I've got a '97 S10 or GMC sonoma (same thing)with a 2.2L manual trans. I've seen lots of talk of putting in the older diesel motors of Isuzu's into early '90's s10's but has anyone seen or heard of those diesel motors going into a newer S10 like a '97. I was wondering if it is possible "without" rebuilding the entire truck. Any info or direction would be great. Thanks

While the early (80s) Chevy Luv's were rebadged Isuzus, the later (late 90s and beyond) Isuzus were rebadged Chevys or GMCs. There is nothing about your truck that makes a diesel conversion any easier (or any harder) than any other full conversion. Most likely, you are looking at a full drivetrain replacement, including all mounts, etc., plus all engine electrical. Most likely you will be able to retain your existing axles with some custom driveshafts.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.

Well, with that being said, is there any good engine candidates that would be easier than others? Any specific ones that would fit ok without hitting the front cross member. I should also mention it is just a 2 wheel drive.
Where else can I search around for more information about s10 diesel conversions??

This is an Isuzu board. While S-10s have been based on an Isuzu platform in the past, yours is not related to Isuzu in any manner.

I suggest you search for an S-10 forum for people who will be able to answer your questions regarding swapping engines into your vehicle.

One more thing, I really doubt you want to swap in any Isuzu diesel engine. While they are good engines, they are small, underpowered and now they are relatively old. The newest Isuzu diesel is going to be 20 years old. Most of them were non-turbo models, with the newest(only?) turbo'd model appearing in 87 Troopers.

There is a plethora of engine choices out there that will make you happier, be cheaper, be easier and in the end just be better if you are truly dead set upon swapping engines. For the amount of work you are looking at doing, you do not want to be shopping on the Isuzu rack for the powertrain.

Good Luck,
Michael

Do-able: yes and very easy with little effort and almost no mods. The original engine was a GM-bastardized Isuzu G200Z. The new Diesel engine was a C223-T. A relative did the conversion here in Manila.

Performance: Bad. He was not happy with the result. It lacked power and was kinda lame in the performance area. The truck now delivers drinking water around our neighborhood!

The conversion was done because there were few parts available for the original engine. It suffered from low compression and needed new pistons.

Well, at least it's running....

Boyd

Hi Nick, welcome to the site. If you take a look at the website www.isuzupup.com you will find there is a member over there already diving in head first with converting his 96 S10 to diesel. He is using the C223 diesel out of an 81 Isuzu PUP and since you have a 97 he'd be able to help you out with any questions you may have too. It's also a good website to join for the help and knowledge that the members over there have. Good luck!

Salvy