You're probably right about going with the small block. If money were
no object, that would be an option.

But that's also not so unique. There are tons of V8 powered S10's out
there.

I suspect the engine had problems when I put it in, but i also think
the owner's driving style helped kill it. The best description of his
"style" is, "mash the gas until the valves float, then shift." The only
car I know of that he hasn't killed the engine in is a Honda Civic Si
(which was totalled in an accident, he wasn't driving it at the time).
He likes to rev everything really high. He does get a little squeemish
going over 6,500-7,000 RPMs, so if the engine will live to 6,700-7,000
RPM's, he probably won't kill it. Even tuning a small block for that
kind of revs is difficult (and he drives his V8 Cougar to similar high
revs, so I don't think he'd go easy on a V8).

That's why I was thinking some kind of DOHC 4 banger might work for
him. Heck, a Honda engine might work, but I was hoping a Quad 4 might
be less work to install.

Thanks for your answer, though.

--
Racer X

1984 VW Jetta Diesel GT
1992 Mazda Miata (looks OK considering it's been hit by an 18 wheeler)
1994 Caravan (OK, maybe it's a keeper, but I still want a VW Caddy)
1995 Ford Escort (may it rest in pieces)
1983 VW Rabbit GTI (ITB racer)
1988 Mazda RX-7 (maybe for sale, make offer)
1992 GMC Topkick (portable garage for racecar[s])