Must not be any 2.8r's out there

[jjwalker]

This forum has been dead for weeks!

[s10blazed]

2.8 was a pretty poor motor. It's too big to be considered economical and no where near a power house. I suppose it's only positive trait I can think of is it's reliability and easy access to parts. I had this motor in my Blazer and it held up great... but the parts bolted to it did not always follow suit!


especially the trannies....

[T Man]

IM HERE!!! I just dont want to talk to myself!!! Yeah, the 2.8 has the power of a 4 cyl with the gas consumption of a 6, great trade off!!!

[Maximus]

I don't wanna dog anyones engineat all but the 2.8 was a bad engine from the factory.But there a lot of options for the 2.8 including superchargers and turbos.The 3.4 is a great replacement for the 2.8 and GM knew it that's why they offered the 3.4 crate engine for a replacement.

[s10blazed]

...But there a lot of options for the 2.8 including superchargers and turbos.The 3.4 is a great replacement for the 2.8 and GM knew it that's why they offered the 3.4 crate engine for a replacement.
I disagree about there being alot of options. Its tough to find any type of performance parts for the 2.8 because its not a performance motor. The small block 350 is a motor with a lot of options... The 3.4 is also not a GREAT replacement... easy maybe but not a real big benefit. It was also in some base model cameros (I think it was camero? maybe firebirds) It wasn't offered specifically for a replacement for the 2.8 as far as I know. The only good replacement for the 2.8 was the 4.3 :D

[T Man]

you arent dogging it at all, it is the truth. It was originally built for longitudinal use, so it was already out of place when it was installed in a pickup. The lack of performance parts is appaling. I cannot find new headders anywhere for a non carbed truck. The only option I have ever found was a carbed one that you had to drill and tap. I got this book for christmas called "automotive atrocites, cars we love to hate" apparently gm put a 2.5l inline4 in the 82 and 83 (i believe) camaros. A 2.8 was an option for those cars. The 3.4 is the easiest swap. From what I understand it is a bored and stroked 2.8 I was pricing them online. For the "race" versions, (about 200 hp) I could buy a mild (300hp) small block for the same price. Guess it all comes back to how much you want to modify your truck

[Maximus]

I disagree about there being alot of options. Its tough to find any type of performance parts for the 2.8 because its not a performance motor. The small block 350 is a motor with a lot of options... The 3.4 is also not a GREAT replacement... easy maybe but not a real big benefit. It was also in some base model cameros (I think it was camero? maybe firebirds) It wasn't offered specifically for a replacement for the 2.8 as far as I know. The only good replacement for the 2.8 was the 4.3 :Dhttp://www.sicgmtrucks.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=428&stc=1 GM Performance 3.4 crate engine -Tired of that tired 2.8 V6 in your S-truck? It's time for a major upgrade, GM Performance Parts style. The HT 3.4 is a bolt in replacement for the 2.8 V6 in your 1982 - 1985 S-10 pickup or Blazer with automatic transmission. And it's emission legal in 49 states (Yes, you guessed it, California said no.) But for the rest of us, the HT 3.4 is the best thing going. With 160 horsepower and 194 Ft. Lbs. of torque your truck will feel better than new, and tow better than ever. The heads have large 1.72" intake and 1.42" exhaust valves and combustion chambers that yield a healthy 9 to 1 compression ratio. The camshaft is a high lift, short duration design, developed to produce lots of strong low end torque and mid range horsepower. With .427" intake and .454" exhaust lift, the cam ensures a strong pull to 5000 RPM. Doesn't sound like your 2.8 V6 at all does it? It isn't, when GM Performance Parts develops an engine we focus on making power. But not power for the sake of power, but power where you need it. For great drivability, towing performance and maybe even a little off road fun. The HT 3.4, a serious upgrade for your favorite little truck. With 40 more horsepower than your 2.8 V6, why would you even consider rebuilding that old 2.8? The induction system, ignition system, exhaust, emission controls, water pump and other parts required to bolt in your new HT 3.4 are already on your truck. Sounds like a weekend project or talk to your GM Performance Parts Authorized Center, they can install it for you.








You can also get alot of GM 60 degree performance parts here http://www.gmv6.com/ or here http://www.fageolsuperchargers.com/ There is also Edelbrock who makes intakes cams and other parts.And there are several cam companies out there who make cams for them.Ya just have to look a little harder for them.No it will not be as good as a 4.3 but you won't have as much involved with this swap.It's no 4.3 but it ain't bad.

[jjwalker]

The market for easy bolt-on, I dont feel like having to think about anything besides what size wrench I need parts does suck.

I have stayed with, and also beat stock 4.3's on the street. Not bad for spending ~$500. To do anything with a 2.8, you have to be a DIY person. There isnt anything you can just bolt on hardly. The BIGGEST problem with the 2.8 is it breaths through a coffee stirrer! The heads suck, the manifold REALLY sucks and the TBI is restrictive. You also have to contend with the ****ty gear ratio's of the 700r4 (they might be good for a 4.3, but who ever decided to put a 700r4 on 2.8 that pulls a 4800lb. vehicle is a moron). The standard tranny 2.8 had good power to the wheels.

I will agree it is has its downfalls, because I have experienced every single one of those working with my motors.