What transmission does a 1990 S10 have?
The 1990 Chevrolet S-10 could be equipped with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission, depending on engine and drivetrain. There isn’t a single universal transmission for the model year.
Transmission options in the 1990 S-10 lineup
The 1990 S-10 offered multiple transmissions across its engine lineup. The majority of configurations paired a 4-speed automatic with the V6 engines and a 5-speed manual with the 2.5L four-cylinder, with variations by 4x4 option and trim. The list below summarizes typical pairings.
- 2.5L inline-4: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
- 2.8L V6: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
- 4.3L V6: commonly paired with a 4-speed automatic
These pairings reflect common factory configurations for the 1990 S-10, though exact transmissions could vary by production date, market, and optional equipment. To confirm the precise unit on a specific truck, consult the build sheet, the VIN/RPO codes, or the transmission casing markings.
How to identify which transmission your S-10 has
If you need to verify the exact transmission on your particular vehicle, use these identification steps. They help distinguish between manual and automatic and reveal the model when markings are visible.
- Inspect the transmission case for a stamped model code or tag (common codes include references to 4L60-E and other GM designations).
- Count gears: manual transmissions have 5 forward gears; automatics shown here have 4 forward speeds (plus reverse).
- Check the shift mechanism: a floor-mounted shifter with a pattern for 5 speeds indicates a manual; a PRNDL indicator on the console indicates an automatic.
- Look up the vehicle’s VIN and build sheet or the RPO (regular production option) code label to confirm the original transmission option.
- Compare service manuals or GM documentation for your model year if you have access to technical references.
Conclusion: By inspecting markings, gear count, shift pattern, and the vehicle’s official records, you can determine the exact transmission installed in a 1990 S-10. Variations existed across engines and configurations, so verification is recommended for accuracy.
Summary
The 1990 S-10 did not use a single transmission type. Depending on engine choice (2.5L I4, 2.8L V6, or 4.3L V6) and drivetrain, buyers could have either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. To know the exact transmission on a given truck, check transmission casing markings, shift pattern, VIN/build sheet, or GM service documentation. This approach ensures you identify the correct unit for maintenance, parts compatibility, or resale inquiries.
What engine does a 1990 S10 have?
And today I've got a very nice 1990 Chevrolet S10 for you this is a four-wheel drive with the 4.3 L fuel injected uh six-cylinder underneath the hood. This has had a recent repaint. So it's the paint
What transmission came in the S10?
Second generation (1994)
| Second generation | |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.2 L LN2/L43 I4 4.3 L LB4/L35/LF6/LU3 V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed 4L60-E automatic 5-speed BorgWarner T-5 manual (1994–95 I4) 5-speed NV1500 manual (1996+ I4) 5-speed NV3500 manual (V6) |
| Dimensions |
What years did they make the W56 transmission?
These include the W56-A (1985), W56-B (1986–88), W56-C (1989–91), W56-D (1992), and W56-E (1993–95) variants of 4WD Toyota Hilux Pickup and 4Runner W56 transmissions.
Does a S10 have a 4L60E transmission?
Chevrolet S-10 Transmission Problems & Solutions
And you'll have plenty of power to handle those good deeds, thanks to a selection of 4-cyl and V6 engines. Automatic variants were equipped with either a 4L60 transmission, or a 4L60E transmission (depending on the year).
