enginepaul
Member
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2007
- Messages
- 426
- Reaction score
- 12
- Points
- 18
- Location
- Northern California
- Vehicle Year
- 1995, 2001, 200
- Make / Model
- Ford
- Engine Size
- 2.8
- Transmission
- Automatic
Another opinion here. I've rebuilt two 2.8s; one was really an overhaul - expanded pistons, ridge ream, heads re-done and no other machine shop work. Had to do a new cam and all bearings and of course rings. Engine ran great for a long time and was running great when the truck was sold. A good established machine shop can check your parts once you disassemble the engine.
The next was a special deal from e-bay with new pistons and a complete rebuild. I still have it (stock because I'm in California) and use it almost every day. These engines seem to run for ever, but they are not powerhouses.
I do think a 302 is a cheaper rebuilt because parts are more readily available and give more power, but for my uses - 'daily driver' and some hauling - I would stick with the 2.8 because it does have adequate power for normal driving and is easy on gas.
It's up to you as to how much you want to spend, and what your (hopefully realistic) goals are. I can afford a newer truck, but I'm keeping my '85.
The next was a special deal from e-bay with new pistons and a complete rebuild. I still have it (stock because I'm in California) and use it almost every day. These engines seem to run for ever, but they are not powerhouses.
I do think a 302 is a cheaper rebuilt because parts are more readily available and give more power, but for my uses - 'daily driver' and some hauling - I would stick with the 2.8 because it does have adequate power for normal driving and is easy on gas.
It's up to you as to how much you want to spend, and what your (hopefully realistic) goals are. I can afford a newer truck, but I'm keeping my '85.