Im looking to buy a 87 comanchee single cab long bed 4x4. It has the v6 i think 2.8. Just wondering how this motor is. Haven't seen these motors too often just want some feedback on it.

 

The truck itself is fine - but start looking for a donor replacement engine shortly after you buy it (the V6-2.6 is an anchor.) The V6-3.1 or V6-3.4 is a vast improvement and a direct swap - they share a common block architecture. Find the engine (only) in the F-body or as a Goodwrench Service Replacement block in FWD platforms, or get the whole drive train (including useful overdrive transmission and improved NP231C transfer case) out of an S10/S15. Avoid the THM700R4 from 1987 and earlier - get the later THM700R4/4L60, or grab the electronics from a truck with the V6-3.1/3.4 with FI and 4L60E.

The 3.1/3.4 is a marked improvement over the V6-2.8, the later THM700R4/4L60(E) is a significant upgrade over the "Baby 904" (A904 w/GM Metric bellhousing,) and the NP231C is an improvement over the NP231J (1.25" wide drive chain, vice 1" in the NP231J.)

I'd go ahead and get the MJ - but plan on a swap fairly soon...

(NB: If you don't mind a little more work, Advance Adapters makes a drop-in mount cradle for the SBChevvy - which should also fit the V6-231 and V6-262. This expands your donor options, since the V6-262 was found in the S10/S15, Astro/Safari fan, (which also came in 4WD,) the Caprice, the K10/1500 and K20/2500 pickup/Suburban, and probably a few other vehicles I'm not thinking of offhand.)

As far as identifying the Goodwrench Service Replacement engines/blocks in FWD vehicles, it's easy. Check for an unused starter motor mounting pad on the back of the engine as mounted, directly opposite the one on the front that is being used. GSR engines are cast/machined to go in FWD or RWD applications (a dedicated FWD engine will have the stater motor mounted on the wrong side for RWD use.)

 

The 2.8 makes a great boat anchor, but nothing more.

 

Thanks for the imput guys. Im getting the truck around 500 bucks i think. It runs and drives good, just didnt know how that motor was. I can easily throw in a different motor out of a s10.

 

the 2.8 v6 is a gm motor that was used in the s-10's in the 80's... not worth swapping in another S-10 motor. Find you a donor cherokee with the inline 6 and swap that in with the wiring harness and all.

 

this is it not bad for 500