Cappy

Ok guys out there.
Trying to find out all the info available on this.
I have an 87 2.8L v6 with FI
either blonw head gasket or some problem close to that.
I have several options open to me.
I am interested in figuring out the best
for the least headache.
so the question is what is the headache on conversion. from 2.8l
Well putting a 2.8l back in it is the least.
how well do the following look for Pain

3.1l
3.8l
4.3l
5.0l 305
5.7L 350

I would LOVE to stick a 98 350 in there with all the guts but sounds like a Real pain.
I know I can take a 350. convert it back to solid state and slap a carb on it. also a pain but do able.
Do any of the V-6's Bolt and Plug in?
3.8 would be a nice one.
Any way ears are open.
Cappy

crows_camaro

3.1 and 3.4 fit right in

Jason E

Doing a 3.8 or 4.3 will give you as much work as swapping to a small block, but it won't give you the power of a small block. I'd avoid either of those. Plus, do you have to pass emissions?? Going from a 2.8 MPFI to a carbed 350 is gonna tank your emissions, and may not be legal in your state.

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Jason E
'89 Camaro RS 2.8
Medium Grey Metallic/AT, T-tops, all power
Hypertech chip, 2 K&N filters/Modded air box
Eclipse CD, Eclipse 100x4 amp, Boston plate 4x6, Boston RX 6x9
Alpine Alarm w/ Keyless entry
IROC tailights/t-windows

Cappy

At current there are no additional emmisions in our area. they got rid of them about 14 yrs ago. go figure.

As a question to the first reply. 3.1 and 3.4 bolt up? How about the Plug up aspects?
As in wire harness connections
and if they do. of the 3 which is the better choice. keeping in mind possible past historys of each type of motor.
I heard the 2.8 had Seal leakage problems at the Manifold which might have caused it's current state. I picked up the Car from a friend who is Alot less then mechanically inclined. When i got the car it had been to a garage where they told them the bottom half was Shot. After looking at the amount of water in the oil i could understand why.
But i have not checked to see if it was head related or manifold leakage. I just know the bottom half is roasted, so it was really a mute point.
If all 3 of the motors are suspect then I can justify to myself a 350/327/383 or even a 400. I think a big Block would just be alot more Mods then i wanna even think about.
Thanks again guys.

Graeme'sFirebird

3.1 3.4 straight bolt in...everything can be saved from 2.8...im doing the same thing this month...3.4 swap

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89 RS
305 TPI...

Previous:
2.8 s/c'd firebird

Cappy

Excellent. So basically the 2.8 3.1 and 3.4 share the same block and head alignment for the rest of the Non-Longblock components to attach right up.
Thanks for the assistance out there and good luck on your own projects as well.

Ah.. which one of these factory motors is still considered the best.. from what I have seen thus far they are all around the same HP
any pit falls in these motors?

TomP

I have 205,000 miles on my 2.8.. I've heard from two separate mechanics that the 2.8's don't like to "sit", and when they do, that's when the seals start leaking.

There's a "common" leak at the distributor.. there's a 1" inside-diameter o-ring on the distributor shaft. Over time, it dries up and cracks, and lets oil come out the top of the motor. The oil drips down the back, around the rear seal- and looks like a rear seal leak.

Any of the 3 motors would be a good choice. Remember a 3.4 (207ci) is a bored out 3.1 (189ci), and a 3.1 is a stroked 2.8 (173ci). All will take the 2.8's intake & exhaust & etc.

Keep us posted!

-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards