What year did the S-10 have the 4.3 Vortec?
The S-10 first offered the 4.3L Vortec engine in the 1996 model year, and it remained available through the end of the model line in 2004.
Timeline of the 4.3 Vortec in the S-10
The following milestones summarize when GM’s 4.3L V6 Vortec powered the S-10 and how long that arrangement lasted.
- 1996: The S-10 offers the 4.3L Vortec 4300 V6 as a new engine option, replacing earlier configurations with Vortec heads and multi-point fuel injection.
- 1997–2004: The 4.3L Vortec remains the main V6 option across most S-10 trims and body styles until the model line ends in 2004.
In the end, the 4.3L Vortec helped define the S-10's powertrain lineup for nearly a decade, before GM shifted toward newer platforms and the Colorado eventually supplanted the S-10 lineup.
Summary
Answering the core question: the S-10 began offering the 4.3L Vortec in 1996, and this engine continued to be available through the final 2004 model year of the S-10.
What year did the S10 have the 4.3 Vortec?
Engines
| Years | Engine | VIN letter |
|---|---|---|
| 1996–2003 w/ 2WD | 4.3 L Vortec 4300 (L35) V-6, SCPI | W |
| 1996–2003 w/ 4WD suspension | ||
| 2004 (Crew Cab 4WD only) | ||
| 1996–1999 w/ 2WD | 4.3 L Vortec 4300 (LF6) V-6, MPFI | X |
How much horsepower does a 1992 4.3 S10 make?
The 1992 S10 Regular Cab ranges in power from the Long Bed with 105 horsepower to the EL Short Bed with 160 horsepower.
How much horsepower does a 4.3 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.
What vehicles have the 4.3 L Vortec engine?
The 4.3L Vortec engine was used in a wide variety of GM vehicles, most commonly in trucks and vans, including the Chevrolet Silverado, Sierra, S-10, Blazer, and Express. It was also found in vans like the Astro and Safari, as well as commercial vehicles like the GMC Savana.
You can watch this video to learn about the history and applications of the 4.3L Vortec engine: 1m8020 AutomotiveYouTube · Jan 6, 2023
- Trucks and SUVs:
- Chevrolet Silverado
- GMC Sierra
- Chevrolet S-10
- GMC S-15/Sonoma
- Chevrolet Blazer
- GMC Jimmy
- Chevrolet K1500
- Oldsmobile Bravada (1991)
- Vans:
- Chevrolet Express
- GMC Savana
- Chevrolet Astro
- GMC Safari
- Cars (older models):
- Chevrolet Impala (1985)
- Chevrolet Caprice (1985–1990)
- Pontiac Parisienne (1985–1986)
- Chevrolet El Camino (1985–1988)
- GMC Caballero
- Chevrolet Monte Carlo (1985–1988)
- Pontiac Grand Prix (1986–1987)
- Commercial Vehicles:
- Various commercial vehicles and trucks
