2.8 v-6 engine replacement options - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

barn9 · 10-27-2001, 10:03 AM

I posted this question a couple months ago, and then lost the info you guys provided because of a computer crash. I have a weak 2.8 in a 1987 S-15 Jimmy, and need some ideas about upgrading to gain some power. I do not want another gutless 2.8. I appreciate your help, and I will print the info this time. Thanks!

Longhorn Man · 10-27-2001, 10:58 AM

A small block is not hard to do. They say a Ford Tempo radiator, stock exhaust manifods, and better front springs is all you need.
If you have a 4 or 5 speed, it would be wise to swap to either a stronger tranny, or an automatic.

*Fast68Chevy* · 10-29-2001, 03:44 AM

problem is the bellhousing bolt pattern, he would have to swap in a 4.3L V-6 or larger tranny to install a V8. have same dilemma in tthis 85 4x4 Cherokee out here, has a GM 2.8L with a Chysler 904 bolted to it, an oddball deal...the tranny is bad and 2.8 has 197k on it, its tired, I dunno how its even stil alive..I dont think the NP207 T-case could handle a V8.
I think the only engines were offered were the 2.5L Tech-4, the pos 2.8L V6, and the nice little 4.3L V-6,,,,, and thats it for the S series truck engine choices, 82-up of course.

------------------
Randy- Lincoln, IL
r68c30@hotmail.com -------------
Fleet, currently:
68 C-30 dually dump, driver
72 K5 chassis; partially disassembled
79 G10 sportvan, driver
77 Electra boatcar, driver
76 1500 in pieces, scrap
68 C10 in pieces, scrap

America and 68's rule !

78KustomKlassic · 10-29-2001, 10:24 AM

Hey barn9-
Summit carries S-series SBC conversion kits that include motor mounts and tranny mounts for a TH350. If I remember right, the kit is only about $60. Some day I'm going to start a project like that too. Good luck, man!

Here's Summit's website in case you don't have it: http://www.summitracing.com

------------------
joel
78 C10
Currently: 250/TH350

barn9 · 10-29-2001, 10:46 PM

Thanks guys, but I am thinking more of a replacement V-6 like a 3.4 or something that will bolt right in. Someone had some info about that changeover, but I lost it when my computer crashed (damn webshots). Anyone?

Longhorn Man · 10-30-2001, 08:52 PM

Fast, they also had an Isusu 1. something in the early '80's truck...wasn't even worth remembering.
The 2.5, i believe, had the small block belhousing size.

Tom · 11-03-2001, 03:15 AM

heres an option. Take your stock 2.8L. Get some camaro or pontiac fiero 2.8L heads. they have bigger valves. Add a compression ratio of about 9.5:1. Take the crank and pistons out of a 3.1L, they will swap right in and give you a normal 3.1L v6. Add a bigger cam, and some headers. Maybe even port the heads. You should get somewhere around 180-195hp if done right with much more torque.

The 3.4L will bolt right in, and it has a warrenty. A 4.3L v6 should bolt right in also, with a tranny change.

------------------
1978 chevy c10
383 stroker,10:1 compression,vortec heads, roller rockers,performer RPM intake, holley 750DP, MSD ignition,comp 280H cam, headman headers, muncie four speed, 3.73 12 bolt rear.

Longhorn Man · 11-03-2001, 06:05 PM

Just be warned, the 2.8 and 3.1 both have VERY weak cranks.

------------------
The hot rod;
a'69 G.M.C. Short/Fleet. 350 W/a heluva cam and nice stance. Still a beater though. Trying to clean up the left over damage from the Dope-Smokin-Old-Man...a real bummer. See it at http://geocities.com/andys_69_gmc/

I've been dubbed the Longhorn Freak/Fanatic/Expert, I just hope I can live up to it. Check out my Longhorn site at http://geocities.com/MotorCity/Flats/8752/
IM me on Yahoo pager...cockroach93.
hey, stop laughing!!!

11-12-2001, 06:46 PM

Check the GM performance parts catalog at your Chevy dealers for their 3.4 version of the 2.8L engine... this is not the dual overhead cam version, but will give you a lot more power without the hassle of putting in a sbc V-8. Just another option for you...
Good luck!

10-27-2001, 10:03 AM	#1
barn9 Half a bubble off! Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Winfield, Ks, USA Posts: 5,588	2.8 v-6 engine replacement options I posted this question a couple months ago, and then lost the info you guys provided because of a computer crash. I have a weak 2.8 in a 1987 S-15 Jimmy, and need some ideas about upgrading to gain some power. I do not want another gutless 2.8. I appreciate your help, and I will print the info this time. Thanks! __________________ Just call me LB. '71 Cheyenne, 402BB, hauls blondes, brunettes, or redheads.

