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2.8 vs. 2.9

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Old Mar 22, 2006 | 09:11 AM
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2.8 vs. 2.9

I have a 1985 Bronco 2 and the guy who sold it to me said he put a newer engine in it. It doesn't say anywhere on it whether it is a 2.8 or 2.9. It is a 6 cylinder. Are there any quick references on the intake or etc. where I can tell what motor I have so I can change the head?
Thanks
 
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Old Mar 22, 2006 | 10:39 AM
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Easiest way to tell is to pull the valve cover(s) and see if it has hydraulic lifters or solid lifters. More than likely if you're replacing a cracked head.... it's a 2.9... I'm guessing. Anyone know what casting numbers to look for on a 2.8 / 2.9 to tell the difference?
 
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Old Mar 22, 2006 | 11:29 AM
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Didn't the 2.9 only come in fuel injection? The 85 has a native feedback carb.

Also, the 2.9 has aluminum heads, as where the 2.8 has cast iron.
 
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Old Mar 22, 2006 | 12:25 PM
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That's what I was going to suggest as the most obvious way to tell the difference. 2.9 was always EFI -- never carburated, 2.8 was always carburated, never EFI.
 
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Old Mar 22, 2006 | 08:09 PM
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The upper intake on the 2.9 says 2.9, also the 2.9 has cast iron heads, not aluminum.
 
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Old Mar 23, 2006 | 02:21 PM
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You all do realize that you can interchange the 2.8 and 2.9 intakes, right.... the previous owner might have saved himself some trouble and put the carb on a 2.9.... the only differences between the two are the timing components and the lifters, as best that I can recall
 
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Old Mar 23, 2006 | 07:36 PM
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I thought the lower intake wouldn't swap but I never worked on a 2.8, can anyone else comment on the fit???
 
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Old Mar 23, 2006 | 09:35 PM
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Originally Posted by kernel-panic
You all do realize that you can interchange the 2.8 and 2.9 intakes, right.... the previous owner might have saved himself some trouble and put the carb on a 2.9.... the only differences between the two are the timing components and the lifters, as best that I can recall
Interesting. Everytime I've seen this discussed, usually in response to the question, "Can I convert a 2.9 from EFI to carb, the response is, "can't be done unless you have the money (or other resources) to fab your own intake." I would think if it was as easy as changing a 2.8 intake for a 2.9 intake, they would have said. From what I understand, there isn't a lot that readily interchanges between the 2.9 ad 2.8.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2006 | 10:38 AM
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2.8 vs 2/9 vs 3.0

Someone told me the 3.0 Tauras engine is the same block as the 2.9 Ranger engine. And will bolt after changing intake, is the indeed the same engine?
Seems there are alot more of these avail out there.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2006 | 06:51 PM
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The 3.0 is NOT the same engine, it's a vulcan, the 2.6/2.8/2.9/4.0ohv are cologne engines.
 
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Old Apr 2, 2006 | 07:35 PM
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I've heard guys on some of the other well known Ranger forums who had to give up trying to interchange 2.hate and 2.9L components. I don't think the accessory belts even spin the same direction and the ports don't line up on the intakes, among other issues.

Why you'd waste time with either engine...beyond any of us.
 
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Old Apr 4, 2006 | 03:06 PM
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Originally Posted by AlfredB1979
Why you'd waste time with either engine...beyond any of us.
This is almost like asking why someone would put a Chevy 350 in a Porche. Remember, to each their own. As soon as I get the reference materials I need and make a few phone calls, I'm probably going to opt for (re)building my 2.9. I'm half-tempted to physically look at the 2.8 and 2.9 camshafts to see what the specific lobe layout differences are, unless I can find the technical data somewhere. The main reason for this is that Competition Cams makes aftermarket parts for the 2.8, but -not- the 2.9... (my question is, does anyone make a hi-perf. cam for the 4.0??? .... )

My main drawback, other than valvetrain components lacking, in beefing up a 2.9 is the fact that headers are too damned expensive (unless you're doing a 2wd rig). Other than that, there are several things that can be done to these engines -- which is why many people want the book by Sven Pruett "How to build and modify Ford 60 degree V-6 engines"
 
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Old Jun 7, 2006 | 02:44 PM
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Originally Posted by kernel-panic
This is almost like asking why someone would put a Chevy 350 in a Porche. Remember, to each their own. As soon as I get the reference materials I need and make a few phone calls, I'm probably going to opt for (re)building my 2.9. I'm half-tempted to physically look at the 2.8 and 2.9 camshafts to see what the specific lobe layout differences are, unless I can find the technical data somewhere. The main reason for this is that Competition Cams makes aftermarket parts for the 2.8, but -not- the 2.9... (my question is, does anyone make a hi-perf. cam for the 4.0??? .... )

My main drawback, other than valvetrain components lacking, in beefing up a 2.9 is the fact that headers are too damned expensive (unless you're doing a 2wd rig). Other than that, there are several things that can be done to these engines -- which is why many people want the book by Sven Pruett "How to build and modify Ford 60 degree V-6 engines"
yes comp cams makes several for the ohv 4.0.
 
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