86 Comanche... Junk the 2.8?

SStone

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I just acquired an 86 Comanche 4x4 that I'm going to mildly build (33's, lockers, 8.8, D44). It's got the 2.8/??/Np207 Chevy drivetrain. Should I scrap that junk in favor of a 4.0/AW4/NP231?
 
SStone said:
I just acquired an 86 Comanche 4x4 that I'm going to mildly build (33's, lockers, 8.8, D44). It's got the 2.8/??/Np207 Chevy drivetrain. Should I scrap that junk in favor of a 4.0/AW4/NP231?
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Yes! Throw that junk shit as far as you can. If you're wanting to stay Jeep then go with the 4.0, AW4 and 231. You could also do a GM 3.4 swap. You can actually retain a lot of the parts from the 2.8 to use for the 3.4 swap. Or you could go all out and run a 350, TH350 and a 205. There's so many options but it's all up to you but of all things just get rid of the powertrain first! You'll be really glad you did!
 
I would run the 2.8 until it went..Ive seen them go for a little while..When it goes then do somthing..There weak motors but no sense in pulling a runing working motor.

The 3.4 swap is MUCH MUCH easier than the 4.0 swap on the 86's..
 
Oh I can swap in a 3400 series? Was unaware of that. I need to figure out a good setup. A 3400 sounds good. Can't the 3800 superchargers be adapted to them?

The NP207 in the truck needs replaced/rebuilt.
 
What chromerunner said. Id go ahead and get the engine you want to run and have it ready on an engine stand. Wheel the piss out of the 2.8 till she goes, then swap.
 
This the first time I've had a vehicle that I don't have to worry about driving. I'm slightly overwhelmed with the possibilities. I am going to run the piss out of the 2.8 and swap it out when it's toast.

I don't know how much a propane setup would run but I would save money by swapping in another carb'd engine.
 
i think the 3.4 swap they are refering to is a completely different engine than you are thinking of. it isn't a junkyard engine. it is basically a stroked 2.8 crate motor you buy from the dealership. swap your intake, exhaust, oil-pan, etc. and go. it isn't really a "swap" at all, you just replace your junk engine with a good one.
 
SStone said:
I just acquired an 86 Comanche 4x4 that I'm going to mildly build (33's, lockers, 8.8, D44). It's got the 2.8/??/Np207 Chevy drivetrain. Should I scrap that junk in favor of a 4.0/AW4/NP231?
Click to expand...
Yes.
Later,Paul...
 
But yes the Gm 3400 and 3800 supercharged/na motors share the same bellhousing bolt patterns.... If you scrap it, I'd be intersted in the tranny.
 
pootie said:
i think the 3.4 swap they are refering to is a completely different engine than you are thinking of. it isn't a junkyard engine. it is basically a stroked 2.8 crate motor you buy from the dealership. swap your intake, exhaust, oil-pan, etc. and go. it isn't really a "swap" at all, you just replace your junk engine with a good one.
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Not exactly, the 3.1s & 3.4s in camaros are basically a direct swap. Even the FWD 3.4s can be made to work.
 
The 3.4L are a direct bolt in. If I recall corectly the intake will swap over so you can keep the carb. The 3.4 is basically a bored out 2.8 with better oiling porting which is one of the 2,8's downfalls among wany others. Chack out www.NAXJA.com I got alot of my info from them when I was going to do my swap. I scrapped the xj for a K5 though. Do not put any money into the 2.8. It is not worth the effort. Advance adapters also has a set-up to swap a small block as well to include everything needed other than the donor motor. That is what I bought my firs K5 for but liked the extra elbow room.
 
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