swaping a 2.8 to efi

[shaggyevo]

Ok Im new to the forum and the 60 degree v6 and I have a qustion. I have a 1986 MJ with the 2.8 in it and I have a 95 lumina with the 3100 and my ? is can I swap all the efi stuff over form the 3100 to the 2.8? My reson is the 3100 is locked up and I dont like the carb on the 2.8 i know the 3100 use the cps and coil packs just would like info and stuff thanks.

[zinX11]

In a word, no. If the 2.8 had the aluminum heads it would be a cinch, but if you want to do the swap, it would have to be the whole top end, heads and all... but if you're up for it, the 2.8 block will accept the 3.1 parts. The program in the computer would likely need/want to be updated to ensure it runs it's best.

Mike

[shaggyevo]

Yea fig that would work and up for the task but what about the cps and coil packs when the 2.8 has distrubutor.

[zinX11]

That's a good question! A shutter wheel and sensor mount could be fad'd up, but that is potentially a lot of work, and without a newer crank, the timing "wheel" isn't there... I'm trying to remember what the early 2.8FI engines used, I want to say they had a distributor with a sync output that would probably work. But then I wouldn't be able to say if the newer electronics would be compatible...

Really, it seems the "simplest" solution would be to retrofit the 2.8 crank pulley with the sensor ring... if that was done, the coil pack wouldn't know the difference...

Mike

[shaggyevo]

True! sounds like it would work so you think I could del the distributor and use the coil packs with the ring or not use the coil packs with the distributor? I prob would have to have a cam sensor to use the coil packs. Im sorry if I sound like im going in circles with this.

[zinX11]

I think I would either go to the junk yard and get another compatible bottom end/short block or whole engine if the price was right, OR if that wasn't an option, fabricate a sensor wheel and sensor mount behind the crank pulley or possibly modify the flywheel to act as the sensor wheel by cutting slots into it as some other car makers have done, and mount the sensor into the bell housing.

Mixing and matching the different electronics might work, but it might turn into a nightmare too... If the goal is to get it on the road with FI, a short-block swap would probably be the most satisfying way to go. If you're looking to challenge yourself to make something work, then mix and match all you like, it might be fun...

Personally, I'm a bit lazy and would probably just put up with the idiosyncrasies of the carb rather than do all the extra work to get the FI working...

Mike

PS If you went with the distributor, you'd likely have to "downgrade" the electronics to the same year/style. Basically install the Fiero FI.

[shaggyevo]

Thanks man you and this site has been a big help. I pulled the motor out of the lumina today Im going to just going to put it all togather and go from there! The Jeep is just a play toy so its no loss and if I cant get it to work ill just put the carb back on and drive the piss out of it. like you sad its a challenge and Im up for it I could learn a lot from it.

[zinX11]

Glad I could help, and good luck with the project!

Mike

[TechRod]

If there's any way that you can find a 93-95 Camaro/Firebird 3.4L to use for your bottom end, you'd never regret it.
If that's not feasible you may find that they are a treasure trove of parts for converting a RWD 2.8L to EFI.
Welcome to the forum shaggyevo.

[shaggyevo]

Yea if I buy a motor I'm just going to buy 5.3 lm7 and drop it in there but I have this laying around. Well I was getting ready to tare the 3100 down and I fig I would check and see if it was locked up like my dad sad and it turned over good so my next ? is will the transverse 3100 have the mounting to put it in the MJ?