Hey guys,
I'm new here. I've got a 1986 Jeep Wagoneer with the 2.8 engine. It's got 162k on it, and some problems so I'd like to rebuild it.

Thing is, I'm not that satisfied with the current 115 HP, and two barrel carb. I may step up to a 4 barrel, as that would be a major improvement, and easy, but I'd really prefer FI.

I can get a complete MPI unit, with manifold for less than $100, but it would be off of a front wheel drive GM. I'd also probably want the alloy heads. Is this something that can be done without TOO many headaches? If so, what should I look for, and get when I get the MPI? What is the standard HP/Torque gain for switching to MPI?

I'm already getting the GM Hi-Po camshaft, that should help quite a bit.

Thanks in advance,

 

you could just go 3.4 and be even happier. Direct bolt in. 93-95 camaros

200-220 Hp

 

are those MPI or TBI? If I could find one, I'd be tempted to, but I can get a complete engine for $80. I'm strongly considering the 3.1 stroker kit.

 

mpi

 

SEFI, newer version of MPFI, and have no distrib.

 

Much as I like the idea, I'm not sure if I'll be able to get the 3.4. What I'm really after is finding out what's involved in swapping in a MPI system to my carbie engine.
If anyone knows of a 3.4 that would be within driving dist. of Hazleton, I'd love to take a look at it.

Thanks,

 

I built a hybrid 3.4L using a 1988 Camaro 2.8L MFPI setup and a 1994 Camaro 3.4L long block. It works well and has twice the power that my carbed 2.8L did. This is basically what I used and did.. I used a 1988 Camaro setup for an automatic because it does not have an air pump...

1988 2.8L engine, wiring harness, computer, smog canister, electric fan, ect. Basically got everything from the firewall forward and the computer.
1994 3.4L long block.

I put all of the external parts from the 2.8L Camaro MFPI on the 3.4L including the serpentine belt setup and flexplate.. Except.. I used my original (Blazer) oil pan, and oil filter adapter. I made an Y setup so I could use the original oil sending unit. I used the original temperature sending unit.
Thats the motor..
I adapted the Camaro wiring harness to the Blazer bulkhead connector (C100) There were plenty of extra places. I got a used Blazer harness from the junk yard so I could drive my truck while this was going on. My Blazer did not have a computer so I had to make a wiring harness for the ALDL connector and power. I added some fuses and wiring to the fuse box for the power. I got a 1988 Blazer cruise control buffer for the needed VSS.. My truck had cruise already, so this was a snap. I had actually addded it before for my overhead console. I put the computer where it goes in a truck with a computer. I adapter the Electric fan to my radiator. I rebent the Camaro A/C and power steering lines so I could use the sensors, but rhe sensors are not really needed (I might have to have them for the Smog police in California).

As you can see it was fairly complicated, but straight forward. I got a factory book from a 1988 Camaro and one for my 1984 Blazer. I went from there.. It is still running and works nicely.

I had a lot of other problems, but nothing to do with the swap..

and so on and so forth.. If I had it to do over I would have put in a 4.3L.. Much less complicated...


It looks like it came from the factory though......


Steve

 

Thanks,

I just bought a new 2.8 short block. A camero MPI setup would be ideal, since it's already setup for RWD. unfortunately I can't find this setup... though I have access to quite a few of the FWD variety.

Since I will have a second engine to be playing with, I can do things a little more fun, than if I had to have the Jeep out of service for all that time.

 

That picture of the engine on your site is the 3.4 SEFI-DIS engine that we spoke of earlier. Since you are fully carb, no existing wiring I am assuming, it might be quite easy to drop that full system in, with the tranny for the VSS also.

I am in the workings of collecting parts and info to put that full engine in my s10 show truck.

While its out, you can put better rockers on it, cranks, headers, relocate the IAT, oversized TB, and a few others, would have to look.

If you cant find a 2.8 mpfi, go to the 3.1mpfi or 3.4sefi. both are power increases of the 2.8.

I belive its as..
2.8l 125-130
3.1l 140ish
3.4l 160, and can be easily bumped to 200 from what I'm finding.

hope were helping you out.

 

I hope you're helping me out too.

What I don't know is, will the MPI intake from a FWD car fit onto the heads of a RWD car (like camero)? I've heard that headers, etc are impossible to get for the FWD heads, so I'd prefer to be able to use RWD heads.
My junk yard (parts source) has two MPI F-bodies, but both systems have been "opened" and I'm not sure I trust one that has had that done to it. The pic on my site was just a general pic to give the idea. If I could find that setup I'd LOVE it, but I haven't found anything that new. Mostly late 80's early 90's

 

No they will not fit. The intake ports are spaced differently and will not line up with the heads.

 

Stick with the RWD set up for another reason also. The FWD cars use aluminum heads, and sometimes aluminum blocks also. Even though they are a weight savings, dont worth the hassel of them worping, or the extra wear they take.

