2.8 max output?

[komoto123]

Does anyone know what the max output is for the 2.8 with all the goodies?
Duraspark
Carb
Intake
Cam
Exhaust
Ect..?

 

[small ranger]

140 hp?

 

[dangerranger83]

They are 115hp from the factory.

With all of that, head work, custim headers, etc... you are at 150hp.

If you want more, like I did, put a 5.0 HO under the hood. They are 200hp from the factory.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk

 

[JoshT]

It can get higher than that. Sven Pruitt, who many still consider to be the cologne engine master, got them into the 200 hp range. It's mostly going to depend on the amount of money you want to spend.

My 2.8L had your list, and ported heads. It was quick and strong, but I like many others out there, am not going to spend the money to put a V6 on a Dyno.

 

[komoto123]

People put 4 bangers on dynos all the time. Why not a v6?

 

[komoto123]

Right now i just plan to fix my truck up. Duraspark with a holley 2 barrel now, maybe a rebuild and mild cam in the future. Don't really want to do a swap though, as i kind of like my v6.

 

[JoshT]

People put 4 bangers on dynos all the time. Why not a v6?

Most of those 4 cylinders can be built to put out as much power as a small block V8, and they require the dyno tuning to get there. Most people with a cologne V6, excluding those 4.0Ls in the Mustangs, are going to take it that far. Only way they will be put on a dyno is if its needed for tuning, and that's more than the bolt-ons most people run. Yes there are people that race Cologne V6 motors, but they left the 2.8L behind decades ago. If you want to build your 2.8L up and put it on a dyno, go right ahead have fun. Don't expect to find many people here that have though, and don't be disappointed when the guys at the dyno laugh at your output.

FWIW, mine had Offy 4bbl, Holley 390cfm carb, Duraspark, ported heads, cam, and long tube headers. It was fun to drive, definitely more power than stock. Never felt the need to prove anything and wasn't enough to justify the dyno time.

Right now i just plan to fix my truck up. Duraspark with a holley 2 barrel now, maybe a rebuild with a port and mild cam in the future. Don't really want to do a swap though, as i kind of like the sound of my trucks v6.
(and no a V8 will not sound better)

Get it running good is always the best pace to start, whether that's fixing what's in there or replacing it with something that does. Enjoy your V6 truck, I certainly did mine until it was wrapped around a pecan tree. But when it comes time for a rebuild really look at costs and weigh your options. I went the rebuild the 2.8 route before totaling the truck, I could have swapped in a low miles 4.0L or possibly even a 5.0 for the same money.

Not telling you to do it, just keep it in mind for when the time comes. I'd have swapped the 2.8L into the new body I picked up, was actually planning to, but I found a complete good running Explorer V8 donor for $500. Tell me you can beat that price for a rebuild, heck you can barely even buy a rebuild kit for that. Of course with that find the project exploded into a much larger rebuild and mod fest that is nowhere near complete, but mine isn't the norm.

Oh... and a V8 with a proper exhaust will always sound better than a V6. On the other hand, throw a fart can on either one and it'll sound like crap. All that said I liked the sound of my 2.8L too.

 

[swampy]

I've been thinking about cutting a hole in the floorboards so I can push the gas pedal down further, but I'm not sure it would help...

 

[JoshT]

I've been thinking about cutting a hole in the floorboards so I can push the gas pedal down further, but I'm not sure it would help...

I think the throttle cable mod would be cheaper and easier, but... If you need the Flintstones' engine and brake backup then it might be a good option.

*No seriously though your a dick. Just because we want a little more power out of our small engine doesn't mean you got to be a d-bag.

The d-bag has the same engine that you do. You asked what to many of us seems to be a stupid question, so he gave a stupid answer.

Check you PM.

 

[adsm08]

People put 4 bangers on dynos all the time.

Half an engine, half a brain.

If you are really looking for more power you might want to look into TBI setup. It won't be world turning power, but it would give you something above and beyond the factory setup, and somewhat more reliability than a carb.

 

[JoshT]

Power or not, it would probably be a good improvement in efficiency and reliability. I know I would have done it if I could have found a 4bbl EFI setup that would support my offy intake (and I could afford). Wasn't willing to give up the offy to get the EFI, and wasn't sure about the whole dual plane setup with the systems available.

 

[fastpakr]

You are a d-bag as well son.

Tone it down.

 

[swampy]

Seriously, the 2.8 is a good little engine and will last a long time if properly tuned. This is the challenge for most. After some experimentation, my 2.8 runs good and gets fair fuel economy with a points type ignition and a Holley 5200 carb. But it's still not a powerhouse by any stretch of the imagination.

If I was looking for more power, and wanted to spend the money, I would just forget the 2.8, and swap in a 302. Or for what they are selling for now, just buy a newer Ranger or Explorer with a 4.0 in it already.

 

[wildbill23c]

Ok, here's my 2 cents. Its not a racing engine, in fact its not a race car. It was't built for either purpose, it is what it is, and after having 2 trucks with the 2.8L V6 and one having towed a 16' travel trailer all over the country, I'm pretty sure the 2.8L V6 is a pretty dang good engine for what it was meant for. Its not and never was meant to be a high horsepower engine. You want more power you need a larger truck with a larger engine. Trying to get more power out of these engines is just asking for problems really. You can only do so much before things start going wrong.