Thanks NumberDummy for the positive engine i.d.

Sounds to me like the choices are possible re-gear the axle and live with the 223 (perhaps rebuild it along with the fuel/ignition systems). I haven't run across any practical ways to get more hp from a 223 (i.e. there are no stroker kits like for a 302/351 or FE series engines).

Or move to perhaps a small block Ford and T5 combo or perhaps a 300 I6 and whatever 5 speed that mates with them. Either swap would likely need different engine perches, move the tranny cross member and modify the drive shaft. Can't say either would be more reliable then a well maintained 223 but definitely more pep.

 

223s aren't popular to modify. As such, performance parts are not as readily available as they are for a popular small block. As a result, modifying them is much more expensive. You can stroke it but you will have to take it into your own hands as to how it will be accomplished.

You can also try to track down the 223s big brother, the 262.

Clifford Performance produce parts for 223s and 262s.

For the cost to swap in a more popular engine, you might get the 223 performance to a satisfactory level.

 

Probably a moot point with a 223 anyhow. It wouldn't pull a second overdrive.

 

I don't know that more HP is needed in my case. This isn't that kind of truck for me. We have a 55 that is getting a big block and a complete redo. So that will be the go fast truck. This one is just a run into town for whatever and not drive a minivan, vehicle. LOL.

 

Then the 223 is perfect. Save yourself the money of a swap and just get the 223 running nicely.

 

OK been a while. Too many race car projects at our household. But a friend runs a towing business, and brought in a rolled later model s10. Not sure of year and have yet to see it. 2wd. Runs well. 80k miles. Automatic. The 65 had some carb issues....not a huge deal. But then i figured out it was burning oil at a pretty good clip. This truck is not cherry, but is still fun. Not intending it to be a hot rod, as we have one we are building. But a reliable truck to go into town with would be nice.
So I am kind of leaning towards exploring how the v6 engine and trans swap would be. I know engine and trans mounts of course. driveshaft. Radiator. ECM. Throttle pedal. Harness. Maybe fuel tank if it will swap as it will have the right fuel pump.
Anyone ever swap one of these? Certainly some fab. But how deep does this go?

 

I am not one to cross breed makes for power but as they say given enough time & money anything can be done.

With all that work, motor / trany / EFI (tank & pump) / ECM have you looked into a full frame swap?
Might need to make the S10 wheel base longer and mount your cab & bed on the S10 frame.
I would think you would need to make up a few body /bed mounts. Don't think to hard to do the brake / steering / trany hookups.

If you go that far and want to keep it all Ford look into the Crown Vic frame or front suspension swaps.
I see this snow ball is getting bigger rolling down that hill LOL
Dave ----

 

All Ford isn't a big deal to me. Not going to try the frame swap. There are humps in different places and width differences between these two trucks that would make cab, fender and box mounting pretty challenging.
I took a look at it this morning. 2001 with a throttle body engine. 80k miles and oil looks like new. Runs and drives. I may tackle this. Need to make trans cross member and motor mounts. Mounts for the radiator as well. And see if the entire s10 tank will fit under the 63. Not sure how to deal with the shifter exactly. I will have to send the ecm out for security unlocking and may have to modify the wiring harness a bit or have it modified. Of course a driveshaft. I'm going to move a couple of my other projects along as quickly as possible and hop on this so we can drive it this summer.