Chevrolet Repair: Engine swap, remote oil filter, transfercase

Question
I was wondering if you can take an engine from a 1994 cavalier, 3.1 liter, and put it into a 1994 s-10, which had 2.2 liter? If so, can you tell me how hard it would be, what I would need to change out, any information that I would need. OR, if you tell me what all I would need to change it out with a 4.3 liter. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.  Kristi Adams

Answer
Hi Kristi,

Both are pre-OBD-II, that is good.  4.3 is the usual motor for a truck, and 3.1 may be a little underpowered.  You may run into more trouble matching up because of it.  Is your truck a 4x4?  

You will physically fit.  However, the computer and wiring harness will need changing.  The harness will need to be hacked to get the dash guages to work.  The transmission may not align.  You need to align this or you will not be able to have 4x4.  I don't know if 3.1 has a tranny that bolts to a transfercase.  The exhaust will need changing, by a shop who can 'make' you one.  The 4x4 causes you to have a remote oil filter that is located behind your headlight.  The 3.1 may not allow for this and depending on the location of the oil filter once installed, this could be a big problem.  

There are so many things that could go wrong and cause problems that I don't like this transistion.  I know the older s-10 used a 2.5L that is a smaller 3.1 but the same block.  You may be able to interchange parts from a third donor to make this happen.  But now the cost factor is in it.  The 2.5 didn't last for a reason and 3.1 may not be enough to eliminate those reasons.  

Good luck if you do this.  I love to modify stuff and would not do this one.  I don't see it worth the expense.