2.8 to 3.1 Stroker Pistons RWD

[bob442]

well i was looking into this forum, to bad it didnt get finished, i believe it was due to the fact he didnt think anyone gave a crap. how ever he used 2.8 motor mounts, and all the motors stock accesssories. Yes, it is alot of work, and i suppous if the s10 isnt a mint pride n joy it would be to much work. but there is also the possibility of just doing the top swap on the 2.8, and converting to SFI. i guess i just dont see really any reason at all to sink a dime into a iron head 2.8 or aluminum on that note.

[geoffinbc]

I am not saying the 3X00 is a bad idea but often times people make suggestions with no regard to the guys budget or time. These two things take precedence over all other things. Even if it is not on your mind when planning or dreaming either one of these things will stop a project dead in its tracks weather or not you want to keep going you simply can't. So when someone needs a swap done fast and simple or on budget it needs to be the most straight forward one.

When someone says I need power and don't care what it costs then thats when you suggest a 3500 with a turbo and stand alone engine management.

Even though an iron head may not make as much power as an aluminum one it still can be made to put out good power and definitely enough to get the job done. My Trooper has no problems spinning up 33's on dry pavement and going well over the speed limit on the freeway even when towing and loaded with camping gear. What more do you need? It even runs faster than my friends Cherokee with the 4.0L so thats not too shabby.

[bob442]

if thats the case while towing, no its not too shabby, i see where your going BetterThanYou.

Do GEN II 2.8 (MFPI) have the same ports to accept a TB style intake? i'm curious about that, atleast there would be an advantage to it

[Superdave]

No.

[GearJammerR]

What about a frankenstein motor??? A little bit from everything, start with a Gen I 2.8 block, swap in a 3100 crank and pistons. Put the best flowing GEN III heads ontop. Can you flip LIM?? or maybe even just the UIM?? that way it bolts to my trans, meets my motor mounts. Oil pan would be a custom job though, GEN I dont fit GEN II or III blocks, if i remebered correctly. decide what front timing cover and accesories to use. Also need a external crank trigger. I Thought exhaust manifolds are very close, only one bolt hole needs to be elongated or something like that........ Continue on if youd like!!!!

Also, I know the trans in my truck is a MG 290, its not a T5.......

Again, im not saying i would favor one idea or another.....

[geoffinbc]

Got a pic of that transmission? I have never seen a RWD 60 Degree V6 with any other manual trans. Even the Camaro was T5 equipped.

Yes you could make a hybrid engine if you wanted to. Putting on a 3X00 top end would force you to use the SFI intake which means the entire engine control system needs to be changed and a high pressure fuel pump installed. You would not need an external trigger if you used the 3.4L block. The 2.8L manifolds would not be a good fit. The bolts are already right at the outer edge of the manifold if you widened the holes then they may pop right out the side. I also do not think they will fit the D ports properly. You have to flip the hole intake manifold so that the thermostat housing is at the front of the engine.

[GearJammerR]

This is sorta a deja vu.......

I was thinking of doing this once already, the 3x00 hybrid, then i realised how much work this is, same thing happened agian now......
Ive decided once and for all, im going to build either a 3.1L or a 3.4L Iron headed motor.
Being that as it may, My original question was about pistons, ive figured out those. What about the crank??? i know i need a neutrally balanced flywheel. What my balancer? will that bolt on no prob? Im planning on using a 3100 crank, that im pretty sure i can get for free or cheap (like $20 bucks) hmmm.... cant think of anything else right now, Will keep you posted......
Im sure that this motor is gonna be pretty sweet.......

Edit*** I just remembered....... Would a flywheel from a camaro or firebird work??? or does it have to be s10??? just trying to limit downtime

[geoffinbc]

3X00 crank will be fine. So will the stock balancer. You have to use an S-10 flywheel. The F-Body, S-10, FWD Car all had different flywheels and cannot change over.

All of the parts can be purchased new if you need.

Now lets see pics of that trans!

[GearJammerR]

Havent had the truck on the hoist for a while so pick of trans........maybe not right now!!!! lol

Ive just got a lead on a 3.4 from a 95 camaro for $350-$400 bucks, its complete and apperantly low kms.....

Good building block? i think so

[geoffinbc]

Yea if you can get one its worth it. Plus you can build that and keep driving your truck. I paid $250 for my Rodeo 3.1L. Considering the 3.4L is much more rare $350 is fair.

[GearJammerR]

Ya i thought so too......
Just need to find a flywheel and new intake to get bored

I still plan on building it too, cam, heads (porting), intake and tbi, valve springs, ect

You think Comp cams 260H is too aggresive for a daily driver 4x4?

[geoffinbc]

Just get a flywheel from the parts store. They are a good price and not much more than machining. If you want I can sell you a complete Big Bore TBI Kit.

I am running the COMP 252 cam and it is just as mild mannered as the stock cam but it pulls strong to 5000 and will go beyond that. The stock cam tapers off after 4000RPM so its a nice improvement. The 260 cam will make more power by extending the upper RPM range and moving the torque peak higher. I chose the 252 cam because I wanted something that pulled hard right off idle and it does just that.

[GearJammerR]

got my 3.4 last night......
pulled it apart tonight, Long story short..... I got burned....
Cylinder number 2 and 5 both cracked at the top........
FML!!!!!!!

[geoffinbc]

Cracked? That sucks. Someone must have let it freeze with water in it. I have never herd of them cracking any other way. Simple solution thought. Take all the internals out so the block is light enough for you and a friend to effectively chuck through the guys windshield.

Or if he was an honest guy and just didn't know he might give you your money back.

[GearJammerR]

Lucky enough he is honest and said hell give me my money back!!!!! WOOHOOOOO

Otherwise i liked that, its funny

Im going to try and track down another, if it doesnt turn out either.... I have a crank I can make a 3.1 out of!!