What can I do to get some hp in my v6 86
 

I'm lookin for some junkyard hp . What kinda stuff can I go junking for to get some more hp out of my carburated 2.8l v6? The exhaust is brand new basically and is 2.5 all the way through. I don't wanna change that so what else can I junk for?

2.8L?

Not a lot, honestly. They are crap motors. Supposedly you can put a much better 3400 V6 in it, but I'm not sure as to the details.

I can get a 3.4 for 500 with the wire harness and everything and I have looked into it. I wanna stick with a carb and Without the fuel injection, that 3.4 isn't worth it

350 4 bolt chevy w/supercharger

You can get a high performance cam from Comp Cams, and roller rockers from them too. Silvolite makes higher compression pistons for the 2.8, and I think if you look hard enough, you may find an intake manifold too. With all of that stuff, you might get an extra 40 horsepower. So that gives you a total of 62 horespower after it is all said and done. A small block Chevy would be the most cost effective way.

what part of "junkyard hp" are you people missing? I wanted to know if there are like oem parts from other cars i can out on mine. Kinda like bastard packs and f250 springs for a cheap lift. cept i want hp not height lol

we are getting it,that motor isn't worth the time to hop up

it keeps up with my buddys 4.0l The only problem is it stalls on the trails sometimes cause of the carb (hellllo heal-toe lol)

Why would one want carb of FI?

What's wrong with your buddy's 4.0? :grin:

Seriously, the 2.8 isn't worth its weight as boat anchor. You can throw all sorts of mods at it and all your gonna do is make a little more power and severely effect it's reliability. You'd be better off setting aside some cash to put a proper engine in.

one doesn't like dealing with error codes and ecu chips. One likes two screws to manage all air/fuel ratio and idle. One thinks it cheaper to rebuild carb rather than try to trouble shoot fuel injection system.

Not to be a smart @** about it but it's just cheaper and easier. :grin:

I have a 4.0 and tranny to swap in but this thing is my DD right now so that's not gonna happen till I get another means of transportation.

The best way to get more hp with a 2.8 would be to strap it to a rocket.

If it hangs with the 4.0 and runs good don't worry about it.

It runs well I just wanted to see if there were any cheap hp gains. Ya never till you ask so I asked :shutup:

Drive it like your mad at it.

Very true :) I would have done the same..

obviously not a good subject on this forum. maybe try a v6 camero forum? or some forum that deals with chevy motors. almost evry one here is guna be die hard 4.0s. i am

Got an 88 S15 Jimmy, same engine.,
its impossible to kill, but its a dog, flat 100hp.
Junkyard items...
Compare headers from a 3.4 Camaro or Firebird.
I would think a cam out of a 3.4 would be worth changing too, move the power band up but its a sacrifice to the low end power.
Next is aftermarket.
If you do the cam swap.
http://www.race-mart.com/items/produ...789-detail.htm
http://www.catalograck.com/ImgVD/EDE/3785-89.jpg
they're cheap enough.
The next step is pricey.
Holley 390 CFM vacuum secondary.
http://www.atlanticspeed.com/product...4&idcategory=7
http://www.atlanticspeed.com/product...20_general.jpg
Don't let someone talk tell you that it will run fine with a Holley 600 or 650 on it. Because it won't. it will run, but it will loose all port velocity and be a pure dog.


With the cam/intake/carb/header swap, I whould guesstimate your little v6 will be close to the 160HP mark.
Remember to use new lifters on the cam, even if its a used cam.

I see where your coming from to a point. I have yet to have a problem out of the FI on anything I own...I have 3 cars and 2 4wheelers that are FI...My buddy was acting the same way about is carbed 4wheeler until he rode mine and the smoothness combined with better MPG and we both race them and he has spent days trying to jet for his mods and all I have to do is plug a power commander up to a laptop and get a map and I am done spot on and ready to ride.

Is your 88 carburated? If so whats the cfm on it?

No its Fuel Injected, but I remember you posting your was carb'd.
I wouldn't have bought the S15 if it was carb'd. I hate that POS GM used on the 2.8's. they was troublesome and impossible to tune. :hang:

One side note if you use a cam out of a 3.4, make sure you use the 3.4 firing order if its not the same as the 2.8.

Good Luck with it. :thumbsup:

Junkyards are full of Chevy small blocks to help make that 2.8 faster. Fuel injection is far more reliable than any feedback carb ever produced. You can't polish a turd, hopping up a 2.8 is like putting lipstick on a pig.

is one related to the queen of uk as she calls her self one alot lol only teasing sorry, but the ecu and setup on the 4l is fairly robust and gives little probs with the correct mantanace

U can polish a turd- seen it on mythbusters. But on the 2.8 its hard to do anything to it. Put an electric fan on it and maybe a bottle to spray it. They makes very limited stuff for go fast parts for that motor. Wish ya luck. Could do a 4.3 swap.

why dont you get hp in other ways?

like a good cat back exhaust
cold air intake
throttle body spacer
etc

simple bolt-ons can accomplish a lot

sell it and buy a 4.0???....IMO

OP - I would go to S10forum.com - they're pretty helpful there and have lots of info on the 2.8. I had an 83 S15 with a carb'd 2.8.... worst engine ever, IMO. Everything I've owned has been faster, got better MPG, and all around better performing. Like everyone else says, ditch it for a better engine, it's not worth modding. A CAI will get you a few ponies...it did a little on mine.

I know how to suck hp out of an engine, even this one, I was just hoping that maybe there were some oem parts from other vehicles that were better than whats on my hunk of crap.

I for those who suggested a new cherokee altogether, I agree. But unless you want to buy mine, I can't afford it. Or unless you wanna buy my 1990 integra or my 64 baja bug project car.

how far along is the baja bug project?

Not far. It's got aftermarket adjustable suspension and a wide eye baja body kit and the rear bumper has been cut off. And I have the engine cage and a ton of other crap for it. Of course like pretty much all bugs it needs new floor pans.

whats yer integra got in it or is it stock? manual or auto??

That car was my pride and joy! 1990 generation 2 integra. 5 speed lowered 2.5" on skunk2 lowering springs with skunk2 upper control arms on gold Azul rims. Flowmaster axle back exhaust with the series 40 muffler. 6k HIDs. AEM short ram intake. It's got a 1.8l DOHC on a body that's lighter than any civic or third gen integra with an engine that's the same size or bigger.

Unfortunately, my family can't afford insurance on two cars. I'm going to college so I need a car that can carry a good amount of crap around sooooo the POS cherokee takes the place of my integra

Does the 4.0 bolt right in?

I have the same XJ '85 with the carbed 2.8 V6.

Or is there a more cost-effective and easier swap?

Maybe even the 2.5 4 banger.

Im looking at making it my daily driver.

Any help would be appreciated.

what part of "junkyard hp" are you people missing? I wanted to know if there are like oem parts from other cars i can out on mine. Kinda like bastard packs and f250 springs for a cheap lift. cept i want hp not height lol
Attachment 27165LOL you wont find anything in the j/y to help unless you totally luck out.

Not a swap in lots of work to it check out the tech section.