Newbie needing 2.8 distributor advice...

[2.8chevetteguy]

I found and purchased a rust free 81 chevette 4 door diesel to do a motor swap into. I have access to a cheap rebuilt 84 2.8 V6 that's in an 84 firebird.. The local pick and pull just got an 87 firebird with a 70k mile 2.8 multi port also.. I want to do the swap cheap and low tech for now just to get it together and running, but don't want the time and hassle of going with the fuel injection... Is there a non computerized, HEI style distributor for this engine?? I would like to do an edelbrock 4 bbl intake and a small holley also.. Any info/advice?? Thx

[geoffinbc]

Yes you can use any iron head 2.8L, 3.1L or 3.4L and put a carb on it. At the very least try and find an 88+ motor. It has all the refinements like on piece rear main seal, internal balance serpentine belts and large valve heads. The use a factory carb intake from and S-10 along with the matching distributor. It might be a wise idea to buy a re manufactured distributor from the parts store. The S-10 uses a small cap distributor with remote coil. FWD cars used a coil in cap HEI distributor. For a RWD setup the small cap would be preferred.

You would have a nice power plant if you got your hands on a 3.4L and put a Holley 390 2bbl on top. This is a common solution when doing 3.4L swaps in S-10 trucks and it moves them quite nicely. A Chevette would be a blast.

You will need an electronic fuel pump for carb applications. The later blocks do not support mechanical pumps.

[zinX11]

The centrifugal/vacuum advanced distributors that I've seen were only on the 1980 models, there might be others, or you might be able to convert a 3.8 distributor, but I imagine they will be hard to find if they really are a one year only thing...

Mike

[TechRod]

I've been told that the Chevette rear end can hold up against a carb'd 2.8 for awhile (assuming auto trans) but I put a 3.4L into my Chevette along with its 4L60E trans and SFI intact... the rear end made it exactly 9/10ths of a mile before grenading in the loudest manner possible, and I wasn't even getting on it.
Since then I swapped in a 2WD S10 rear end and I can smoke the tires for blocks without an issue now.
One other thing you might want to keep in mind, Chevette brakes can't even stop a stock Chevette... any plans there?
Seriously though, I've had a fleet of Chevettes over the years, if you have any questions about the car or the swap I'll be here.
I also have a garage full of Chevette parts if you're in need of anything.
That reminds me, I have a stock driveshaft modified for a 60*V6 with an overdrive auto if you need one, it only has 9/10ths of a mile on it

[2.8chevetteguy]

Thanks for the info gang! im going with the early motor because its cheap and has the fuel pump provision. im going with that and a T200 just like the chevette chevy built back in the day... it ran low 15s and the rear end wasnt over powered to death! lol. this is a low buck fun sleeper for now and will give me the time to gather a s10 rear end and other parts so i can build the car in stages as time and cash allows... all while still being a daily driver... already have the pick and pull fiero front break set up ready to install btw

[TechRod]

Excellent, it sounds like a good plan.
I'm a sucker for a Chevette build, any pics?
Best of luck, they certainly make great little hot rods!

[neophile_17]

Wow. Fiero brakes are an improvement for Chevette brakes... Terrifying! We have to upgrade ours for reasonable performance.

~sam

[2.8chevetteguy]

If you ever looked at vette brakes you would know WHY they are an upgrade! lol. a 2.8 chevette will be roughly 700 pounds lighter then a fiero so that helps in the brake (and breakage) department

[neophile_17]

True enough. I never realized just how light those cars are. I'd still think about Grand Am calipers when you do the S10 rear. Now I'm thinking about a Chevette with a 3.6L...

"Simplify then add lightness" Indeed.

~sam

[TechRod]

Yeah, I did drilled and slotted rotors and decent pads up front and that's why my brakes just barely stop my car... for now.
I have a pair of modified Corvair hubs and bearings (thanks to 406Vette on Platform-T) and I'm saving up for 99-03 Grand Am front brake parts for my upgrade.
The old-style Chevette master cylinder doesn't really fill up the S10 wheel cylinders out back so I'm going to be changing my MC when I do my front brake upgrade.
The car has sort of a mushy stop for now and thank goodness I haven't been forced into any emergency stops.
I skipped the Fiero brake "upgrade" as it's not much of an upgrade. I need to stop, that means vented (vs solid Chevette or Fiero) rotors in my book.

[2.8chevetteguy]

Yep, I have pics and may just throw up a "build" thread ... Where shall I put it?? I'm am a "K.I.S.S." kinda guy and will just run the s10 drums on the rear when I eventually do the swap.. My biggest concern is finding that non computerized distributor.. Because without it.. This build isn't going anywhere

[neophile_17]

A distributor for an 82 S10 is about $100 w/ vacuum advance on Rock Auto. I don't know what shipping would be. Also any time you buy from them, Google their name and coupon code for 5% off. Could be cheaper but having an option is better than no options.

~sam

[2.8chevetteguy]

Thanks man! that was exactly what i needed

[TechRod]

That's not a bad deal, especially for the peace of mind of a good rebuild vs. a junkyard picked distributor that might go out on you a month later.