305 tbi into 88 s10 blazer, few ?'s

[notyettoday]

Hey ya'll,

I have a chance to get a nice 88 little blazer for cheap.. only problem is it has the 2.8 (ugh) w/a rod knock. What would installing a tbi 305 in place of the tbi 2.8 involve? would the ecm hook right up or would it be a pita? also, would i have to beef up the front suspension for the bigger motor or would the stock springs take it? i'm not going for performance, i just want a good d/d, and since the 2.8s all seemed to have a rod knock and i have the 305 available, i just want to throw it in stock. thanks for any help

[jmelenko]

You would have to change the ECM and wiring harness to one for the 305 and also the tranny would have to be changed as the bellhousing partern for a 2.8 is different. Trannys for 4.3 has the same pattern as small blocks.

[jeefsilverado]

I would look into getting the jags that run manual for v8 swaps.

[BubbaGreen]

honesty...unless your willing to make the changes, your better off just replacing THAT engine. The manual stated above is great. www.jagsthatrun.com its an awesome reference.
Going to the 305 is not going to be a drop in. ECM, throttlebody, cooling...maybe even fuel lines/fuel pump, and possibly wiring harness mods or replacement, depending on your skill level. Exhaust work may also be required.