8L TBI V6 (Vin R).
a 160 HP / 230 TQ 4.3L TBI V6 (Vin Z).

1990

The 5spd manual tranny and the 2.5L 4 cyl were improved.
The standard equipment was increased.
Available engines included

a 105 HP / 135 TQ 2.5L "Iron Duke" TBI 4 cyl (Vin E)
a 125 HP / 150 TQ 2.8L TBI V6 (Vin R).
a 160 HP / 230 TQ 4.3L TBI V6 (Vin Z).

1991

Exterior facelift that includes a new grille, fresh trim and restyled wheels debuted early in 1990.
4WD models get the 4.3-liter V6 as standard equipment.
Durango trim is dropped.
Available engines included

a 105 HP / 135 TQ 2.5L "Iron Duke" TBI 4 cyl (Vin A or E)
a 125 HP / 150 TQ 2.8L TBI V6 (Vin R).
a 160 HP / 230 TQ 4.3L TBI V6 (Vin Z).

1992

Base EL model can be equipped with four-wheel drive.
Baja package dropped.
Front bucket seats are redesigned, integral head restraints are added.
Extended Cabs can be equipped with leather seats.
New speedometer and four-spoke steering wheel are installed.
Premium sound system with CD player is added to options list.
4wd models can be equipped with an electronic-shift transfer case.
Available engines included

a 105 HP / 135 TQ 2.5L "Iron Duke" TBI 4 cyl (Vin A)
a 125 HP / 150 TQ 2.8L TBI V6 (Vin R).
a 160 HP / 230 TQ 4.3L TBI V6 (Vin Z).

1993

In 1993 they changed the grill slightly.
The 4spd 4L60-E Electronic version of the TH700-R4 was introduced.
The 4.3L received a balance shaft to help control vibration in the engine.
The Cameo were dropped.
Available engines included

a 105 HP / 135 TQ 2.5L "Iron Duke" TBI 4 cyl (Vin A)
a 125 HP / 150 TQ 2.8L TBI V6 (Vin R).
a 165 HP / 235 TQ 4.3L TBI V6 (Vin Z).

Second Generation
1994

All-new truck debuts with more powerful engines and available four-wheel ABS.
Side-door guard beams are standard.
Rear ABS is standard on four cylinder models; V6 trucks get the new, four-wheel ABS system that works in both 2wd and

4wd drive.

ZR2 package is for serious off-roaders. Available only on regular-cab shortbed models, the ZR2 package includes four-inch wider track, three-inch height increase, off-road suspension and tires, wheel flares and thick skid plates.

Base engine is 118-horse, 2.2-liter four cylinder.
Standard on 4WD models is a 165-horsepower 4.3-liter V6.
Optional on all models is a 195-horsepower, high-output 4.3-liter V6.
The S-10 SS package is debuted with high-output engine, sport suspension and alloy wheels.
The 2.2L Gasoline engine was introduced.
GM discontinued the 2.8 Liter v6.
Available engines included

a 118 HP / 130 TQ 2.2L MPFI 4 cyl (Vin 4)
a 165 HP / 235 TQ 4.3L TBI V6 (Vin Z).
a 195 HP / 260 TQ 4.3L CMFI V6 (Vin W).
a 195 HP / 260 TQ 4.3L CPFI V6 (Vin Z).

1995

Driver airbag is added.
Daytime running lights (DRL) are standard.
ZR2 off-road package can be ordered on the extended-cab.
Power window and lock buttons are illuminated at night.
Remote keyless entry is a new option and a single key operates both the door locks and the ignition.
A manual transmission can now be ordered with the 191-horsepower, 4.3-liter V6.
Available engines included

a 118 HP / 130 TQ 2.2L MPFI 4 cyl (Vin 4)
a 155 HP / 235 TQ 4.3L TBI V6 (Vin Z).
a 191 HP / 260 TQ 4.3L CMFI V6 (Vin W).

1996

Improved V6 engines make more power and torque this year.
A new five-speed manual gives four-cylinder models better acceleration, and four-bangers also get four-wheel antilock brakes.
Extended-cab models get third-door access panel on the driver's side to make loading cargo and passengers easier.
A new sport suspension turns the S-10 into a competent sports truck.
The new Sportside cargo box allows the S-Series to go head-to-head with the Ford Ranger Splash.
Available engines included

a 118 HP / 130 TQ 2.2L SFI 4 cyl (Vin 4)
a 175 HP / 240 TQ (2wd), 180 HP / 240 TQ (4wd) 4.3L CSFI V6 (Vin W).
a 180 HP / 245 TQ (2wd), 190 HP / 250 TQ (4wd) 4.3L CSFI V6 (Vin X).

1997

Chevy strengthens the 2WD S-10 frame by using tougher components.
Refinements to the automatic transmission result in improved efficiency and smoother shifts.
4wd models have lighter-weight plug-in half shafts. Two new colors are available.
Available engines included

a 118 HP / 130 TQ 2.2L SFI 4 cyl (Vin 4)
a 175 HP / 240 TQ (2wd), 180 HP / 240 TQ (4wd) 4.3L CSFI V6 (Vin Y).
a 180 HP / 245 TQ (2wd), 190 HP / 250 TQ (4wd) 4.3L CSFI V6 (Vin X).

1998

The S-10 gets a sheetmetal makeover and a new interior with dual airbags that incorporate second-generation technology for

reduced force deployments.

The basic four-cylinder engine benefits from Vortec technology this year.
4wd models now have four-wheel disc brakes and a more refined transfer case on trucks with an automatic transmission.
New radios, automatic headlight control, and a standard theft-deterrent system sum up the changes.
Available engines included

a 120 HP / 140 TQ 2.2L SFI 4 cyl (Vin 4)
a 180 HP / 245 TQ (2wd), a 190 HP / 250 TQ (4wd) 4.3L CSFI V6 (Vin X).

1999

An all-new sport package called the Xtreme replaces the old SS model.
All S-10s get automatic transmission enhancements to improve sealing and durability.
Larger outside mirrors with an optional power heated mirror.
Content theft alarm
Headlamp flash-to-pass feature
Three new exterior paint choices
GM's AutoTrac electronic push-button transfer case on select four-wheel-drive models.
An electric S-10 became available.
Available engines included

a 120 HP / 140 TQ 2.2L SFI 4 cyl (Vin 4)
a 180 HP / 245 TQ (2wd), a 190 HP / 250 TQ (4wd) 4.3L CSFI V6 (Vin X).

Available trannies included

4spd auto /w overdrive (4L60-E) (gears 3.06, 1.62, 1.00, .70 Reverse - 2.29)
5spd manual /w overdrive (4cyl model) (gears 3.94, 2.37, 1.49, 1.00, .83 Reverse - 3.65)
5spd manual /w overdrive (6cyl model) (gears 3.49, 2.16, 1.40, 1.00, .78 Reverse - 3.55)

2000

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