The Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck, specifically the variant equipped with the 4.3-liter V6 engine and a four-speed automatic transmission, was a prominent offering in the North American compact pickup market from 1993 through 2001. This configuration represented a middle-ground option within the S-10 lineup, balancing affordability, capability, and convenience. It was positioned above the base four-cylinder models and below the less common, higher-output V6 options. The S-10, during its second generation (1994-2004, though the 4.3L engine was discontinued in 2001), aimed to appeal to buyers needing a versatile vehicle for both work and personal use.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Chevrolet |
| Model | S-10 Pickup |
| Generation | S-10 Pickup |
| Type (Engine) | 4.3 i V6 (161 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1993 year |
| End of production | 2001 year |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Pick-up |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 13 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 18.1 US mpg |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 21.7 UK mpg |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined | 7.7 km/l |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 173 km/h |
| Maximum speed | 107.5 mph |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.7 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 93.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.5 kg/Nm |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 182.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 161 Hp @ 4000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 37.5 Hp/l |
| Torque | 315 Nm @ 1800 rpm |
| Torque | 232.33 lb.-ft. @ 1800 rpm |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | LB4 |
| Engine displacement | 4293 cm3 |
| Engine displacement | 261.97 cu. in. |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 101.6 mm |
| Cylinder Bore | 4 in. |
| Piston Stroke | 88.39 mm |
| Piston Stroke | 3.48 in. |
| Compression ratio | 9.1:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Single-point injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.54 US qt |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.78 UK qt |
| Coolant | 13.1 l |
| Coolant | 13.84 US qt |
| Coolant | 11.53 UK qt |
| Kerb Weight | 1730 kg |
| Kerb Weight | 3814 lbs. |
| Max. weight | 2313 kg |
| Max. weight | 5099.29 lbs. |
| Max load | 583 kg |
| Max load | 1285.29 lbs. |
| Fuel tank capacity | 76 l |
| Fuel tank capacity | 20.08 US gal |
| Fuel tank capacity | 16.72 UK gal |
| Length | 4490 mm |
| Length | 176.77 in. |
| Width | 1682 mm |
| Width | 66.22 in. |
| Height | 1643 mm |
| Height | 64.69 in. |
| Wheelbase | 2718 mm |
| Wheelbase | 107.01 in. |
| Front track | 1412 mm |
| Front track | 55.59 in. |
| Rear (Back) track | 1363 mm |
| Rear (Back) track | 53.66 in. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/70 R15 T |
| Wheel rims size | 15 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The 4.3-liter (262 cubic inch) LB4 V6 engine powered this S-10 variant. This engine, part of Chevrolet’s small-block V6 family, featured a 90-degree V-configuration, two valves per cylinder, and a single-point fuel injection system. While not as advanced as multi-port fuel injection, the single-point system provided a cost-effective and efficient solution for the time. The LB4 produced 161 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 232 lb-ft of torque at 1800 rpm. The engine’s longitudinal mounting and rear-wheel-drive configuration were standard for American pickup trucks of the era. The four-speed automatic transmission (typically a 4L60E) was selected for its ease of use and versatility across various driving conditions. This transmission featured electronically controlled shifting, offering smoother gear changes compared to older hydraulic systems.
Driving Characteristics
The combination of the 4.3L V6 and automatic transmission in the S-10 delivered adequate, though not particularly sporty, performance. Acceleration to 60 mph took around 9.4 seconds, with a top speed of approximately 107.5 mph. The automatic transmission’s gear ratios were optimized for everyday driving and towing capacity rather than outright speed. The engine provided usable torque at lower RPMs, making it suitable for hauling loads or navigating inclines. Compared to the available five-speed manual transmission, the automatic offered less driver engagement but greater convenience, especially in congested traffic. Higher-output V6 versions, when offered, provided noticeably quicker acceleration, but at the cost of reduced fuel economy.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The S-10 equipped with the 4.3L V6 and automatic transmission generally came standard with features such as air conditioning, power steering, and an AM/FM radio. Higher trim levels, like the SL or ZR2, added upgrades like enhanced interior upholstery, cruise control, and alloy wheels. Optional extras included a CD player, power windows and locks, and a sliding rear window. The interior was generally functional and durable, prioritizing practicality over luxury. The base interior featured cloth upholstery and a straightforward dashboard layout.
Chassis & Braking
The S-10’s chassis utilized a body-on-frame construction, providing a robust and durable platform. The front suspension employed coil springs, while the rear suspension also featured coil springs – a departure from the leaf springs used in earlier generations, resulting in improved ride quality. Braking was handled by disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. Anti-lock braking systems (ABS) were available, particularly on higher trim levels, enhancing safety. Four-wheel-drive models included a shift-on-the-fly transfer case, allowing drivers to easily switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 4.3L V6/automatic S-10 was generally well-received by consumers and automotive reviewers as a practical and reliable pickup truck. It offered a good balance between power, fuel economy (around 18.1 US mpg combined), and price. Compared to the base four-cylinder models, the V6 provided a significant increase in power and towing capacity. However, it wasn’t as fuel-efficient as the four-cylinder engine. When compared to competing compact pickups from Ford and Dodge, the S-10 was often praised for its comfortable ride and durable construction.
Legacy
The Chevrolet S-10 with the 4.3L V6 and automatic transmission has proven to be a relatively reliable vehicle over the long term. The LB4 V6 engine is known for its durability, and the 4L60E transmission, while sometimes requiring maintenance, is generally robust. Today, these S-10s are available in the used car market at affordable prices, making them appealing options for those seeking a simple, dependable pickup truck. While not a collector’s item, well-maintained examples are appreciated by enthusiasts and those needing a reliable work vehicle.
