FigurativeGarbage

Sorry, I haven't logged in to CC in a long time. In hindsight, I suspect the unmodified pan may have had enough clearance without modifications. I'll see if I can get you a pic at some point. For now, I'm going to document this project on the projects thread as eaglescout suggested.

Got the flywheel on, replaced the rear main seal, clutch, release bearing, and slave cylinder (old one pictured below...). The hydraulic line was stuck/mangled, so that will need to be replaced too. With much difficulty, my neighbor helped me get the engine connected to the transmission. The custom oil pan was still difficult to maneuver around the differential and sway bar. I ordered Brown Dog mounts for a 2.5L two days ago. My plan is to mockup some cardboard engine brackets for a weld shop to fabricate. Then order accessories, accessory brackets, replace missing transmission bolts, exhaust, air intake, delete the charcoal filter.....then wiring and world peace.

I bit the bullet and got the Camaro oil pan custom cut to clear the differential. Got some aluminum valve covers from the neighbor and painted them rustoleum red. Replaced the rear main seal and need to replace a few studs (stripped or missing) from the hardware store tonight. New flywheel bolts come in tomorrow, then I can install the 2.8L S10 neutrally balanced flywheel I have and a 2.8L clutch kit from M-PACT. I was worried it wouldn't mount to the 2.5L 4 speed transmission, but it appears to be fine.... Engine is on the hoist and otherwise ready to see how it aligns with the existing mounts. I'll need engine-side brackets, hopefully picked from 2.8L Comanches in a junkyard an hour away.

The 2.8L frame brackets look the same as the 2.5L brackets. From this decent thread: '86 Comanche Long bed, Slow build... | Expedition Portal

I think I should definitely get new mounts based on the condition of the current mounts. Rubber dog sells two different mounts for the 2.5L and the 2.8. Here's the 2.8L And here's the 2.5L You can see the passenger mount bolts just a bit differently, although I'm not sure why. Currently I have the 2.5L frames/brackets, but will they put the mounts in the correct position for the 3.4L? If possible, could I see and/or buy the 2.5 frames? Otherwise, Brown Dog thinks I might need to custom fabricate frames.

Here's the passenger-side mount. It is different from the 2.8L mount, as the 2.8L mounts appear to be interchangeable (same on both sides).

I've been learning a lot and trying to move this along each week. I'm attaching many photos, but the big question is the last one: I don't know if the engine mounts are the same as a 2.8L. I can order those cheap or get rubber Brown Dog mounts for like $200 with the bolts, but I can't seem to find the frame mounts. I have heard the mounts are the same between the 2.5L and the 2.8L. current engine bay after removing the engine. Two engine pans resting on the side. old 2.5L New 3.4L side (from 1994 camaro) 3.4L rear 3.4L after cleaning and painting 3.4L oil pan next to the 2.8L engine pan I bought. 3.4L oil pan won't clear the differential, while the 2.8L won't mount to the engine because the timing cover is different (flat instead of rounded (see the blue gasket in prior pic)). I may have to buy another one from ebay for $130 (asking price is $172). New engine with aluminum valve covers (will clean and paint later), intake manifold. Interior after ripping out carpet and bench seat. I'll eventually go with Lizardskin paint, but I need this driving first. Driver's engine mounts (original 2.5L). I need the PS pump, alternator, starter, and brackets, which I can either order new, or strip from my neighbor's S10.

Does the exhaust header and y-pipe come from the 3.4L camaro? Cuz that's what I did (new, wasn't cheap). However,@JeepcoMJ said: The parts you will be saving from the original 2.8 will be: 1. Exhaust manifolds and y pipe...(continued) I'm on my big yearly stay-cation until January 2nd, so I'm trying to get as much of this sorted as I have time for it. I have ordered my fuel rail, ordered an engine harness at a nearby scrape yard today (I'll pull out the automatic wiring), ordered fuel pump. Have sensors, have the motor, have upper manifold, have flashed ECU. Still need air intake, flywheel, 2.8L oil pan, oil pressure cut-off switch?, water pump?, alternator?, valve covers?

