A while back, I thought I had read something about 2.8 V6 had differences depending on what year it is. I couldn't find that thread again, maybe i was dreaming. My daily driver is a '88 Formula Automatic, I have an '86 SE 4-Spd parts car, both are VIN code 9. I would like to rebuild the '86 2.8, and when finished drop it into my '88, makes less down time. Besides the obvious flywheel change... is there anything I need to know about the engines? Thanks !
------------------ '88 Formula, V6, Auto. (daily driver) '86 SE V6, 4-Speed (rusty parts car)
86-88 should be just about identical... might need to re-use some brackets/mounts from the 88 as the Bolton layout changed alittle, other hten that you should be good.
why not find a 3.4l bottom end tho? free ~20-25hp boost for ya since your rebuilding it anyway. 3400 bottom end would work too, better oiling, wont need to re-drill anything, all the timing cover stuff bolts right on, do some reading on it.
In addition to the different crankshaft (which requires a different flywheel), the oil pan and timing cover are also different. But that shouldn't matter, as far as installing the engine is concerned. Also, the exhaust Y-pipe and downpipe are different. To make life easier on yourself, you'll want to keep the '88 exhaust parts. You'll also want to keep the alternator from the '88.
Externally all the Fiero V6's were about the same. Internally, they were different. There was some improvement in oiling in the 86 and 87, over the 85. The 88 used an internally balanced crankshaft, so the flex plate or flywheel should only be used on an 88 engine, or one with an internally balanced crankshaft. Those will usually have a reluctor wheel on the crankshaft. It may or may not be notched for later year crankshafts sensor applications. Generally the 3.1 and 88/89 2.8's were internally balanced, as was the later RWD 3.4.
Edit to apologize if I've repeated anything. I got interrupted mid way by an international call.
[This message has been edited by fierofool (edited 01-30-2014).]
Some time ago I read that not all 2.8 GM engines are the same but as long as you stay with a Fiero block you should be ok. I read that the 2.8 in some other applications had the mounts cast in the block differently, mostly on front engine vehicles such as the S-10 and maybe the Blazer. Just FYI
The one you want is from the 93-95 Camaro or Firebird. Don't get one from a FWD vehicle. The heads and pistons (among other things) are different. Your Fiero manifolds will not fit.
Edit - That's assuming you want to keep it looking stock, and want a mostly bolt-in swap. If that's not an issue, you can do a 3400 or 3500 (aluminum head) engine, but it will require a different ECM, a custom harness, and a little bit of clever mix-matching of parts, or a bit of fabrication.
[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 02-06-2014).]
86-88 should be just about identical... might need to re-use some brackets/mounts from the 88 as the Bolton layout changed alittle, other hten that you should be good.
why not find a 3.4l bottom end tho? free ~20-25hp boost for ya since your rebuilding it anyway. 3400 bottom end would work too, better oiling, wont need to re-drill anything, all the timing cover stuff bolts right on, do some reading on it.
You also need to change the pistons to use a iron-head 3400, but as you stated, if its being rebuilt that's really a non-issue.
If you can get a 3400 cheap that's probably the way to go.
