How much horsepower does a 1988 Chevy S10 have?
In 1988, the S-10 offered multiple engine choices, so horsepower varied from a modest base four-cylinder to a more powerful V6. The peak output available for the lineup was around 165 horsepower with the largest engine.
Engine options and horsepower
The following factory horsepower ratings reflect the common configurations offered for the 1988 S-10, noting that actual output could vary slightly by emission package and drivetrain.
- 2.5L inline-four (I4) — about 105 horsepower
- 2.8L V6 — about 125–140 horsepower
- 4.3L V6 — about 160–165 horsepower
These figures illustrate how the S-10 spanned a range from economical daily driving to more robust performance when equipped with the larger V6 engines.
Performance implications and practical notes
The choice of engine affected acceleration, hauling capability, and overall drive feel. The 2.5L I4 was typically favored for fuel economy and city use, while the 2.8L and especially the 4.3L V6 provided stronger torque for loaded trips, highway merges, and towing needs.
Additional context on specs
Horsepower is only part of the picture; torque, gearing, and transmission type also influence real-world performance. For the 1988 S-10, buyers could select manual or automatic transmissions, which can slightly alter how the engine’s power feels during everyday driving.
Summary
The 1988 Chevy S-10 offered a horsepower spectrum ranging from about 105 hp with the base 2.5L I4 to about 165 hp with the 4.3L V6. The mid-range 2.8L V6 typically delivered 125–140 hp. If you’re dating a particular truck, checking the exact engine badge or a factory build sheet will confirm the precise figure for that vehicle.
How much horsepower does a Chevy S10 have?
The horsepower for a Chevy S10 varies by model year and engine, typically ranging from about 120 hp for the 2.2L 4-cylinder to 180-190 hp for the optional 4.3L V6. For example, a 1999 model with the 4-cylinder has 120 hp, while the 4.3L V6 can produce 180 or 190 hp depending on the drive configuration.
Engine and horsepower
- 2.2L 4-cylinder: Produces around 120 horsepower.
- 4.3L V6:
- 180 hp: Available on two-wheel-drive models.
- 190 hp: Available on four-wheel-drive models.
Model year variations
- 1995: The 4-cylinder produces 118 hp, and the 4.3L V6 produces 165 hp.
- 1999: The 4-cylinder has 120 hp, while the 4.3L V6 has 180 hp (2WD) or 190 hp (4WD).
- 2002: All 2002 S10 trims have 190 horsepower.
- 2003: Horsepower ranges from 120 hp (4-cylinder) to 190 hp (4.3L V6).
Other engines
- Some older models have different engine options, such as the 1995 model with a 2.2L 4-cylinder producing 118 hp and a 4.3L V6 with 165 hp.
- A 1996 model with the 4.3L V6 produces 180 hp.
What is the top speed of a 1989 Chevy S10?
The 1989 Chevy S10 pickup's maximum speed depends on engine type and transmission. Typically, it ranges between 90-110 mph.
Did the S-10 ever have a V8?
No, the Chevy S10 did not come with a V8 engine from the factory; it was offered with inline-four and V6 engines. However, many S10 owners perform a "V8 swap," which involves replacing the stock engine with a V8 in a custom modification.
You can watch this video to see an example of a V8 swapped S10 and hear how it drives: 21sShooting CarsYouTube · Dec 2, 2023
- Factory engines: The standard engines for the S10 included various inline-four and V6 options, such as the 4.3L V6.
- Engine swaps: Due to its popularity as a project vehicle, many S10 trucks have been modified with V8 engines through aftermarket swaps.
- Common V8 swaps: Common V8s used in these swaps include the 5.7L (350) and other small-block Chevy engines, often with modifications like superchargers or different carburetors.
This video shows another example of a V8 S10 swap, this time with a built 5.7 Vortec engine: 54sTdog Nichols YouTube · Feb 25, 2024
What engine is in a 1988 Chevy S10?
The only optional S-10 engine in early 1988 was a 2.8-liter V6 rated at 125 horsepower. Late in the model year, the 4.3-liter V6 was added to the S-10 options list.
