2.8l block differences?

[raptorboy992001]

Ok, this is gonna seem like an odd question and I know I am gonna hear people say just swap in a v8 or different motor, but this is what I got and limited funds, so here goes.

I have a 1991 Isuzu Trooper with the LL2 2.8l. I baught the ARI 2.8 to 3.1 Stroker kit and added a Phase 2 cam kit. I also installed a 4.3 TBI. This motor is rock solid now. The Trooper it is in is rusting away. Now I have a nice engine with a sucky body lol.

Now here is what I want to do. I found a great deal on a 1989 Firebird with an almost dead LB8 2.8 MPFI. Can I bolt the Trooper LL2 2.8 directly in and just swap the TBI for the MPFI and switch the starter to the passenger side? Is there a huge difference in the 2 blocks and if so what are they?

If I could, I would drop a V8 in, and most likely will in the future. Untill then I have a built 2.8 ready to go. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Shawn

[Guest]

Unless the Isuzu installed 2.8 is different, there isn't enough meat on the passenger side to drill the starter mounting holes and swap to that side. That will be your biggest hurdle. The bellhousing bolt pattern is the same. The engine mount bolt bosses are the same, so the munting part is easy.

The intake will swap over.

Basically you will be doing a 2.8 to 2.8 swap, with the only issue being starter location. If you have a manual, you can either find the rare dual pocket bellhousing, or cut out the bellhousing for starter nose clearance. You should also look at your current bellhousing, if the tranny to bellhousing pattern is the same or close you may be able to use it. Just keep in mind that the F-bady tranny is tilted, where as most if not all other vehicles with the same tranny don't have this tilt.

[raptorboy992001]

Great info!! I do have a manual, so any ideas on where to find this rare bellhousing? Thought I seen a post on here saying the Firebird had it. I'll search the posts again.
Think I will go ahead and pull tranny too to make sure all goes well and in case of trial and error lol

Again, thank you very much!! You've helped me greatly!