“Uh, this 4.3 liter engine isn’t stock for 1982. This engine was stock from 1988 on, though.” Those were the somewhat dismaying words that I heard from the local O’Reilly auto parts guy. Yesterday, as I was calling various car parts stores to see if they had an A/C belt for a 1982 Chevrolet S10 with the 4.3 liter V6, everybody said that it wasn’t a stock engine (’82 engines were a 1.9 liter four cylinder and a 2.8 liter V6). After trying to convince the Pepboys people that the 4.3 liter WAS a stock engine for almost five minutes, I hung up with an exasperated “Thank You.” I then sent a text to my dad. When I got back that evening, we checked the VIN of My Baby, and we found out that My Baby was actually manufactured in July of 1989! Oops! So, she DOES have a stock engine (sorry O’Reilly, you were right!).
My Baby is a stock 1989 Chevrolet S10 with the high-performance 4.3 liter engine pumping out 180 horsepower and about 220 lb-ft of torque. She has air conditioning, a four-speed automatic transmission, a short bed, rear-wheel-drive, a cloth interior, and the optional sliding rear window. Stay tuned as I go about repairing ‘My Baby’! If you haven’t read my first post about My Baby, enjoy. https://unmuffled.wordpress.com/2011/09/09/391/
The Unmuffled Auto News 
Dear Car Freak –
As you do your imitation of Doctor Frankenstein and try to breathe new life into “your baby,” let us know if there is something you need – other than words of encouragement.
I, for one, can’t wait to see you sliding around corners, being pulled by 180 horses ! Remember to load some lead weights in the bed for some extra stability. You will need it when redlining your baby.
With enthusiastic encouragement, I remain, your mother’s worst nightmare and your adoring uncle.
H
I can already imagine myself flying around…
Zayzee may not have time to post a comment – So I will weigh in for him:
“Details, Details – all of life is details.”
Blah, Blah, and Blah.
Oh my God……when I read the first paragraph I said to myself…”details, details,…all is details” and then when I read the comments I realized that after half a century something I said to my son Howie actually sunk in.
I don’t have another half of a century to goof around with you…..so pay attention now to your Zayzee and his wisdom…..then when in doubt have some high butterfat ice cream and think about it till the solution presents itself. If ti doesn’t…then have some more ice cream. Repeat until all is clear.
Oh, I forgot to mention to be methodical is all things. AskiJayzee, she’ll enlighten you.
Don’t spend all your dog sitting money on this project….just most of it.
When Baby is up and running and road ready and licensed to date count on me for a paint job…..not to exceed a price to be negotiated. See, another life lesson….always protect yourself. as I did for myself just now.
Love from Zayzee who does not touch machinery of any kind.
Oh, life’s details!
Ask O’reilly if they have the turbo charger for the 89 4.3 liter V6 in stock? Then text your Dad.
I’ve already asked them that. They don’t.