It's a manual. I heard manuals can accept computers and engines from automatic donor vehicles, but not vice versa. Correct me if I'm wrong. I found an automatic 94 Camaro in a junkyard near me today. I'll have to see if I can get ahold of them. Used 1994 Chevrolet Camaro Air And Fuel Throttle Body Throttle Va (hollanderstores.com). Maybe I bought the manifolds and oil pan too soon if I can get it cheaper from them, but I like idea of getting the harness, ECU, etc from one vehicle. I think that might solve the ECU VIN issue if it comes straight from the junkyard rather than refurbished like some of the ebay sellers?

I ordered upper/lower manifolds and an oil pan tonight. What do I do for ECU programing if I don't have a VIN? I'm looking at sellers like this: 1994 1995 Camaro 3.4L Auto. 16184737 Engine computer Programmed to your VIN ECM | eBay

Thanks, JeepcoMJ. Agree gogmorgo. I don't want to mess with the carb in bad weather. I'm a novice, but I assume replacing the MAP, ECU, etc. all from the Camaro. Right now, my list includes: oil pan wiring harness fuel system (looking into the MPFI parts) exhaust manifold flywheel (I may just machine the existing flywheel). I know I need to get more, but only so much sticks in my mind if I note something.

I'm doing the '86 2.5L swap to a 3.4L from a '94 Camaro. For background and pictures, I've linked my VIN thread. To summarize, I bought this truck over the summer for mild fun and home projects. The idle was getting rough until it stopped working five weeks ago. I approached a neighbor who is pretty good with cars and we found rainwater in the tank (such that it wouldn't even light when poured in the street). He's been toying with the TBI and thinks the problem might be the ECU. I'm sure an injector cleaning wouldn't hurt. I explained why 3.5Ls are a standard option over a 4L and....he happened to have a 3.5L mid-90s Camaro engine in his work area. He's willing to do the swap and says we should ditch the TBI for a simpler carb system. Should we do a TBI or carb? And which parts should I look for? I have read a few threads on this swap and I'll have to review them again to get my shopping list for wire harness, oil pan, etc. I have also read some threads on this subject, but not for this specific swap (correct me if I'm wrong). After this, there's plenty of things to do. Neighbor said he's also willing to fix the ugly wiring. I'd look into taking out the busted AC, fixing the stereo, installing dome lights, fix the doors, maybe redo the aftermarket fan.

Will do. Thanks, man!

Update: idle was getting pretty rough and eventually the truck stopped starting about a month ago. My mechanically inclined neighbor is helping and we found the fuel was contaminated with rainwater (assumed). What he pulled from the tank wouldn't light on fire. He's been tinkering with the TBI. He suspects that the ECM might be fried. I am fine ordering a new one to try it, but he suggested something I'm not sure about: replacing the TBI with a carburetor. Take out the sensors and simplify things a bit. Based on what I've read so far, I don't think I'll go that route. I haven't found much info on a TBI upgrade. On a better note, he happens to have a 3.4L '94 camero engine. We will also work on some sloppy wiring, adjust the squealing timing belt and take out the random aftermarket fan and replace it with a clutch fan. I'll post a photo from under the hood tomorrow.

Fantastic information, even if more difficult than I hoped. Thanks, Pete.

Is there an easy solution beyond replacing the trans?

As requested, a photo of the truck from a distance. Only had one with my butt obscuring it.

1986 Jeep Comanche. 2.5L/ 4 Speed Manual/ 4x4 / Front axle / Rear axle / Wheelbase Belfair, Washington Gf got an electric vehicle, sold my 2017 Outback and bought this for my various house projects and hauling kayaks, etc. Figure I'll make some upgrades when I have the time and money. Like anyone else with an '86, I'm interested in swapping the 2.4L for a 3.5L from a Camaro. Doesn't need to dominate boulders or go to shows, but I could be a little more fun. Previous owner had some mechanical knowledge. He used this to haul his motorcycle. It had a custom-made ramp bolted in. I removed it. He installed a fan, but the wiring needs to be redone (close to belts, dangerous). I paid a mechanic for some differential work and install a new bolt for the passenger seatbelt (missing when bought). I believe he replaced the exhaust and replaced much of the interior from a Chevy....Silverado? Missing speakers, nonfunctioning stereo, missing dome lights. Not going to lie, I don't have experience working on cars, but that's why I'm here. I'm fine hiring a mechanic for things I don't have time, money, or confidence in, but it's fun learning new things.