You should beable to take a camaro engine and wiring and slap that in your truck. Personaly I would try and find a system that uses MAP rather then MAS system. That would be the late 80's, early 90's 3.1l system.

When did camaros swap to elec spedo rather then cable???

 

So basically, i should watch/wait for a RWD setup? I have access to probably a dozen or so FWD setups, but no RWD's.

 

Here's what ya do.
Buy a wrecked F body and take the drivetrain.
You CAN MAKE the FWD stuff work but why?
Back by you I know of a yard in Silverdale/Perkaise from when I lived by there.
You can ask that guy to score ya a ride or a late model wreck over his hot line.
Or easily scout thru the Philly Inquirer. Allentown Morning Call Yellow pages & cold calling body shops for leads where to find a wrecked F body
Seriously
Don't spend abit of effort helping that yard guy unload his wrong FWD stuff on ya.
You can easily take the RWD 3.4 & use your current carb stuff.
I know that's what I'm doing with my 85 Blazer, as I only do a CA smog legal conversion.
Swapping in the MPFI unit from a 1985 forward to 1989 F body is the best & easiest way to upgrade your current Jeep induction/ignition system.
You have the same engine in the Jeep as I have in my 85 Blazer (the LB2 federal 49 state version 2.8 carb).
I personally know of a guy that has done what you seek (MPFI 2.8 into a Jeep that was carbed) tight fit.
Biggest problem is location of the MAS unit for cooler air. Rest is "slight modification" of current existing in car platform.
It can be done.
Just find the wrecked F Body car or rusted ride with great drivetrain.
Should be real easy with the roads coming up soon, winter!
Seek out the right parts for your project, make them as LOW MILAGE as possible, swap, mix, match, wire and it can happen.
All the stuff will fit.
Wiring will be the best challenge.
YET once done RIGHT, scoot city, high HP & milage, smooth driving, lots of smiles.
My 85 Firebird is that way now a great daily driver with working AC even for my Wife & my 2 year old.
I've paid $800 for a 44K 95 Camaro 3.4 engine (went in the Firebird) & $900 for a 50K 95 Camaro 3.4 engine (Blazer).
When I set valves on the Firebird 3.4 engine I got 175-200 PSI each cylinder.
The Blazer 3.4 engine valves I set at 150 PSI per cylinder, all even.
IF you cannot find a suitable Fbody.
New long block 3.4 are $1600-$1700 & LESS with CASH in hand.
Worth the investment, ONLY if ya really gotta wanna need to KEEP this current vehicle.
Cause you can buy a real nice DONE truck for the cash & effort.

 

Problem with an $800 engine, is that I only paid $800 for my jeep. Kelley blue book, and NADA value on this are around $2200. So I don't want to have more than $1000 in the engine. I've bought a brand NEW GM crate motor (2.8L) for $400, so if all else fails, I'll probably just put on my heads, and someday try a 4 bbl carb. It's starting to sound like that may be the only way to go anyway. How about TBI from a Blazer/S10? What would be involved in hooking that up?

 

try looking at www.car-parts.com the prices there seem pretty reasonable most the time.

 

Keep the carb set up.
It works great.
Expensive parts are the choke pots on the carb.
Slip in the 2.8 you've bought. Drive it until the wheels fall off vehicle.
I got 211,500 on my 2.8 S-10 Blazer before I swapped in the 3.4 mill.
You're lucky you posess the correct answer the new RWD mill.
To make it beter replace cam with a 3.4 design or get the crane cam & swap on a set of rebuilt MPFI heads & you're ahead by a solid 15+ hp.

 

I have the GM Hi-Po cam as used on Citation X-11, Cavalier Z-24 etc. Rated at 140 HP.

Reason I want fuelie, is, in off-road situations (wierd angles) carbs get finnicky.

 

1985 MPFI is the easiest to install.
When I do my S-10 Blazer to a MPFI (after I pass CA smog test & then eventually), that's the one set up I will use.

 

I can end the wait for ya! Last year I swapped out my 2.8 for an LG4.... I still have *most* of the MPFI setup, only thing that's missing is the wiring harness. e-mail me @ z2point8@telus.net if you're interested

 

Time to invest a measly $6 for a GM Performance parts book.
The cam you seek is for the 3.4.
You need to see specs & tha book has em & ideas for your engine bay.
Wise investment
& great score on the MPFI stuff.
You only want MPFI heads & specifically the 3.4 heads.
CAM you have now is just a MPFI cam.
IT's better than the 2.8 carb's cam way better but.....
Get the book any GM dealer.

 

Thanks for the note, I'll check into it.

I probably won't get another new cam, as I'm really not looking for a hot-rod, just reliablity and "adequate" power. I figured if I'm rebuilding anyway, i might as well see what I can do about getting some more useable power.

Will the headers for a Jeep still bolt up to the Camero heads, or any other RWD heads for that matter?

