I have a V6 2.8L **MPFI** engine in my 86 Camaro, but it has a blown head gasket. I know by the state of the engine its probably not worth it to rebuild it so I've decided my options are, a. put in another v6 mpfi which will be decently hard to find in good shape, b. get a carb v6 and put an efi adapter on it, or c. get a 350 and put an efi adapter on it. I would really prefer to just get an adapted 350 but Im not sure how much other stuff I'd need to replace to make it work since the car is set up for a v6, and I dont have tons of money to spend.

If anyone has any advice or info let me know, thanks!

The Maro (when it was running lol)

 

If you can find a camaro 3.1 or 3.4 that is a good swap choice

 

Ok, thanks for the info. I didn't even consider putting in a fourth gen engine. I did some research, and if I could use the 3.1 or 3.4 couldn't I use the 3.8?

Also, I still would kinda like to know what doing an efi converted 350 swap would entail cuz I know that would give me the most power. I found one on fb for $200, and I've found tons below $1k that run.

Thanks : )

 

https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/engi...swap-read.html
old thread but most is completely relevant to what you want to know. It can be a lot of work depending on knowledge and abilities.
Most bang per amount of work is swapping in a 3.4. The v6 forum has covered those details. SEARCH.
And 2.8 to 3.8 swaps aren't very common, most likely very similar amount of work to change a v6 to a v8.

 

Midias and Aliceempire have given you great advice considering your limited financial situation. An 8 cylinder swap would require a transmission swap as well (not only do the V6 / V8 700R4 cases have different bellhousing bolt patterns, the V6 700R4 has less clutch plates in the 3/4 clutch leaving a bellhousing adapter a poor choice) . A 3.4 done right will be a nice improvement over the 2.8 without breaking the bank.....

 

And the 3.8 or 3800 V6 is a whole different engine structure too I believe. With limited funds I'd go with the 4th gen 3.4 which is a near bolt in swap.

 

Thanks for the info yall, I've decided I'm definitely going with the 3.4.

Does this one look like a good choice?
https://www.usapartsonline.com/produ...CABEgLBVPD_BwE

Also what else would I need to do the swap? Thanks

 

From the 3.4 you keep the injectors the flexplate & Balancer. you swap those FI items into the 2.8 injector fuel rail. By using your original 2.8 timing chain & oil pan, you also reuse all your original motor front end stuff onto the 3.4 long block.

Keep your ignition and manifolds, now would be a good time for headers

The description for the motor looks right and they say the picture is just representative so you're probably good to go.

 

Might take a look over on s10forum.com for the information they have for the 2.8 to 3.4 swap. Some differences in the truck 2.8 and what you have but worth a look.

 

I agree with the above comments. Swapping a v6 for a V8 in a third gen is generally cost prohibitive. As mentioned, items such as the transmission, front accessory brackets, and sometimes the radiator, all need to be changed. At this point, it's generally cheaper to buy a V8 car instead. Now, the 3.4 liter V6 in the 1994 or 1995 4th gen is nearly identical to the 2.8 MPFI engines. They use the same cylinder heads and similar blocks. The biggest difference is the intake manifold for the 3.4 doesn't have a place for the distributor. Swapping to the 2.8 intake manifold solves this issue. I believe the same applies for the cam timing chain cover.

In all honesty, head gaskets on these engines are not that hard to change. IMO, the hardest part is removing the center part of the intake manifold in order to pull the valve covers. After that is removed, it's no harder than a head gasket on a SBC. (I find them easier than a SBC because of the 60 degree architecture of the engine; thus the head bolts are closer to vertical)

 

Whatever 2.8 parts Id have to put on the 3.4 Id just like to replace. I know this car has had multiple owners and they have definitely ****ed with most of the engine, lol.

Where would be the best place online to get parts?

 

unless someone has REALLY butchered the car, items such as the intake manifold should be salvageable. If not, third party seller sites or buy a mostly unmolested 2.8 out of an F-Body from a wrecking yard. The soft parts (gaskets, seals, ect) are available at most auto part stores.