I am trying to ressurect an 85 Cherokee that has the 2.8 173 Chevy engine. The body is in great shape so the project is worth it. Since it needs an engine rebuild, I was wondering if I can easily put a larger Chevy V-6 (ie motor mounts and bellhousing). Any feedback is appreciated.
Thanks, Eric
A GM 3.4L V6 is a drop-in replacement. Anything different/larger is a really complex set of changes to the firewall and a number of mounts.
I put one in my 84. The 3.4L doesn't support a mechanical fuel pump so you'll have to fit an electrical one. I put mine back near the tank. That and sometimes the flywheel may need new holes to mate up to the crankshaft. I also seem to recall there being some crank pulley and belt issues. Nearly everything else just bolted right back up to it; intake, carbs, pumps, exhaust manifolds (check for cracks), etc.
I seem to recall the motor from an S-10 or a Camaro being a frequent donor.
It didn't really do much to change the performance or mileage. But my old 2.8L was toast (thrown rod) so it's not like I had much choice. Given the time/money spent on having it done, however, I think I'd have been better off selling it and getting something else. Live and learn.
-Bill Kearney
You need to dump that 2.3L V6 no matter how much trouble it is. That is quite possibly the very worst motor to ever be pushed off of an assembly line.
Thank you. That is exactly the kind of information I was looking for. Bill, you are a wealth of information.
It's not that I want to put a blown 5.0 in it or anything, just something with a little more torque. I may try to go with the GMC crate engine HT
3.4L. Which leads me to a new question.It states on the website
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