Replace the 2.8L with?

I just bought my second Chevy S-10 Blazer and would like to swap out engines since the 2.8L power to weight ratio leaves something to be desired. What would be a easy swap, but I do not want to go to a V-8? It is a '87 S-10 Blazer 4x4 automatic. I did hear once that a 3.6L might be possable. Any help and ideas would be great.

3.4L or another 2.8L

That or just bite the bullet and drop in a 350.

All I am really looking for is something thats just a quick swap for a few more HP without having to tap in to the national oil reserve. If the 3.4L is a straight bolt in then that maybe the way to go.

http://www.s10forum.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=106

You could read through there. You can go with 350 TBI since your 2.8 should be TBI and it will still be some work to swap but it will be worth it in the end. You can get pretty good gas mileage with a 350 by not going to crazy on performance and horsepower.My 350 that is going in at the end of the week is bone stock for the most part, just new parts in the heads. I should get about 17 city 20 or so highway. You would need a different tranny though because i think bellhousings are different. 700r4 will bolt up to 350 no problem.Wiring wouldn't be much of a problem, you will have to lengthen wires but you can you use 350 computer on the tbi harness.You would be in neighborhood of 215hp 300lbs ft torque w bonestock tbi 350.

Go with the 3.4. You can buy a GM crate for the for the earlier s-10 2.8, its basically a direct bolt up. If not a crate engine, a camaro 3.4 will bolt right up. Everything will bolt right up from your 2.8 to your 3.4, but you will need 4.3 injectors in place of your 2.8. Also, you will need to exchange your water pump, as the '87 2.8 water pumps runs in reverse because that was the year Gm changed over to serpentine belt system. The 3.4 is the best bang for the buck.

3.4L!

It's a direct bolt in, and all your aftermarket headers, and manifolds will bolt right on.

They say that it's the best direct bolt on mod for a 2.8L powered Chev.

I might do the same swap next year, even though my 2.8L is still pretty new

Thanks everyone.

I did look into the cost of a V-8 convertion and I am not willing to put that kind of money into this yet. So the best bet is the 3.4. Just two more questions. Will there be any issue with the flexplate, or tranny as far as bolt up? The wireing should be the same too right?

For the 3.4L, wiring stays the same, nothing needs to be touched, as for the flexplate/flywheel, I know that you have to use an externally balanced flywheel, the 3.4 is too thick to fit, so your only solution is to either get your current flywheel externally balanced at a machine shop(preffered) or find a flywheel from a '88 up 2.8, as they are externally balanced wheels. This, I know applies to an automatic transmission for sure, and I am pretty sure if your bolting up a manual, its the same.

If your a real man you will put a V8 in it, if you have a 2 wheel drive buy a camaro LS1 or if you have 4 wheel drive a corvette LT1. Do some research, think about it... a 2.6... or a 5.7... come on man.. do the math..

Look at the cost difference, that is the math you have to look into also.

V8 conversion is 4-5 times more expensive.

If your a real man you will put a V8 in it, if you have a 2 wheel drive buy a camaro LS1 or if you have 4 wheel drive a corvette LT1. Do some research, think about it... a 2.6... or a 5.7... come on man.. do the math..

Spoken like a true Newbie that probably doesn't have to pay for their own gas :grinno:

A 3.4L with a good tune up is most likely enough power for him, or he would have just dumped in the V8 to start with.

If your a real man you will put a V8 in it, if you have a 2 wheel drive buy a camaro LS1 or if you have 4 wheel drive a corvette LT1. Do some research, think about it... a 2.6... or a 5.7... come on man.. do the math..

I look at it this way. If I could afford it I would have just bought a new truck with a V-8 already in it. But since I live in the real world that doesn't pay for a pipe dream I'll just settle for something more down to earth.

Your right, you've figured me out, the only reason i'd say go up to a v8 is because im a newbie. Right, anyways, it was a suggestion, seen it done, done the research, and it's not a 5 grand operation. My buddy pulled an LT1 for $800, and we did most of the work, all for about 2 grand, the only price i know the engine. Most parts stayed, however the AC units, computer, exhaust, etc. The work was frusterating, but to have a Corvette engine in this 96 Blazer with functional 4 wheel drive, was real sick. Have fun.