2.8 build suggestions (Page 1/2)
Josh86gt FEB 09, 02:49 PM
I plan on doing this within the next 6 months to one year, I'm going to take my 2.8 buy a 3.1 stroker kit with hypereutectic Pistons 12 psi of boost a 260H cam and stronger springs 19 lbs injectors hyper tech thermomaster chip roller rockers 1.52 mls head gaskets and a f40 transmission, is there anything else I should run?
olejoedad FEB 09, 06:10 PM
Do all of that to a 3.4, it has better oiling that the 2.8.

And no need for the stroker kit.

If you do that to the 2.8 you're building a time bomb.

[This message has been edited by olejoedad (edited 02-09-2025).]

Josh86gt FEB 09, 06:37 PM

quote
Originally posted by olejoedad:

Do all of that to a 3.4, it has better oiling that the 2.8.

And no need for the stroker kit.

If you do that to the 2.8 you're building a time bomb.




I wanted to use the 2.8 because I already have one what do you think I should get rid of/lower to make it a bit more reliable
82-T/A [At Work] FEB 09, 07:03 PM

quote
Originally posted by Josh86gt:

I plan on doing this within the next 6 months to one year, I'm going to take my 2.8 buy a 3.1 stroker kit with hypereutectic Pistons 12 psi of boost a 260H cam and stronger springs 19 lbs injectors hyper tech thermomaster chip roller rockers 1.52 mls head gaskets and a f40 transmission, is there anything else I should run?




I think everything here is good, but I think you'd be wasting your money with the Hyper-Tech ThermoMaster Chip. The only reason why people buy those (I bought one), was to allow you to use a cooler thermostat. But it doesn't actually really improve performance if any. I had one back in the day and ran a 160 degree thermostat, haha... I don't know why I did that. 180 is ideal in South Florida, and I wouldn't want to go colder than that. But with a turbo, you're going to want to have an aftermarket ECM.


I guess what I would say is... think through what you really want out of the car. Look up ARI Racing and see some of the options there. Also look online. The 2.8 is a good motor, but if you can find a 3.4, it might be more worthwhile as they made a lot of improvements in the block itself too...
Josh86gt FEB 09, 07:04 PM

quote
Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]:
I think everything here is good, but I think you'd be wasting your money with the Hyper-Tech ThermoMaster Chip. The only reason why people buy those (I bought one), was to allow you to use a cooler thermostat. But it doesn't actually really improve performance if any. I had one back in the day and ran a 160 degree thermostat, haha... I don't know why I did that. 180 is ideal in South Florida, and I wouldn't want to go colder than that. But with a turbo, you're going to want to have an aftermarket ECM.


I guess what I would say is... think through what you really want out of the car. Look up ARI Racing and see some of the options there. Also look online. The 2.8 is a good motor, but if you can find a 3.4, it might be more worthwhile as they made a lot of improvements in the block itself too...



Okay thanks this really tells me a lot I'll ditch the chip and look for aftermarket ECM
pmbrunelle FEB 09, 07:55 PM
I was hitting rather high injector duty cycles on my V6 Fiero with ~12 psi boost and 30 lb/hr injectors.

19 lb/hr injectors are likely not enough…
Josh86gt FEB 09, 07:56 PM

quote
Originally posted by pmbrunelle:

I was hitting rather high injector duty cycles on my V6 Fiero with ~12 psi boost and 30 lb/hr injectors.

19 lb/hr injectors are likely not enough…



Ok thanks I will get bigger ones
olejoedad FEB 09, 08:12 PM
The 3.1.and 3.4 have redesigned oiling systems, and provide much better oiling to the bottom end than the 2.8 is capable of.

Additionally, the 3.4 has more displacement, double the additional displacement that you would get with the 2.8 block/3.1 stroker crank.

Do what you want, but it won't last very long with the 2.8 block.
Patrick FEB 09, 09:49 PM

quote
Originally posted by olejoedad:

The 3.1.and 3.4 have redesigned oiling systems, and provide much better oiling to the bottom end than the 2.8 is capable of.



Joe, I agree that building up a 3.4 is the route to go... but in regards to "better oiling", wasn't the '88 2.8 improved in that regard over the earlier 2.8 engines?
olejoedad FEB 09, 10:05 PM
I have heard that, but have not researched to find if it was true, or was just assumed because the engine was internally balanced vs the older externally balanced design.

Good question that I can't answer without digging deeper.