2.9L-2.8L differences?

wagonerkl · 11-03-2011, 10:37 AM

I need to replace my 2.8L (bottom end is shot and have some scoring on cylinder walls). I have a 2.9 short block available. Is it possible to just use the 2.9 block and bolt on my 2.8L heads and manifold? What if any significant differences are there between the two?

Also, if someone has done a 2.8 carb to 2.9L EFI swap, how did that work out? Seems like it would be a mess what with all the different sensors, vacuum lines, etc.

This is an '84 Bronco II with a very nice interior, but it was only a $500 investment so I am looking for a way to keep it cheap and simple so my daughter can drive it.

85_Ranger4x4 · 11-03-2011, 10:48 AM

2.8 heads will not work on a 2.9.

The valves are in different locations so the manifolds will not line up with the right port, and since one has a geardrive cam setup and one has a timing chain the cam spins the wrong way between them so they are not interchangable either.

People have done 2.9 and 4.0 swaps, I haven't though.

cody93 · 11-03-2011, 11:37 AM

i would just swap in a whole working motor instead of trying to piece one together...

mp3deviant721 · 11-03-2011, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cody93

i would just swap in a whole working motor instead of trying to piece one together...

+1

**adsm08** · 11-03-2011, 05:26 PM

Engine, wiring, computer, fuel lines. That's all you will really need to make it work.

**Will** · 11-03-2011, 07:57 PM

And cooling. But then that's it.

85_Ranger4x4 · 11-03-2011, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Will

And cooling. But then that's it.

It should be the same little single core radiator. My '86 2.9 parts truck looked to have the same radiator as my '85 with a 2.8.

11-03-2011, 10:37 AM	#1
wagonerkl New Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 12 Rep Power: 0 iTrader: (0)	2.9L-2.8L differences? I need to replace my 2.8L (bottom end is shot and have some scoring on cylinder walls). I have a 2.9 short block available. Is it possible to just use the 2.9 block and bolt on my 2.8L heads and manifold? What if any significant differences are there between the two? Also, if someone has done a 2.8 carb to 2.9L EFI swap, how did that work out? Seems like it would be a mess what with all the different sensors, vacuum lines, etc. This is an '84 Bronco II with a very nice interior, but it was only a $500 investment so I am looking for a way to keep it cheap and simple so my daughter can drive it.
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11-03-2011, 10:48 AM	#2
85_Ranger4x4 Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Between Omaha & Des Moines Year: 1985 Make: Ford Model: Ranger Engine: 5.0 Class: 4x4 Used For: A weapon of massive consumption. Posts: 11,190 Rep Power: 51 iTrader: (0)	2.8 heads will not work on a 2.9. The valves are in different locations so the manifolds will not line up with the right port, and since one has a geardrive cam setup and one has a timing chain the cam spins the wrong way between them so they are not interchangable either. People have done 2.9 and 4.0 swaps, I haven't though. __________________ 1985 Ford Ranger Custom, 4x4, PA 3" BL, 5.0 HO wannabe, C5 Transmixer, 31 spline T/L 8.8 w/ disc brakes. Build Thread My Ranger is not old; no one would call her old. She has a bluff bow, lovely lines. She's a fine truck: weatherly, stiff and fast... very fast, if she's well handled. No, she's not old; she's in her prime.
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11-03-2011, 07:57 PM	#6
Will Super Moderator Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Columbus, Indiana Year: 1989 Make: Ford Model: Bronco II Engine: 4.0 Class: 4X4 Used For: a chicken house Posts: 5,855 Rep Power: 10 iTrader: (1)	And cooling. But then that's it. __________________ '83 Ranger cab, '89 B2 frame, 4.0, C5, D35/8.8, 4.10s, Lockrights. '87 Chevy crew 6.2 Banks turbodiesel TH400 GearVendors 4.10 14-bolt Detroit '96 VW Passat Tdi '00 Ford E350 15-pax Powerstroke '09 Suzuki TU250X '04 Moto Guzzi Breva http://willwills.com/
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