Thanks,

 

NOW WE HAVE APROBLEM
IF ya wann go to MPFI
You HAVE TO MODIFY THE HEADERS to accept an egr assembly that is mandatory on the F bodies.
IF ya stay with teh CARB SET UP nt a single problem or worry.
Seek out a 3.4 long block.
You may be surprised and score one.
Several have gotten them for as little as $200 avg is $500.
You can easily sell your current stock pile of stuff to cover some costs.
Get the book and see the specs on a 3.4 block.
Off road you seek TORQUE
This 3.4 mill has it
200 foot pounds of torque!

 

One thing I'd like to make clear before this goes too far.
I appreciate all the advice/help from this board... however,

1. As it stands I already own 2 2.8L engines. One is a brand new Chevy crate shortblock, and the other my 162k current engine.
I won't be adding a 3.4L to this, as that just gives me more to try gettin rid of (I only have so much storage space...).

2. I am a High School student, and as such have a very limited amount of free cash to throw into the Jeep. My engine currently provides me with enough power/torque to do what I need it to. When off-roading torque has not been a problem with 148@2200RPM.

3. I Just spent $445 on the crate engine, and would like to keep the build project to less than, or about $1000
I'd like to do a 3.1 stroker, which would give me 2 spare crankshafts (1 brand new) as well as an extra set of brand new 2.8 pistons/rods. If I could sell these, and receive a reasonable amout of $$, I'd probably try the 3.1 kit.

4. If I do FI (either MPI, or TBI) it needs to be complete, reliable, and cheap. As I understand it TBI is nearly a bolt on, if I get the computer and wiring (BTW, where do I find this on a blazer/S)
At my local Junk yard (harry's U-Pull It) I can get anything for less than $100... unfortunately, they don't have any good FI systems, or engines from F-bodies. The only 2 they have have had the FI disassembled, so I'm not sure if it's comlete etc. If anyone has one of these systems (with computer) please let me know.

Now, based on that anything would be useful. Though I would love to have a 3.4 from a Camaro, it's not going to happen, at most I'll get a 3.1, but that depends on what the possible value of a new stock 2.8 crank/piston/rod set is.

I really appreciate the extra knowledge this board has brought.

Thanks

 

Yes, You can find a TBI unit on s10 truck/blazer from 86-93 2.8l engines. IMO, the older you find, the more likely it will be easier to swap. Their are some added goodies you can add later when you get time/cash.

I have quite a beefed up 2.8l engine, and have done about half the mods myself. Plus I have found others, but I seek the extra 40hp the 3.4l, plus its a show truck, I would like something to make people go .

If you decide to go s10 2.8l TBI, I will try and do my best to help ya from my desks.

 

Thanks, I'll let you know if this what I end up trying.
Will I need the manifold/heads from a TBI, or will it work with my existing stuff?

Thanks,

 

There's one major problem so for for ya...
I have the same proble too.

IN MY INSTANCE the 3.4 does not have a provision for a mechanical fuel pump.
I have to install an electrical fuel pump. I am doing so. Mine is a Carter external mount, to be located by tank area.

YOUR CHOICE

You have to locate a external fuel pump to get your pressure which will be about 13-15 for a TBI (45-50 for a MPFI).
Your choice is to get the TBI S-10 tank & swap in or figure out, like me, external electric pump.
This fuel system cost will realy bump up cost of the conversion.
My Carter street pump ran me $65. I'm using my current tank, too. When I convert to MPFI, I'll be in same boat as you (crossing my fingers the pump will fit my older style tank).
Don't ask the cost for the Fuel pump for the Firebird, that price hurt.

BUT...
Jeeps did have fuel injected vehicles... MAYBE a direct fit pump will work for your project, too?

What I'm saying is design the Jeep as the engineers already have (fuel systems) in the later model years.

NOW
Can you score a 1986 & older FWD cars in the yard?
Why?
Those engines are identical to a RWD FBody.
Except one detail the top intake piece.
Remainder of stuff is identical.
It'll swap onto your new 2.8 short block.
What else I'd do.
Seek out a set of rebuilt heads for a 1993-1995 F Body 3.4 from an engine rebuilder shop.
You can probably score them for close to $200 & that's freshly rebuilt, new guides & everything.
The 3.4 heads have the better springs for higher RPM abuse.

Second choice is to just score a complete top end of a 1986 & lower MPFI FWD unit & rebuild those heads, obtain the correct F body top intake piece & finish the 2.8 engine you've got.
I'd spend the money on heads & intake then on strokin that perfect codition short block. I'd also purchase the 3.4 spec'd cam (GM or Crane who designed it for GM-read that in the GM Perf book) & sell your current one for decent change (as you can get it on ebay).
You will need correct engine choice exhaust manifolds (see donor car repair books at parts stores for quick comparison drawings of exhaust systems).
Plus, you'll gain extra needed torque by creating a great exhaust system too!
Your project will turn out great keep asking here
Want that yard number in Perkaise? Let me know I'll pass it.