How much horsepower does a 1989 Chevy S10 4.3 have?
Approximately 165 horsepower, with about 255 lb-ft of torque, from the factory.
The 1989 Chevy S-10 used a 4.3-liter V6 in most trim levels, delivering performance appropriate for a compact pickup of its era. This figure reflects SAE net horsepower, as was standard for GM trucks at the time, and certain factors such as emission controls and engine wear can influence the exact output from a given vehicle.
Factory figures for the 1989 S-10 4.3L V6
The essential numbers you’re likely after are the official factory specifications for the 4.3L V6 used in the 1989 S-10.
- Horsepower: 165 hp (SAE net)
- Torque: around 255 lb-ft
- Displacement: 4.3 L (262 cu in)
- Engine family: Gen I small-block V6, 90-degree
- Fuel system: Throttle Body Injection (TBI)
Note: Real-world figures can vary with engine condition, exhaust configuration, and drivetrain setup (manual vs automatic). The horsepower value is the factory rating for the 1989 model-year S-10 with the 4.3L V6.
Context: where this engine sits in the S-10 lineup
The 4.3L V6 remained a mainstay in the S-10 through the late 1980s and into the early 1990s, offering solid mid-range torque for a compact pickup. While 165 hp was typical for 1989, later iterations of the 4.3L (notably after GM’s Vortec update in the mid-1990s) boosted peak horsepower to the neighborhood of 190–200 hp, illustrating the engine’s evolution over time.
Performance context beyond 1989
Compared with larger engines available in the era, the 4.3L V6 prioritized torque and drivability in daily use. For readers considering restoration or retrofitting, it’s worth noting that aftermarket options and minor tuning could affect output, but the baseline remains near 165 hp for the 1989 configuration.
Summary
The 1989 Chevy S-10 equipped with the 4.3-liter V6 delivered about 165 horsepower and roughly 255 lb-ft of torque from the factory, a figure that reflected the needs and engineering standards of late-1980s compact pickups. This baseline provides a reference point for restoration, resale, and comparisons with later engine updates in the S-10 lineage.
How much horsepower does a 1989 4.3 have?
The 1989 4.3L engine typically produced 160 horsepower in vehicles like the Chevrolet S-10, according to sources like JustAnswer and Wikipedia. Some variations, such as those found in marine applications, could have a higher output, with a 1989 MerCruiser 4.3 L engine rated at 205 horsepower, notes this eBay listing.
- Standard automotive applications: The 1989 4.3L V6 engine in trucks like the S-10 and S-10 Blazer produced approximately 160 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque.
- Marine applications: A 1989 Mercury Marine MerCruiser 4.3 L engine was rated for 205 horsepower.
- Engine name: The automotive version of the engine was known as the LB4.
How much HP can a stock 4.3 handle?
So I think that's pretty impressive. It's difficult because there's not a whole lot of people doing it but I think that this is a fairly reliable.
How much horsepower does a 4.3 L V-6 S-10 have?
The horsepower for a Chevrolet S10 with a 4.3L V6 engine varies by model year and drivetrain, typically ranging from 180 hp to 190 hp. The two-wheel-drive (2WD) models usually produce 180 hp, while four-wheel-drive (4WD) models are often rated at 190 hp due to higher-output calibrations. Earlier models might have slightly different ratings, such as a 195 hp version around 1994, while some later SS models could reach 200 hp.
You can watch this video to see a 4.3L V6 engine with bolt-ons on a dyno: 52sKatarina's GarageYouTube · May 15, 2023
Horsepower by model/drivetrain
- 2WD: Typically around 180 hp.
- 4WD: Typically around 190 hp.
- SS models: Some versions could reach up to 200 hp.
- Older models: Some earlier versions, like the 1994 model, had a 195 hp rating.
This video shows the performance of a 4.3L V6 engine with different headers: 1mRichard HoldenerYouTube · Aug 19, 2024
Other factors
- Engine calibration can vary, with different tunes for 2WD, 4WD, S10, and other GM vehicles like the S10 Blazer or Silverado.
- The engine is known internally as the L35 in many applications and the LF6 in compact trucks, notes Wikipedia.
- Modifications can significantly increase horsepower.
How much horsepower does a 4.3 L Chevy have?
EcoTec3 Engine Family Features
| Type: | 4.3L Gen V V6 VVT (LV3) |
|---|---|
| Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra: | 285 hp (213 kw) @ 5300 RPM SAE Certified |
| Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra: | 297 hp (221 kW) @ 5300 RPM SAE Certified - E85 |
| Torque lb.-ft. (Nm) | |
| Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra: | 305 lb.-ft (413 Nm) @ 3900 RPM SAE Certified |
