Hi, new to the site - hopefully this is not covered already.
I have a 84 b2 that my grandson rolled a few years ago.I'd just rebuilt the eng, 2.8L Carb'd.
I have the opportunity to acquire a 86 b2 with a bad 2.9L FI eng.(Don't know the details of the eng)
Q:will the heads from the fuel inj 2.9 mate with the short block of the 2.8?
Main intent here is to salvage the older eng into a good truck body.But I'd like to go Fuel Inj since the new truck is setup that way.
Really appreciate any thoughts.
John

 

2.9s suffer from poor oiling in the camshaft area, and cracked heads, and a litany of other problems, the 2.9 heads will NOT mate to the 2.8 block..........If I were in your shoes I would sell the good 2.8 (IMO a better motor than the 2.9) for funds to buy a good 4.0 out of a explorer or newer Ranger, keep the harness from the donor vehicle, and swap it in (bolt pattern to trans is the same 2.8-2.9-4.0) and have EFI and a LOT more power than a wheezy old 2.9.

 

Thank you so much for the info. I was afraid of that. Wife unit is against starting 'another' project. I may pass on this offer . . thanks again

 

Or..........drop the good 2.8 in the 86, and "86" everything EFI/computerized and duraspark convert the 2.8 so it can run un-hindered by the old TFI ign and EEC II feedback carb.