Resurrecting a 2.8L?

DougE said:

I'm in the process of rebuilding an '88 S15 (new 350 engine, new 700R4 trans). I bought a second S10 for miscellaneous parts that had no engine, trans or driveshaft. I think someone had dropped a big block into it at one time. The 2.8 I pulled out of my S15 wasn't running according to the owner. So, if I strip the 2.8 down to the long block, what it the simplest way I can get the engine back into service? Is there a carb that will fit the existing manifold? Will the distributor work or do I need to drop something else in? I'm good on old school 350's but know nothing about these little guys. (Thinking of giving this to a neighbor that needs basic transportation).

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DougE said:

Not useful, PeteD. I've looked around at vehicles for less than $5k and there's nothing out there in reasonable condition. Do you send a truck to the graveyard just because the engine crapped out? I've got lots of left over parts from 2 vehicles that I can put to use and a vehicle with title. So with free labor how can I get this back to useable condition?

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DougE said:

That's good information, jimmykicker. Person I bought it from hadn't figured out it's issues. Guess I need to run a compression test on it before I get into moving to a carb and distributor option.

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jimmykicker said:

The Edelbrock is still available. Jegs has them. Not cheap though. $550 for the base and 4bbl top! Yikes. I think I paid that for the carb and intake in 2005. Offenhauser had one too, but talk about unobtainium! I think @Mad Max has one. I've never actually seen one in the wild.

Definitely agree though to not use a stock 2.8 carb intake.

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jimmykicker said:

I think if you put a v8 in a truck like this, most people would figure it would run like a beast. I think more people would be surprised if it ran like a beast, and had a rather stock looking motor in it.

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