Chevy S-10 With Blown LS Is Truly Xtreme
Replacing the stock 4.3-liter V6 with a 6.0-liter, supercharged LS allows this special edition Chevy S-10 to finally live up to its name!
Among the many special edition Chevy S-10 packages offered over the years, few were as cool as the Xtreme. From 1999 through 2004, buyers could opt for what was essentially an appearance package, though a very cool one at that. In a time when mini-trucks and lowriders were fashionable, it saved you the trouble of having to source and install a body kit, wheels, and lowered suspension. Instead, you got all that straight from the dealer floor, all with factory warranty intact.
As good as the Chevy S-10 Xtreme looked, however, power was a little lacking. That’s because the stylish ride utilized the same 4.3-liter V6 as the base S-10. Which meant you made due with only (at best) 190 hp and 250 lb-ft of torque. Naturally, this is a truck crying out for more. And with the popularity of LS swaps, it was only a matter of time until someone dropped a modern V8 into an Xtreme. That time is now.
The hero behind this awesome ride goes by the user name LLLosingit over at our brother site LS1 Tech. The meat of the build comes from its new heart – a 6.0-liter LS yanked from a late 2000s GM HD pickup or SUV. The 13,000 mile engine isn’t quite stock, either. It’s been treated to bigger injectors, an LS9 cam, Holley Dominator EFI, and headers. But the proverbial cherry on top is the LSA supercharger, which helps the pickup produce an estimate 500-550 hp.
Behind the beastly V8 lies a TR6060 6-speed transmission sourced from a 1LE Camaro, with stock 3.42 gears out back. A set of 18/19″ Corvette Z06 wheels and cowl hood are the only real visual deviation from stock. So how does this Chevy S-10 drive now, with that massive infusion of power? According to the owner, “it’s just a fun daily driver.” We’re betting the truth is a little more “Xtreme” than that!
