[limmers2015]

Hi everyone! I just recently bought a 1988 S-10 with a locked up 2.8L V6 and a 700R4 in it as my first vehicle. I've stripped out the drivetrain, torn the engine down, and found that it was a bottom-end oiling failure that killed it. Connecting rod 2 had let go completely and stopped up the engine, rod 5 was not far behind, and the 2nd main bearing was also completely smoked. The top end (camshaft, lifters, rockers, etc) of the engine seems completely fine.

I'm looking to rebuild the engine and upgrade it while I'm in here. I'm trying to put MPFI on it (out of something like a Firebird that had this same engine) and also prepare the engine for probably having a turbo added later for more torque without more revs (money won't let me set the turbo up now).
1. Do y'all have any suggestions of what vehicle(s) have the best/most compatible donor engine for me to pull and kitbash together with mine to repair/rebuild/upgrade it? Thus far I'm thinking something with the LB8 or LH0 engines, which means 85-92 Camaro/Firebird or 90-92 Cutlass Ciera S.
2. Anybody have a specific brand/part number for a rebuild kit (gaskets, seals, o-rings, etc) that they've had good luck with?
3. Also, I'm thinking I'll probably need forged pistons to take the extra force and heat from the turbo, do y'all think I will and if so do you have a good source that I could get them from?
4. If anybody else has done what I'm trying to do with the turbo, do you have any specific recommendations for what turbo and intercooler work well in this application?

Thank you so much in advance for your help!

 

[fattboyzz65]

I am trying to find a mid 90s Camaro or Firebird 3.4l V6 for my 89 S10 with the 2.8l. V6.

My current engine is not bad, its just at 191k ,so I figure I can get an engine ready by starting with a good shortblock build

 

[limmers2015]

That's basically what I found actually. I found an 2.8L LH0-code out of a 91' camaro that's getting LS-ed, so I'ma grab that. The guy who's selling the engine also has a pair of 4l-60e(s) that I'm trying to figure out for compatibility in place of my 700r4, simply to get electronic control of the transmission. Gotta ask him tomorrow what they came out of so I can get a better idea, then I will try (assuming that at least one of them is reasonably bolt-up compatible) to snag one when I get the engine and flip my 700r4.

 

[PeteD]

Several vendors sell 4l60-85 controllers , including TPS Adapters. They offer complete trans adjustment of shift point, shift firmness, lock up speed.

 

[limmers2015]

Several vendors sell 4l60-85 controllers , including TPS Adapters. They offer complete trans adjustment of shift point, shift firmness, lock up speed.

Yep, I'll keep those in mind. I'm trying to electronically control as much as possible and put it into my own custom PCM (ECM+TCM in one) so I have total control and can integrally have the engine and transmission work together nicely in terms of coordinating shifts with momentarily pulling power and what have you. Messing with the exact control setup in the microcontroller and tuning it is a great project for me and my electrical-engineering friends at college (I'm a freshman mechanical engineer who's pretty apt with electrical stuff too).

 

[PeteD]

Yep, I'll keep those in mind. I'm trying to electronically control as much as possible and put it into my own custom PCM (ECM+TCM in one) so I have total control and can integrally have the engine and transmission work together nicely in terms of coordinating shifts with momentarily pulling power and what have you. Messing with the exact control setup in the microcontroller and tuning it is a great project for me and my electrical-engineering friends at college (I'm a freshman mechanical engineer who's pretty apt with electrical stuff too).

I have a TCU controlled 4L80 that CAN connects to F. A. S. T. EZ 2.0 EFI. Adjusts to either are thru including screens . No add'l inputs are needed, greatly appreciated by non programmers. Little time was needed for desired results.

 

[jimmykicker]

I'm not a fan of the 4L60E. I don't dislike it, but I'm not impressed with the way the transmission shifts. The 700R4 when built right and upgraded with a shift kit, is pretty hard to diss. I have one in my 84. Been in there since 2006 (last rebuild). It shifts very firm and predictably. Not at all like the 4L60E in my silverado. Even with Corvette servo etc, performance to me is subpar. Your truck for sure, and if you can do it, and want to do it? Then do it.

The easiest way ( and least expensive), would be to either put in a 3.4 (you said you got a motor though), bore the intake and put the larger 4.3 TBI and injectors in it. You'd be really surprised how much that will wake it up. You might just get by with putting the 4.3 injectors on the 2.8 TBI, but personally I don't know anyone that has done that.

Just remember, the more mods and wild you get with this build, it can spiral into a very expensive project that's not at all worth what you spent on it. Ask me how I know.