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2800 Hybrid with Trashed Cam Decision Advice
Engine Background: I put a TGP turbo setup onto my 2.8 back in 2007 with a new high volume TGP oil pump. I decided I wanted more, went to 3400 heads with 26986 springs which I cleaned up the casting flaws (wouldn't use the word ported) and put in an Engle cam ~.490 lift int/ex (2009.) The end of that year my T25 started to smoke after the second rebuild on it, and I decided to go to a GT3271 twin scroll turbo (2010.) The end of 2010 my car developed a tick from the top end. I towed it to my parents house, and with the purchase of my own house, found little time to work on it.
I tried to diagnose it a couple times, compression check (everything was pretty even), I pulled the valve covers off and none of the rockers had pulled out, pushrods were all tight. I thought maybe I had a lifter that was occasionally bleeding off pressure. Fast forward to this weekend, I found a trashed lifter, and an even more trashed cam. Cylinder #4 exhaust lobe is gone. Which explains the compression test somewhat. If it was #4 intake i'm guessing it would have been a different compression test outcome.
I have a new intake manifold gaskets, and new Crane lifters ready to go. Also, I feel like ordering a new cam and pulling my engine will be the fastest way to get back on the road. I know the 2.8 is old tech, and doesn't have much power, but I think that's part of it's appeal to me. At the same time, you have to know when to cut your losses and move on. Bottom line is, what should I do with it?
Pull the engine, replace the cam. Check the main/rod bearings to make sure they didn't get trashed in the process and rock out in 2.8 liters of the best 1988 had to offer.
Bail on the 2.8, it's old tech move on to a 3400 keep the turbo.
Screw the turbo setup entirely build an NA 3400 (simplicity is nice, extra piping, oil lines etc is just more to screw with)
Go for a 3500, it takes an external crank sensor, but they can be had cheaply and ultimately make more power.
Get rid of the car entirely it clearly takes up too much of your time (likely the choice of wives/girlfriends)
Looking forward to your comments. Thanks,
Jon
I tried to diagnose it a couple times, compression check (everything was pretty even), I pulled the valve covers off and none of the rockers had pulled out, pushrods were all tight. I thought maybe I had a lifter that was occasionally bleeding off pressure. Fast forward to this weekend, I found a trashed lifter, and an even more trashed cam. Cylinder #4 exhaust lobe is gone. Which explains the compression test somewhat. If it was #4 intake i'm guessing it would have been a different compression test outcome.
I have a new intake manifold gaskets, and new Crane lifters ready to go. Also, I feel like ordering a new cam and pulling my engine will be the fastest way to get back on the road. I know the 2.8 is old tech, and doesn't have much power, but I think that's part of it's appeal to me. At the same time, you have to know when to cut your losses and move on. Bottom line is, what should I do with it?
Pull the engine, replace the cam. Check the main/rod bearings to make sure they didn't get trashed in the process and rock out in 2.8 liters of the best 1988 had to offer.
Bail on the 2.8, it's old tech move on to a 3400 keep the turbo.
Screw the turbo setup entirely build an NA 3400 (simplicity is nice, extra piping, oil lines etc is just more to screw with)
Go for a 3500, it takes an external crank sensor, but they can be had cheaply and ultimately make more power.
Get rid of the car entirely it clearly takes up too much of your time (likely the choice of wives/girlfriends)
Looking forward to your comments. Thanks,
Jon
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