How much horsepower does a 1996 Chevy S10 4.3 have?
The 1996 Chevy S-10 with the 4.3-liter V6 is rated by Chevrolet at about 190 horsepower.
In context, the small-truck lineup used a 4.3-liter pushrod V6 (engine code L35) that delivered a robust torque figure for its class. This article lays out the official rating and clarifies what can cause real-world numbers to differ, such as market variations and drivetrain losses.
Engine specs at a glance
Before the following list, here are the core engine outputs and characteristics for the 1996 S-10’s 4.3L V6.
- Horsepower: 190 hp at about 4,000 rpm
- Torque: 250 lb-ft at about 3,600 rpm
- Displacement: 4.3 L (262 cu in)
- Configuration: V6 with an OHV design and 12 valves
These figures reflect the factory rating for the 1996 S-10 with the 4.3L V6. Real-world results can vary based on condition, fuel, and drivetrain losses.
Variations and caveats
Before the following list, consider the factors that can influence how the horsepower shows up in practice and in listings.
- Market and emission differences: Some listings and manuals note small variations by market; the common factory figure for the 4.3L in the 1996 S-10 is around 190 hp, but occasionally sources cite modest differences depending on configuration and testing.
- Crank horsepower vs. wheel horsepower: The published horsepower is measured at the engine (crank); horsepower at the wheels will be lower due to transmission and drivetrain losses.
- Maintenance and operating conditions: Air intake, spark timing, fuel quality, altitude, and wear can affect observed output on a dyno or in real-world driving.
In practice, a well-maintained truck will deliver power near the published figure, while older or high-mileage units may show lower results.
Understanding crank horsepower
Crank horsepower refers to the engine’s output before losses in the transmission, differentials, and wheels. When people refer to horsepower in everyday terms, they’re often talking about this crank figure, which is higher than what reaches the road.
Summary
The 1996 Chevy S-10 with the 4.3-liter V6 is commonly rated at 190 horsepower, with about 250 lb-ft of torque. This figure represents engine output, not wheel horsepower, and real-world numbers can vary with market, maintenance, and measurement method. For most drivers, the 4.3L V6 provided a balanced blend of usable power and durability that defined the S-series in the mid-1990s.
How much horsepower does a 4.3 V-6 S10 have?
The Chevrolet S10's 4.3L V6 engine typically produced between 180 and 200 horsepower, depending on the model year and configuration. Early models and some 2WD versions might produce around 180-190 hp, while four-wheel-drive or specific S-10 SS models could reach up to 200 hp.
- 180 hp: This was a common rating for 2WD models and many years of production, with torque around 245 lb-ft.
- 190 hp: Some models, particularly four-wheel-drive S10s or Blazer versions, produced 190 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque.
- 200 hp: This higher output was sometimes found in certain models, especially the S-10 SS or the larger Silverado 1500.
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 many miles per gallon does a 1996 Chevy S10 4.3 V-6 get?
20 m.p.g. city/24 m.p.g. highway
The 4.3-liter, 180-h.p. V-6 is rated at a respectable 20 m.p.g. city/24 m.p.g. highway and adds smooth, quiet operation.
How much horsepower does a 1996 S10 have?
118 horsepower
The 1996 S10 ranges in power from the Long Bed with 118 horsepower to the Pickup with 170 horsepower.
