Motors toast... So motor swap question

[Exploder_Chick]

So I got the head off one side of the motor and the cylinder walls are rusted. Like, pretty badly so I've been doing a search for 2.9s and the only thig I've come across is a 2.8
What would it take to put a 2.8 in place of my 2.9? Anything different besides the wiring harness? Will it just bolt right in or will I have to do some modifications anywhere?
If you are close the the southeast part of WA and have a 2.9 you won't charge alot for, I'd be EXSTATIC. Thanks!

 

[heptofite]

the 2.8 is a waste of money, time and effort.

 

[gwaii]

the 2.8 is a waste of money, time and effort.

+1....if you're going to swap,go with a 4.0.generally cheap and easy to find,and it's an upgrade instead of a downgrade.

 

[feellnfroggy]

x2 4.0 however, any local machine shop can fix the rust issues. Its not like body rust, its mostly surface im sure. They can bore the motor over just enough to get rid of the rust and you can upsize pistons and things or even just using new rings will give you back lost compression.

 

[gwaii]

x2 4.0 however, any local machine shop can fix the rust issues. Its not like body rust, its mostly surface im sure. They can bore the motor over just enough to get rid of the rust and you can upsize pistons and things or even just using new rings will give you back lost compression.

this is a good option too,but will probably cost more than a swap.i'd be willing to bet the rust is from the legendary 2.9 cast heads cracking,so by the time you get new heads,pistons,rings,gasket and headbolt set,plus all the other bits(should do the crank while you're in there)it'll be a fairly costly 2.9.i routinely buy rusted out explorers with good running gear for $2-300.that way you get all the goodies for the swap,and might even recoup a bit of the cost by selling other parts.

 

[Shran]

Swapping a 2.8 in where a 2.9 was is a huge waste of time. You can do a 4.0 swap but it just depends on how much you need the truck, how much time/money you have, and overall condition of the rest of the truck. If this is your only vehicle and it's got other issues, just scrap it and find something else.

 

[snake]

Find a junkyard motor at www.car-part.com

 

[mp3deviant721]

4.0 all the way.

 

[Exploder_Chick]

Well, my issue at this point is $$$$$$. I have no job, can't for the life of me FIND a job and am in the process of signing up for the Air Force. The AF is taking it's sweet time with my paperwork and my unemployment is running out, I've filed for one extension and I DON'T want to file for another. I have bills to pay and this truck is VERY much needed. I have time but I lack the necessary skills to do a motor swap that is going to take modification. My bf has done motor swaps before but they were on cars he is familiar with. My truck he doesn't like in the first place. It's starting to look like I'm SOL until I find a 2.9

IF I were to come across a 4.0 what is going to need to be done to make it fit? i really don't have the money to be be throwing at it...

 

[BlackBII]

I just took a perfectly running 2.9 to the scrapyard..it was in my old BII.

Can you seriously not find a good 2.9 anywhere? They are all over the place here....(UT)

Putting another 2.9 in this one's place will be the easiest swap. The 4.0 swap is nice, but will cost more and take more work .

 

[adsm08]

The 4.0 will physically drop right in (more or less) the real issue to it is the wire work. The fuel system may need some minor modifications, but most of the work is wiring from what I understand.

That and it may well blow your transmission to bits.

 

[Toofarnorth]

Find a junkyard motor at www.car-part.com

Def check here! I looked in the Walla Walla area and found several. Didn't know where in Washington you were.

 

[Exploder_Chick]

Def check here! I looked in the Walla Walla area and found several. Didn't know where in Washington you were.

I'll have to look now, Walla Walla is like, an hour or so away. My bf wants to go back up there again, he was there yesterday cause he's looking for a Fiero lol.