10-29-2001, 10:24 AM	#4
78KustomKlassic Registered User Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Rosemount, MN, USA Posts: 18	Hey barn9- Summit carries S-series SBC conversion kits that include motor mounts and tranny mounts for a TH350. If I remember right, the kit is only about $60. Some day I'm going to start a project like that too. Good luck, man! Here's Summit's website in case you don't have it: http://www.summitracing.com ------------------ joel 78 C10 Currently: 250/TH350 __________________ joel 78 C10 Currently: 250/TH350

10-29-2001, 10:46 PM	#5
barn9 Half a bubble off! Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Winfield, Ks, USA Posts: 5,588	Thanks guys, but I am thinking more of a replacement V-6 like a 3.4 or something that will bolt right in. Someone had some info about that changeover, but I lost it when my computer crashed (damn webshots). Anyone? __________________ Just call me LB. '71 Cheyenne, 402BB, hauls blondes, brunettes, or redheads.

11-03-2001, 03:15 AM	#7
Tom driving is in my blood Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 5,748	heres an option. Take your stock 2.8L. Get some camaro or pontiac fiero 2.8L heads. they have bigger valves. Add a compression ratio of about 9.5:1. Take the crank and pistons out of a 3.1L, they will swap right in and give you a normal 3.1L v6. Add a bigger cam, and some headers. Maybe even port the heads. You should get somewhere around 180-195hp if done right with much more torque. The 3.4L will bolt right in, and it has a warrenty. A 4.3L v6 should bolt right in also, with a tranny change. ------------------ 1978 chevy c10 383 stroker,10:1 compression,vortec heads, roller rockers,performer RPM intake, holley 750DP, MSD ignition,comp 280H cam, headman headers, muncie four speed, 3.73 12 bolt rear. __________________ -78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me.

10-27-2001, 10:58 AM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	A small block is not hard to do. They say a Ford Tempo radiator, stock exhaust manifods, and better front springs is all you need. If you have a 4 or 5 speed, it would be wise to swap to either a stronger tranny, or an automatic.

10-29-2001, 03:44 AM	#3
Fast68Chevy Account Suspended Join Date: May 2000 Location: IL Posts: 0	problem is the bellhousing bolt pattern, he would have to swap in a 4.3L V-6 or larger tranny to install a V8. have same dilemma in tthis 85 4x4 Cherokee out here, has a GM 2.8L with a Chysler 904 bolted to it, an oddball deal...the tranny is bad and 2.8 has 197k on it, its tired, I dunno how its even stil alive..I dont think the NP207 T-case could handle a V8. I think the only engines were offered were the 2.5L Tech-4, the pos 2.8L V6, and the nice little 4.3L V-6,,,,, and thats it for the S series truck engine choices, 82-up of course. ------------------ Randy- Lincoln, IL r68c30@hotmail.com ------------- Fleet, currently: 68 C-30 dually dump, driver 72 K5 chassis; partially disassembled 79 G10 sportvan, driver 77 Electra boatcar, driver 76 1500 in pieces, scrap 68 C10 in pieces, scrap America and 68's rule !

10-30-2001, 08:52 PM	#6
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Fast, they also had an Isusu 1. something in the early '80's truck...wasn't even worth remembering. The 2.5, i believe, had the small block belhousing size.

11-03-2001, 06:05 PM	#8
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Just be warned, the 2.8 and 3.1 both have VERY weak cranks. ------------------ The hot rod; a'69 G.M.C. Short/Fleet. 350 W/a heluva cam and nice stance. Still a beater though. Trying to clean up the left over damage from the Dope-Smokin-Old-Man...a real bummer. See it at http://geocities.com/andys_69_gmc/ I've been dubbed the Longhorn Freak/Fanatic/Expert, I just hope I can live up to it. Check out my Longhorn site at http://geocities.com/MotorCity/Flats/8752/ IM me on Yahoo pager...cockroach93. hey, stop laughing!!!

11-12-2001, 06:46 PM	#9
R. L. Jaeger Guest Posts: n/a	Check the GM performance parts catalog at your Chevy dealers for their 3.4 version of the 2.8L engine... this is not the dual overhead cam version, but will give you a lot more power without the hassle of putting in a sbc V-8. Just another option for you... Good luck!



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