I have an '85 Firebird 2.8 with multi-port fuel injection & my engine died. I'm considering buying one out of an '87 Firebird. Is there anything different between these two years? Will I have to change anything extra? Are there any other years/engines that will fit into my car without any major alterations? Thanks!

 

Welcome to the Boards

An 87 2.8MPFI engine should bolt right in without a problem.

I know some people have upgraded to a 3.4L V6. I think you can use all the 2.8 computers, intake and everything with only a few modifictions. I think there is a tech article about it someplace on this site

Hope this helps

 

It will "bolt in", if you are able to take everything off of the '87 donor car that is needed.

However, it will not "bolt right in". It's not a matter of removing the V6 engine and bolting in the V8 engine. A whole host of things need to be changed, including such items as transmission, radiator, and tach. And, most everything in between.

This is an oft-discussed topic. Look for posts with V6 to V8 in the subject, you'll see a bunch that give all the needed info.

It isn't a very economic option, so unless you plan on providing the labor, you probably shouldn't consider it.

 

Is the swap a

V6 to V8 or

V6 to V6?

I was under the impression that you were just replacing the engine with another 2.8

 

It's a V6 to a V6 - I know that a V8 has too much additional work & money. I'm on a strict budget, or I may have considered it

Thanks for the welcome! I've been lurking here quite a while & I've got lots of help from the board & site.

And I am providing my own labor - my Dad!

 

I believe the only difference between the 85 and 87 2.8s lie within. I think the 87-89 2.8s are intenally balanced where as the 85 will have weights on the flywheel. If you use the flywheel from the 87, it should bolt up with no problems.