The 2.8 powerhouse...not!
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 12

While my Blazer is in the transmission shop, I've been thinking of what
do to help the performance a little on the 2.8.
First, let me say, I don't believe it is underpowered. But, maybe it's
because it's not worn out. The truck has been babied and has just
turned over 100k. Its also a two door (lighter).
Around town it seems to have plenty of get up and go,
but the higher speeds does not have a lot of pep.
O.K. heres the plan...
#1- Spark Plugs..what are the best?
#2- Wires- the best?
#3- Cap, rotor- advice?
#4- Fuel filter- Advice on installation on the 2.8?
#5- The truck needs a muffler/tailpipe, so I'm going to replace it with a turbo
(more free flowing).
#6- K&N air filter...a must
#7- Injection cleaner- what kind?
Anything else that may help? Thanks!
do to help the performance a little on the 2.8.
First, let me say, I don't believe it is underpowered. But, maybe it's
because it's not worn out. The truck has been babied and has just
turned over 100k. Its also a two door (lighter).
Around town it seems to have plenty of get up and go,
but the higher speeds does not have a lot of pep.
O.K. heres the plan...
#1- Spark Plugs..what are the best?
#2- Wires- the best?
#3- Cap, rotor- advice?
#4- Fuel filter- Advice on installation on the 2.8?
#5- The truck needs a muffler/tailpipe, so I'm going to replace it with a turbo
(more free flowing).
#6- K&N air filter...a must
#7- Injection cleaner- what kind?
Anything else that may help? Thanks!
#2
BF Veteran
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Saskatoon, Canada
Posts: 3,333

ac delco for plugs and maybe a dry flow filter......k&n drop ins are a waste of cash imo, and can cause other problems.
#3
#5
BF Veteran
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Central Illinois
Posts: 3,891











I too have a 2putt8.
Mine also lacks power at highway speeds. Then again the speedo only goes to 70 or 80 mph. this truck/engine was designed to crusie the interstate at 55mph. Way back when, 55mph was the maximum speed.
Thanks for teh link, I bookmarked it to get bak to it later.
Mine also lacks power at highway speeds. Then again the speedo only goes to 70 or 80 mph. this truck/engine was designed to crusie the interstate at 55mph. Way back when, 55mph was the maximum speed.
Thanks for teh link, I bookmarked it to get bak to it later.
#6
BF Veteran
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: GP AB CA
Posts: 3,946



The carbed 2.8 in my old S10 worked best on hot days... But it needed a new t-stat.
The 2.8L wasn't underpowered... It was put in too heavy of a vehicle, lol.
But it's such a heavy engine that you can start in 3rd gear without touching the gas pedal... Very carefully...
It also had a wicked growl at full throttle that a 90 degree V6 (like the 4.3! lol) can't compete with...
That site has pretty much all you need to know... There's not a whole lot you can do, really...
Exhaust and better air intake are what you're gonna need to improve your highway driveability...
Oh! And don't try to pass going up a hill!
It's not too shabby with the low end grunt, for the time it was built...
The 2.8L wasn't underpowered... It was put in too heavy of a vehicle, lol.
But it's such a heavy engine that you can start in 3rd gear without touching the gas pedal... Very carefully...
It also had a wicked growl at full throttle that a 90 degree V6 (like the 4.3! lol) can't compete with...
That site has pretty much all you need to know... There's not a whole lot you can do, really...
Exhaust and better air intake are what you're gonna need to improve your highway driveability...
Oh! And don't try to pass going up a hill!

It's not too shabby with the low end grunt, for the time it was built...
#7
BF Veteran
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Central Illinois
Posts: 3,891











yea, way back when it was considered a racing engine in light rigs.
My how things have come over the years.
My how things have come over the years.
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