need 2.8 power help

[Luminaz4Life]

long time no see!,i just picked up a 84 blazer with the carb'd 2.8,does anyone know the factory power rating on this engine?,and would the cheaper route be to build this engine up(only 118,000 miles,and shows almost 60pds of oil pressure at idle!) or drop in a mild 350? any help would be greatly appreciated,thanks!,also how much more power would i gain,just by putting on 3.1 heads?thanks again!

[geoffinbc]

The cheepest by far is to drop in a 3.4L engine.

However since the vehicle is Carb'd a V8 becomes very apealing. There is no electrical work to be done at all. However you will need a different tranny.

3.1L (GenII) heads cannot just be "bolted" on. There is a whole host of obstacles to overcome.

[gpse3400]

RE: need 2.8 power help

I think it was like 110 hp, 150 lbf ft of tq... You could always drop in the factory rep HT3.4. Already comes with some nice hardware and I belive it's resonably priced....but alas a V8 would be best...

[sharkey]

RE: need 2.8 power help

what tranny is in your truck??? auto or stick. i remember reading something about the ht3.4l not being able to be used with early stick trucks due to the clutch slave location.

depends on what you want to spend. if you have the cash to do a 350, then do it.

[geoffinbc]

No it is only an issue with a cable clutch. In 84 it is hydraulic.

Even if you have a cable clutch it is easy to switch.

[Luminaz4Life]

unfortunately,its auto (4spd) 200 or 700r4,well i guess that settles it,2.8 for the rest of the winter,then its 350 time!,that things gonna fly!,thanks guys! also,its 4wd so its gonna be a LOT of fun with a 350,much more mud!

[sharkey]

the 200 is a 3 speed tranny (unless its a 200-4r), but to my knowledge, the 700r4 didnt come out till 85.

anyways, for a tranny for your 350, id go with a 700r4 with a shift kit. they are a nice shifting tranny with a stage 1 (or junior) shift kit and will take the abuse.