Well my sixer bird is startin to use oil and mileage is going downhill fast on this 155000 mile 2.8. Time for a rebuild. Im choosing to stay with the 60* V6 instead of going to a 4.3L etc because of better mileage and the 60* is a more balanced and compact V6 design, not to mention lighter. I have three goals in mind: Great mileage, decent performance, and efficiency. Here are the plans:
Salvaged 2.8L block, .030 overbore, rebuild kit (w/ new pistons, all new bearings, gaskets, oil pump, timing set) heads milled .030, H.O.-660 style 1/8 inch larger valves (if still available), slightly ported heads/intake, ported exhaust manifolds, slightly more aggressive cam, and low restriction exhaust. A/C and AIR pump will be removed. Any comments? Suggestions?


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'83 Firebird 2.8
'89 Firebird Formula 350
2nd owner, red/grey, t-tops, dual cats, and a 3.27:1 rear
K&N, TB bypass, No MAF screens, CAI, full Accel ignition

 

You have a carb version of the engine.
Still, get yourself a 3.4 long block from the yard for the same amount of effort & probably price.
Enjoy yorself.
I do.
The train left the station, FAST

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Chat Soon,
KED85
Karl
1985 Firebird 2.8 to 3.4 swap project for Smog Happy LA, CA

 

You don't need to go .030 on the heads. If you choose the right pistons, have the machine shop take off just enough to true it up and give you a fresh sealing surface it will be fine. The only reason I can see to go that far is an attempt to get a better squish to bore ratio so you can run more compression. Good idea, except you'll need pistons that will take advantage of the better ratio for max efficency.

My advice, Have the shop take .005 off the heads .005 off the block and use 9.25 (or so) CR pistons. You should still be able to run on 87 or 89 octane gas and get decent power out of the engine, All the while adding to the longevity of the rest of the package.

 

with the mods in my sig I ran a 16.0-.1 at nearly 86. Keep in mind I had a warped head causing #5 cylinder to have low compression, so I had them planed .020 and felt A BIG difference. I hope to bust into the 15's because the compression is back and the .020 shaved. I really think traction is my biggest enemy though.

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3.4Pacesetterheaders,
Crane 2030 cam,intake, dynomax catback ,B&Mshift kit,pulleys,3.73's,(openrear)
16.18@85.6 and 16.09@83.7

[This message has been edited by 3.1 firebird (edited March 18, 2001).]

 

Sounds like a good rebuild! One thing to keep in mind though- no 2.8 cams are certified as emissions-legal... however, it looks like they would be. It's probably just that no company's bothered to go through the BS of getting a cam certified.


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