I searched and there isn't much (any) info about the 2.8.

Is it the same base as the 2.9- any site to get some info etc?

thanks

 

What kind of info are you looking for exactly?

 

looking to learn what i can- rebuilding, history, problems, what versions match up bell housings yada yada. I was thinking there may be a site where a guy could read up on all info available.

 

Hmm, I can't seem to find any really good site for info about them, but you could always use wikipedia, It tells a little about it. But I'm sure one of the guys on here can tell you something about them, or give you a site anyway. good luck.

 

The 2.9 derived from the 2.8 but there are some major differences. Some of these are:

2.8 was carbed, 2.9 was injected.
2.8 had a gear-driven cam with solid lifters, the 2.9 had a chain-drive cam with hydraulic lifters. The cams rotate in opposite directions between the two engines. The valve arrangement is also different.

The 2.8 was German-designed, sort of an extension of the 1.7 V4 of the Ford Taunus and certain Saab models. It was commonly found in the Mercury Capri and then was used in the Ranger till it was replaced by the 2.9.

That's about it off the top of my head, let me know if you have any specific questions. If I don't know the answer I'll make something up!

 

do you know if anyone had a performance build the 2.8 or 2.9 and what about forced induction? It seems taht some of the smaller v6's would be candidates? I know little in this area.there doesn't seem to much on ford v6 performance.

 

Go to www.racerwalsh.com, they sell performance products for the 2.8.

 

thanks so much

 

Years ago I rode in a Sunbeam Alpine that had a turboed 2.8 swapped into it. Talk about a fast little car! The guy had built all his own hardware, but with the popularity of the 2.8 powered Mercury Capri of the '70s I know there's a decent aftermarket for them, and there's virtually no difference in the motor itself between the Capri and Ranger.

Personally, I don't deal with Racer Walsh anymore after getting burned by them on parts back when I was racing, but perhaps their customer service has improved since then...

 

Try broncoII.org. Bronco II's only came with 2.8 and 2.9 engines. The guys over there can answer just about any question you have.

 

Hey rodger. I have raced a 2.8 mercury capri of 16 years. It is about the most bullet proof engine I have ever seen. Weak points are the rods which can be fixed with arp rod bolts and the cam drive that can be fixed with an aluminum billet set, not expensive about $50 to $60 dollars. As far as forced induction that is another story. I can be done either turbo or supercharger if you can find the parts. The problem is the head bolt pattern, it is not good enough to hold the pressure. You need to O ring the head and the block. Best company I know of is Burton performance in Liverpool England at www. burtonpower.com. There is also a handbook call V6 performance and covers not only the 2.8 ford but just about any thing that came out of europe. It is out dated as far as part #'s but the information is good.

 

thanks...i did find a couple sites as well but not a lot...

 

freind of mine has bronco2 2.8 with bad engine he has 2.9 good engine would 2.8 carb intake fit on 2.9?

 

Well bucklee I am not real sure on that part. Most of the difference's in the two engines are internal. If you are going to pull it apart anyway just lay them side by side and measure. To really make the intake work if it does fit is to match the port which is a little work but does make a difference even if the motor is dead stock. Check with offenhauser and see if they show a different intake of the two engines. If not then I think it will fit.

 

No, it won't fit. The 2.9 has a different valve arrangement from the 2.8 which spaces the ports evenly: