Hello everyone and a question about 2.8l engines

[ricehammer]

Hello everyone - newbie here at this site but not a newbie to working on GM's. Matter fact I spend much of my free time working on/modding a 96 Z28 which is ironic since most of my driving time has been with GM 2.8l's (late 80's early 90's f-bods). Anyways, on to the question. I am getting ready to resto my old 86 2.8l automatic trans Camaro for a new daily driver. I also have an 85 2.8l manual Camaro for a parts car (too much $$$ to make it work again). What I want to do is install the manual trans in the 86 which is possible but will take some work. I will also be rebuilding one of the 2.8's or purchasing a crate 2.8. My question is - What differences, if any, are there between the 85 2.8l engine with the manual trans and the 86 2.8l engine with auto?

Thanks all and cheers

[geoffinbc]

No difference except the accessory drive belts.

[ForcedFirebird]

No difference except the accessory drive belts.

When exacly was the large journal cranks introduced?

[neo71665]

Pretty sure 86 was when the large journals were induced.

You'll get better numbers from a 3.4 out of a later model camaro but I'm sure your only playing with this cause you have the 2.8s.

[ricehammer]

Not worried about numbers and yes I have 2 - 2.8's. The 86 still runs, but is getting tired. The 85 has a spun bearing. Since they are similar except the 86 has a larger journal crank, it looks like the 86 may be destine for a rebuild.

Lemme pick your brains some more . I've been looking at crate motors since they're cost is about the same, maybe less, than a rebuild. Specifically GM Goodwrench crate 2.8l engines. Turns out that GM has discontinued the crate motors for pre 87 models. They do still manufacture 2.8l engines for 87 and up. There are 2 engines for f-bodys - pn12523277 ($1200) for automatics and pn12523279 ($1900) for manuals. I've looked through the GM engine catalog as well as all over the net and can't find the difference between the two. Any ideas what the difference is??

Thanks all

[geoffinbc]

Well there is a flywheel and pilot bearing in one versus a flexplate and no pilot bearing in the other. Maybe the manual comes with a clutch?

The 85 Camaro will have a large journal crank. Only some S-10's were left with small journals in that year. 86 was the first year with 100% larger journal.