First off, I want to say hello to everyone here at TGO. I've been lingering around in the back ground for about 9 months now reading and reading and studying. You are an amazing bunch of people. I hope I'm able to help out here as well.

Last fall I became the new owner of a family heirloom. It is a 1989 Camaro RS with a 2.8L MPFI V-6. The car is 100% original with only 49,000+/- miles on it. It's original enough that it still has the same wiper blades on it from the day it was new. (never see's rain or snow) Everyone in my family has always thought it was best to just stare at it rather than drive it and let everyone else stare at it. This car has been my dream since I was 5 and went for my first ride in it. I hope to pass it down to my child someday. (In the same condition of course!)

I have been researching the build areas for the v-6 engines, and I understand true, consistant, reliable power is found in a v-8 swap, but I love the "light" front end of the v-6 and the handling caracteristics of the car the way it is. (mostly).

What I have done...
K and N filters.
Cat removal.
High flow dual exhaust.
And a good sea-foaming!

I am planning a road trip to maine this comming fall and would like to add just a few horsepower to the engine to give it a little more "umph". Really, I will add as much as I can without hurting the reliability of the engine. I don't daily drive it. I don't race it. I cruise it for pleasure and to get the occasional ice cream cone! I've seen a number of camshaft kits posted on here and would like some advice as to which one is the best choice. I don't mind a slightly "off" idle if it'll produce some good power. Plus that just makes it sound a little better IMPO And also are the MSD ignition components and underdrive pulleys worth the cost. And finally would headers be required for a camshaft conversion to provide the needed extra flow? I know this is extremely long for a first post, but I've been doing alot of thinking latley and am ready to get the ball rolling! Thank you soo much guys.

Respectfully,
Don

P.S. is it worth looking into different head/intake combos? If soo, What's the best and most aboundant? Thank You!!!!!!!!!!

 

Welcome aboard thirdgen.org.

These are good stories to hear. No need to follow the crowd, enjoy what you have.

However. . .

The 2.8l engine you have is a pretty weak link. It has inherent weaknesses that prevent it from being able to handle additional power reliably. Your best bet is to find a 3.1l or 3.4l long block and swap it in there. Details can be found on the V6 forum.

 

Is there anything that can be done to "beef" up the bad on one of these things? I'm not looking for 300hp screamer, rather just about 200hp. That would be nice for merging onto the highway and such. Is the block un-able to handle this? Well...it might be time to look for some fresh ideas.

 

As far as a daily is the 2.8 5 speed a reliable car? And are he expensive to work on

 

Put a small turbo running low boost it won't scream but it should get and go a little better and with low boost you won't have to major rebuild the motor