My car is a 86se 2.8, threw a rod blah blah. Got a remaned motor from a fellow member, and i'm pretty sure its a 87. I need to change out the timing cover. and change the oil pan gasket while i do that. Should i buy gaskets for a 86 or 87 2.8? are they even different ? What else might i run into during the swap. is there a way to tell by the block casting what year it is?

Thank You , Brian M

I have not heard of any differences between the 86 or 87 2.8.

If you are working on the engine, go with the year of the engine. If you are working on the chassis, go with the year of the chassis. My two cents as a 30 year parts dept. manager.

The front cover/oil pan interface was redesigned somewhere between 86 - 88, the early design had an angled front on the oil pan.

The blocks are the same.
The 86 pan must stay with the 86 timing cover. The 87 pan must stay with the 87 timing cover.
(The 87 was an improved design that is less likely to leak - uses a rubber pan gasket instead of cork - but either set will work with your engine.)
Choose whichever design you prefer, and buy gaskets accordingly.
The 87 kit may include the incorrect water pump gasket. Check to make sure.

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Raydar
88 Formula IMSA Fastback. 4.9, NVG T550

Praise the Lowered!