[MajorK]

Hey my stock 2.8L V6 engine is busted. It has 2 thrown bearings or rods. I've just gotten it and want to get it lifted and put a new engine in it.

It has the 87 style firewall that the late model 86's had. I looked at possibly putting in a 4.0 I6. But my brother said we could put just about anything in it. (He's the mechanic in the family. lots of things he's worked on and such so i believe him.) Anywho.. he said that we could drop and LS motor into it. Has anyone ever attempted this and any tips on what upgrades i may have to do besides the engine?

Thanks for any help.

 

[87MJTim]

The issues I have read about is cooling a V8. Search for this at comancheclub.com. The front grill doesn't allow enough air flow.

 

[Nick05]

they say you can put a 3.4 or 3.6(i can't remember which) out of a camaro and it's direct swap(same mounts).

 

[mckoolkid]

Check out Novak conversions. Should answer all your questions

 

[MajorK]

Thanks for the advice people. I think i'm gonna go ahead and get working on this project once I find the motor. Novak seems to have all the adapters along with Rustys Off Road? i think.

I know i could go the easy way and put a 3.4l in but i've heard that it's a kinda crappy engine. And it may be more difficult to put a LS engine in.. but i've heard nothing but good things from them. SO i'll give it a shot. I'll have to put an update once we begin.

 

[mckoolkid]

Keep in mind if you do efi you need a harness and what not to run it. Also your transmission options are kinda limited to what will take the power and fit. Unless you run something like a 4l60e or 700r4. I'm running a nv4500 and will be cutting the floor up a bit to fit it.

 

[dhroz]

Hey my stock 2.8L V6 engine is busted. It has 2 thrown bearings or rods. I've just gotten it and want to get it lifted and put a new engine in it.

It has the 87 style firewall that the late model 86's had. I looked at possibly putting in a 4.0 I6. But my brother said we could put just about anything in it. (He's the mechanic in the family. lots of things he's worked on and such so i believe him.) Anywho.. he said that we could drop and LS motor into it. Has anyone ever attempted this and any tips on what upgrades i may have to do besides the engine?

Thanks for any help.

I put in an LS1 from a 2001 Corvette w/ 4L60E trans. My Comanche had a 4.0 and 5 speed trans.
I bought it new back in April of 87. Original engine and trans lasted 362,000 miles. It would have lasted much longer if Fram hadn't changed thire oil filter design. The cardboard in the filter disintegrated and clogged the engine going 80 miles/hour.
You will need to do a lot of research. I managed to remake the LS engine harness so it would work. I was also able to keep the original gauges. You need special headers or hooker cast iron units. Its not cheap but it does haul butt.
In addition you need to put a dana 44 in the rear. The 231 t-case lasted two days. (too much torque) > In went a 242 from a 98 dodge Durango with a 5.9 Front axle is OK with dana 30 but only with part throttle take off on the trails otherwise you will shear the pinion teeth. Better to leave it in 2wd or put in a 44 if you do a lot of offroading

 

[cruiser54]

Thanks for the advice people. I think i'm gonna go ahead and get working on this project once I find the motor. Novak seems to have all the adapters along with Rustys Off Road? i think.

I know i could go the easy way and put a 3.4l in but i've heard that it's a kinda crappy engine. And it may be more difficult to put a LS engine in.. but i've heard nothing but good things from them. SO i'll give it a shot. I'll have to put an update once we begin.

3.4 is not a crappy engine like the 2.8.