jimoshel Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 I'm in the process of swapping a 2.8 from a '93 S10 into a '86 MJ. Right now it's hanging on the hook ready to go into the engine bay. I noticed the Chevy pan is deeper than the MJ pan. Will I have to cut a notch in the top of the MJ axle for it to fit, or will there be enough clearance as is? I checked search but couldn't find anything covering this situation. Tried to measure but couldn't come up with anything conclusive. Just a maybe. They are both 4WD. :dunno: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87manche1 Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 S10s are independant front suspenstion tho so it doesn't have the issue of the axle hitting it. I don't know the answer can u take some pics Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimoshel Posted September 1, 2013 Author Share Posted September 1, 2013 I just looked at another '86 I have with the 2.8, 4WD. It will go in and as long as I stay on a smooth, paved road everything will be OK. But the first bump I hit..... Going to be changing pans. Jeeez. Wish I could of found a diesel to drop in. Couldn't have been much more of a hassle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GirsMJ86 Posted September 1, 2013 Share Posted September 1, 2013 Not to be naive, but the pans won't switch? I thought 2.8s were basically the same no matter the year other than internals, external accessories, and how it got fuel? Enough people have done this without mention of this problem, so I don't have a real answer. :dunno: Of course the 2.8 is one thing I know next to nothing about since it's a Chevy thing and was never found in K-10s or 1st, 2nd, and 4th Gen Camaros, which is about all I know of Chevy stuff (I specifically left the 3rd gen out which I do know it came in but nothing else about that gen). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crash Posted September 2, 2013 Share Posted September 2, 2013 It is the same engine, with different accessories. You should be able to swap oil pan, whether from existing engine or ordering one. Most likely based on oil capacity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpace6a Posted September 2, 2013 Share Posted September 2, 2013 The later 2.8's with TBI had a different intake, which in turn needed a different timing cover, and therefore a different oil pan so everything would mate up. If you're sticking with TBI it'll have to stay, but if your going carb'd then you'll have to swap it out for the carb'd 2.8 oil pan anyway. I didnt notice much of a difference between the two other than the lip that bolts into the timing cover...but i didnt size up the tbi 2.8 in the engine bay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimoshel Posted September 2, 2013 Author Share Posted September 2, 2013 I swapped the intake manifold so I could stay with the carb. Had no problem with the timing cover. Also kept the serp belt set up so wouldn't have to swap water pump. Besides, I prefer serpentine to V belt. Eliminated the air pump. Swapped pulley on the alternator so I could keep the GM alt. Also using the '93 pwr str pump. I still can't believe I had the two engines sitting side by side and I didn't notice the difference in the oil pans. AW well. Should have it in by tonight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
87manche1 Posted September 2, 2013 Share Posted September 2, 2013 Could always lift it 3-4 inches to keep from hitting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimoshel Posted September 2, 2013 Author Share Posted September 2, 2013 I dropped it in 'as is'. Got 4 inches clearance between bottom of oil pan and top of axle. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimoshel Posted September 3, 2013 Author Share Posted September 3, 2013 A engine from a 1993 S10 is now resting in the bowels of a 1986 MJ. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpace6a Posted September 3, 2013 Share Posted September 3, 2013 Huh. Looks like it went smooth! On the 2.8 I swapped in, the newer valve covers wouldnt work with the carb intake, and the old valve covers wouldnt work with the new timing cover, and so on. But, nonetheless, it all seems to have gone together well! If you drove it all before, it might feel a bit "stronger" than the old engine, but its still a 2.8. It'll do 65 uphill with a VERY slight grade, but flat and downhill you can cruise 75-80 all day long. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimoshel Posted September 4, 2013 Author Share Posted September 4, 2013 No problem on the oil pan clearance. Lot's of room. And to add insult to injury, I been stalling on getting this MJ back together because I was looking for a diesel or larger V6 to drop in it. After waiting 8 months I went ahead and dropped another 2.8 in. About 30 minutes ago I purchased a wrecked 98 S10 with 57K on the clock, 4.3, 5speed, 4WD. Aw well. Just happen to have another MJ needs a engine. :doh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mpace6a Posted September 5, 2013 Share Posted September 5, 2013 IIRC. the 4.3 requires just as much work to go in as a 350. At least the 2.8 is bolt-in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimoshel Posted September 5, 2013 Author Share Posted September 5, 2013 I'm going to swap the whole drive train. Fabricate the mounts and drive shafts. Use the Chevy puter and wiring, as needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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