Can I use a 2.9 block for a 2.8 rebuild?

[JJGrizzly]

I own a 1984 Bronco II and a 1988 Bronco II. The 1988 is for parts and what not and the 2.9 is in good shape. The 1984 is my daily driver and the 2.8 is in need to be rebuilt. To cut down on down time, can I use the 2.9 block and put the 2.8 heads, intake and carb on it? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[wrecking-crew]

Welcome
No. It is a different block. You will need another 2.8 block. Does the 88 have good drivetrain?

 

[adsm08]

Does the 88 have good drivetrain?

Forget the drive train. Does it run?

If it runs well, you would honestly be just as well off to swap the engine, wiring, dash, and fuel tank and lines. Both time and money wise, that will be about the same as a rebuild,

 

[JJGrizzly]

The 1988 2.9 run but has a vacuum leak some where and I have no clue how to find it. It runs like it is flooding.. but I have replaced the sending unit and pressure regulator.... no clue what else to do.

The 1984 2.8 just runs like crap because it is just worn out. I have looked for another 2.8 to rebuild... but no luck finding one. There again... if you know where I can find a 2.8 to build... I would be very thankful.

I live in Rome, Ga... all the salvage yards around here has scrapped all the stuff that is not above 1990... so I am out of luck.

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Forget the drive train. Does it run?

If it runs well, you would honestly be just as well off to swap the engine, wiring, dash, and fuel tank and lines. Both time and money wise, that will be about the same as a rebuild,

Isn't the dash pretty much the same?

 

[greasemonkey6886]

If you look up The_Dealer on here in the parts for sale section he has a running 2.8 in his BII that he is parting out. He lives in Macon Ga. too so that isn't that far away I wouldn't think.

 

[heptofite]

You've got a stuck injector on the 2.9, just put new injectors in it and put it in your other truck.

there's literally NO reason to use a 2.8 when a 2.9 is available, it's a better engine in every possible way.

 

[adsm08]

Isn't the dash pretty much the same?

I think the wiring is different. They are physically the same though. It's just easier to throw a whole dash at it to get the wiring since the dash has to be removed for that anyway.