It’s difficult not to admire the modern diesel heavy-duty pickup trucks. Ram has pushed its Cummins 6.7-liter turbo-six to an impressive 1,075 pound-feet of torque, with Ford and Chevrolet closely following. However, you don’t necessarily need a colossal engine capable of shifting tectonic plates to accomplish substantial work.
YouTuber Robot Cantina replaced a 1.6-liter naturally-aspirated diesel four-cylinder from a 1985 Volkswagen Golf into a 1989 Chevy S-10, giving the compact truck a powerful 54 horsepower. The entire process, including fitting an adapter for the VW engine to connect with a five-speed manual transmission for the rear-wheel drive S-10, is documented in several videos on the channel. But here, we get to observe its performance.
Initially, the truck’s bed was loaded with about 300 pounds of a Chevy 350 engine block and additional components. Then the truck was attached to a trailer with a lawn tractor. The total weight came to 4,140 pounds, which, when deducting the truck’s weight of 2,520 pounds, leaves 1,620 pounds of trailer and payload.
Around-town acceleration was somewhat slower, which is typical for any vehicle towing a substantial load. The S-10 experienced difficulty at speeds exceeding 45 mph, as shown by elevated exhaust-gas temperatures and sluggish acceleration. The time to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph increased from 28.3 seconds to 34.8 seconds with just the payload, so the owner did not attempt to reach 60 mph with the trailer. It took 48.1 seconds to achieve 55 mph (the local speed limit) with the trailer, while it only took 23.3 seconds when empty.
It’s during (comparatively) higher speeds that the limitations of this naturally-aspirated diesel become evident. It took roughly 21 seconds to accelerate from 45 mph to 55 mph with the trailer, as the aerodynamic resistance from the trailer’s upright tailgate burdened the small diesel. These acceleration evaluations occurred on flat Kansas roads, isolating aerodynamic drag and the engine’s limited power as the key challenges.
A different trailer or rear axle ratio (this S-10 possesses the standard 3.73 rear end, although a 4.10 was also an option) could assist, but these findings have led the owner to consider a larger engine, a turbocharger, or both. Nonetheless, it remains quite impressive that this small naturally-aspirated diesel can perform real work under various conditions.
Durability and Maintenance
The S-10’s construction, combined with the sturdy nature of diesel engines, leads to a vehicle that can endure the demands of everyday work. Regular upkeep is crucial to ensure the engine’s longevity, which includes oil changes, filter swaps, and monitoring the fuel system. Diesel engines often necessitate particular attention, such as utilizing high-quality diesel fuel and adhering to appropriate cold-start procedures.
Practical Applications
The Chevy S-10 with a 54-HP diesel engine is ideally suited for numerous practical functions. It can operate as a dependable work truck for small enterprises, landscapers, or contractors in need of a compact vehicle suitable for urban settings. Its size facilitates easy navigation in confined areas, while its diesel engine offers the torque required for towing and hauling light loads.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Chevy S-10 equipped with a 54-horsepower diesel engine presents an intriguing mix of efficiency, durability, and practicality. Although it may not rival modern trucks concerning power and towing capacity, its fuel efficiency and compact dimensions make it a beneficial resource for particular work-related tasks. An assessment of its work capability reveals a vehicle that, despite its unassuming specifications, can adequately fulfill the requirements of those seeking a dependable and economical work truck.