Pre 94 Chevy S10/GMC Sonoma with 2.5L iron duke?

[sasquatch]

I'd like to get a S10/Sonoma with 2.5L Irone Duke and 5spd manual.

Would be used as a daily driver as well as hauling light loads of dirt, tools, furniture and other stuff. I'm 6'3" and fit just fine in the regular cab.

I don't need a powerful, fast truck but one that gets great mpg.

Would like to get one with throttle body injection. Worked on my friend's 94 GMC Sierra C1500 TBI 4.3L V6 , was very simple and logical in design.

I know the 2.5L is made of cast iron block and head with timing gear/chain. It gets great mpg, slow but expected for any 4 cylinder. It's looks simpler to work on than the V6's. New parts are plentiful and cheaper than the Ford/Dodge small trucks.

I can usually find one with the 2.5L, with 100,000-120,000 miles that's been well cared for in nice shape.

How many miles Is the Iron Duke going to be reliable for?

I only drive 9,000-10,000 miles per year.

Never owned a GM small truck before, how do you guys like your trucks?

 

[Everything Sportbikes]

the iron duke motor is the most reliable motor ever made in a chevy for its durability and simplicity. you cant go wrong with it. s-10s are good trucks in general. I think you are looking at the right truck for your purposees.

 

[5.7l LS1]

you know.. the funny thing.. the 4.3l gets nearly identical mileage in the s-10 as the 2.5l 4 banger.. and to be honest i have absolutely no clue what the life expectancy of the 2.5l or 4.3l motors.. any time i've seen one go bad the owner treated it like crap.. with proper maintance i don't see why it wouldn't last you until you won the lottery lol

 

[Rod R]

owner of a 1991 GMC sonoma 4x4 4.3 5 speed man. trans. been driving it for 8 years and never hade any problems. very reliable truck- 250,000 miles and still haul's heavy loades everyday

 

[Molson02536]

Your on the right track if your looking for a simple reliable truck. The S 10 you described would last a long time and most of the parts on that truck is interchangeable from the years 1982 to 2003 as suspension components. The only real chance would be the engine in 1994, Iron Duke years 1985-1989 2.5 L Iron Duke TBI/110 hp engine code E
Iron Duke years 1990-1993 2.5 L Iron Duke I4, TBI/ 105 hp engine code A,E