1996 Chevy S10 Ext cab reg box questions

[Papa-J]

Hey all, I'm a bit of a noob with newer vehicles, by newer I mean about 1990 and on, All of my xp is with the mid 70's to late 80's trucks. My questions are quite simple i think.

I have the 2.2L 4 banger engine/5 speed manual and it gets the exact same gas mileage as my 4.3L GMC Sonoma 1994 did. about 450-500 Km's a tank. If i heard right before I was told the V6 4.3L was a engine know for being hard on gas.

Would it be worth upgrading to a 350 or another size engine? if so what are the best engine's for my truck in your opinions? I'm thinking the 2.2L is just too underpowered for the truck am I right? anyone know what tranny came in these?

thank-you