Can an '86 2.8L be put in an '88 S10?

ESPZ71 · June 4, 2003

Sup, I've got a spare truck, an '88 S10 2.8L, and the engine went to crap. I found a guy selling a complete 2.8 out of his '86 for $100 with the carb, alt, H20/smog pump, etc. Can I make it work? I've already done one engine swap, and my father-in-law who's helping has done many. Help please!

big larr · September 9, 2003

i just put a motor in a 87 s10 blazer and the we used was a motor put of a 87 camaro z28 everything wa the same .we also puled a motor out of a 85 s10 blazer 2.8 carb motor it was completly different oil pan valve cover but the block maybe the same .i look at advance auto parts to cross referance the parts t see if theywere the same. i am looking for timing marks for my 87 2.8 i cant read the sticker on the fan schrould.i hope this will help. big larr

mjsmith1223 · September 9, 2003

There's no reason it couldn't work. The computer stuff that controls the engine would of course be disconnected. Not sure if the computer did anything other than engine funtions in '88. Does the new motor have a mechanical fuel pump? Your '88 may have an electric fuel pump in the tank. There's probably a way to make that work if you have to. What sort of transmission is in the '88? 700R4? or manual?

In short: It should work. Long story: There's a bunch of stuff to think about when switching from computer controlled to carbed.

Mike

Grand Haven, MI