2.8 carb intake on 2.9 FI

[wingzam]

Am kicking around the idea of stripping out the fuel injection,computer,etc.. on an 87 2.9 auto and going with a basic aftermarket carb.I read that the 2.8 is the same architecture as the 2.9 so was wondering if that intake manifold would swap over.The distributor would need to be swapped also for a unit that would work without a computer;where could I find something like that and has anyone done it?If so could you direct me to the thread?Thanks

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

Neither the intake or distributer will interchange between the two.

They changed the valve order, so the intake ports wouldn't line up.

The cam is spun by two timing gears in the 2.8 and the 2.9 has a timing chain, so the cams spin in different directinons too. So then you can't cheat and put 2.8 heads/exhaust manifolds on it either.

The distributors won't interchange either.

They are related, but not much interchanges.

If you want a carburated 110 hp monster, a durasparked 2.8 is what you need to find. It will bolt right in and require very little wiring to run.

 

[wingzam]

I was hoping for a quick and relatively cheap swap out because my engine is in great condition and runs like a little banshee.Finding a good 2.8 might be a little difficult but now that I know,it sounds like a good option.Also a carbed engine would be easier to add a hydrogen system to and i'd really like to start tinkering with one of those systems...something that would actually save me some money!Do you know off the top of your head if there is a carb manifold and distributor available for these things?

 

[85_Ranger4x4]

I don't think an aftermarket option is available for either part to go on a 2.9.

A junkyard would be your best bet for a 2bbl 2.8 intake. A rebuilt 2.8 Duraspark distributor should be available from any parts place. Check out the 2.8 stuff in the tech library.

 

[schmoo]

i haven't had time to do it yet, but i have
thought about that. you can turn down
the end of the 2.9 dist shaft with a lathe
and put it in a 2.8 dist with the gear and
thrust washer from the 2.9.
i think you could make a carb adapter from
two stacked pieces of 1" aluminum plate
using a drill press and die grinder.

 

[wingzam]

Now that you got me thinking a little more,with a bit of effort I could see turning that upper intake into a sweet little tunnel ram - with a Holley 500 2bbl on it!Ya know,I may have to get one from a junk yard and start sectioning it.Getting that thing to flow right though...and now its carrying fuel to the combustion chambers...that lower intake might not be configured very well for keeping the fuel atomized...

 

[holyford86]

for all of the time and effort involved in a conversion like this it would be far easier and cheaper, not to mention less time consuming to just swap the 2.9 out for a 2.8. And the aftermarket for the 2.8 is huge compared to the 2.9

 

[dangerranger83]

You can use your current fuel set-up from your 2.9 and put a TBI unit on a 2.8 like I did. Works great.

 

[wingzam]

You can use your current fuel set-up from your 2.9 and put a TBI unit on a 2.8 like I did. Works great.

I'm going to have to find out more about the 2.8,but i'll tell you,after trying to troubleshoot a hesitation problem on this thing I don't even want to look at a TBI unit from Ford in this year range with its sorry assed OBD1 system hooked in it.If I could get it to run right i'm sure i'd love it,but this thing has put me thru the mill.I've never had a vehicle before that presented so many problems as this one,and i've never dumped the time effort and money into something like this and gotten absolutely no results like I have..in fact the thing runs worse and it has just worn me out.

 

[dangerranger83]

The 2.8 is an awsome engine. Ya its not a power plant but if taken care of they last forever. If you want power go with a 4.0 or bigger. My TBI unit is off of an 84 T-Bird. I dont think it has the OBD1 system on it (I might be wrong I'll have to look). Theres a write-up on it in the tech. library.

 

[wingzam]

At this point I think my best move is to get into something else and part this one out.The tranny is nearing the end of its life and the body isn't the greatest.As I said in a prior post,the thing ran good till I did some very basic maintnance on it.The time,money and effort I blew trying to fix the problem that surfaced would have gone into the trans and a paint job (since I know people that can do these things affordably) and given me a decent truck...so it's one of those deals - what can you do?...

 

[RacinNdrummin]

I'm going to have to find out more about the 2.8,but i'll tell you,after trying to troubleshoot a hesitation problem on this thing I don't even want to look at a TBI unit from Ford in this year range with its sorry assed OBD1 system hooked in it.If I could get it to run right i'm sure i'd love it,but this thing has put me thru the mill.I've never had a vehicle before that presented so many problems as this one,and i've never dumped the time effort and money into something like this and gotten absolutely no results like I have..in fact the thing runs worse and it has just worn me out.

Sounds like somebody doesnt understand EFI.......

 

[RacinNdrummin]

Now that you got me thinking a little more,with a bit of effort I could see turning that upper intake into a sweet little tunnel ram - with a Holley 500 2bbl on it!Ya know,I may have to get one from a junk yard and start sectioning it.Getting that thing to flow right though...and now its carrying fuel to the combustion chambers...that lower intake might not be configured very well for keeping the fuel atomized...

Not worth it, if you were to do anything like this is would be far more beneficial on the 4.0.

Carbing the 2.9 is just an elementary idea that is asked by people who dont understand EFI, I did the same thing before I knew how it worked.

What would be cool is if somebody went the other direction and fitted a 4.0 computer to the 2.9 with the EDIS and MAF, and hopped it up.

 

[wingzam]

RacinNdrummin,the TBI is really a side issue.Whatever the problem is it's not mechanical,therefore in my Neanderthal brain me figures strip out all the colored string looking things and the funny looking boxes and change to things I take apart with axe and see how gizmos go roundy round and up and a down.Then I put together with rusty screwdriver and it go boom and go down road not like bucking mastadon.

 

[wingzam]

Well,I think i'll just drive this thing the way it is and dump it as soon as I can.Really like the supercab and the 2.9,but i've had enough - it's one of those car stories...