Engine Comparison

[dreaminbohemian]

I have come across stuff in the past while trying to read on other topics but am having trouble finding info now. I am curious about the performance and reliability of the 2.8 v6.
 

I own a 2.5 that is a rust bucket (first jeep) and then I got a nice '90 4.0 but got in a wreck 3 months after buying it from a club member. I have been in a loaner vehicle for 6 months and have finally had the time to mess with the 4.0, one shop says they would scrap it, too much damage so I started shopping and I am seeing alot more v6 up for sale then ever before.  I can stumble through most engine maintenance or repair, but am only mediocre at diagnosis.  Is the v6 going to require a lot of attention? Is it a decent compromise of gas millage and torque output? Is it a rats nest I should avoid? This will be my daily driver, but may keep the 4.0 to Frankenstein into something, as the engine still runs, and the front axle looks to be in the same place

 

I will take personal opinion or you can direct me to articles if someone has written them. 

 

Cheers guys, thanks for your time

[Tex06]

'86 models with the GM 2.8L V6?  Anything other year, it's probably a 4.0L that someone just put "V6" because they wouldn't know the difference  between an inline motor and a V motor if it were dropped on their foot.  

Side note:  If you could get your hands on an '86 with the 2.8, the supercharged 3.8 motor (3800 series I, II, and III) from a Pontiac Grand Prix GT or a Bonneville SS will drop right in.  Even the wiring isn't difficult to do, I'm sure it's not too different than wiring up a Fiero (where I learned of all of this).  Want to talk about a screamer......

[Tex06]

http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f12/looking-info-supercharged-3-8-engine-swap-314284/index2.html

 

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/jeep-hardcore-tech/872757-overdrive-yj.html

[gogmorgo]

The 2.8's don't have the best reputation. If you get a good one, it'll be good, but of you get a bad one... Yeah. They aren't a significant gain in torque over the 2.5L, and actually made less horsepower. Most 2.8's seem to end up getting swapped out. The camarobird 3.4 is a common swap, given that it's externally the same it's completely bolt-in and you don't absolutely need to swap any wiring or anything if you want to keep the carb setup, but it's still going to do you better if you pull the wiring and fuel system for the EFI.