Question : 1988 2.8L Repair/Overhaul/Replace?

[unclescratch]

My 2.8 has 140,400 miles and the compression on #3 and #5 is @ 60 and 90 psi. Doesn,t smoke, uses a little water, and runs like its only on 4-1/2 cylinders. Other 4 holes are @ 150psi. Possible head gasket issue between these two holes? Bad cam? I am a new owner w/o the past history of this engine. What is the trending history on this engine? No dtc's from ecm. What do you think?? Thanks. ps I would keep the engine w/o hot rodding anything as this 4x4 S-10 is a pretty clean and straight vehicle.

[geoffinbc]

If the body is worth it then put in a 3.4L from a Camaro. Or get the crate if you can find one. It really is not worth rebuilding the 2.8L. A 3.4L Crate would even cost less. You will also get some improvements like a better cam, better valve springs and a better oil pump. Its all new and needs nothing.

Lots of info on my site http://members.shaw.ca/gmcsonoma/