whats the best
whats the best
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 62
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From: Misplaced Coloradoan
whats the best
Without a doubt..... '90
Of course, I only say that because mine is a '90. Actually mine is part 86 or 87 (58mm larger throtlle body bought on eBay)... IMHO it matters more what the overall condition is, what tranny it has, what axles you have, than the year itself... My '90 is newer than most people's new SUV's considering the new engine, paint, tires, wheels, brakes, etc.... etc.... and at a stop light next to a new Grand Cherokee, BMW, ETC... Guess what vehicle people look at... I'll take it for 1/8th the cost
Of course, I only say that because mine is a '90. Actually mine is part 86 or 87 (58mm larger throtlle body bought on eBay)... IMHO it matters more what the overall condition is, what tranny it has, what axles you have, than the year itself... My '90 is newer than most people's new SUV's considering the new engine, paint, tires, wheels, brakes, etc.... etc.... and at a stop light next to a new Grand Cherokee, BMW, ETC... Guess what vehicle people look at... I'll take it for 1/8th the cost
whats the best
Junior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Misplaced Coloradoan
whats the best
That I don't know... Over the last year I have learned a lot about the 2.9. That said, from what I read on this forum, I would imagine that you could swap it for the system from an injected 2.8... Hopefully one of the 2.8 experts will chime in on this post. Brian
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 140
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From: CT USA
whats the best
There is no "bolt on" TBI for the 2.8. If you really want fuel injection for the 2.8 it can be done (although i dont really think its worth trying) with the system on the ford 3.8 L motor out of a mustang or LTD (not the taurus) Basicly i concider the 2.8 a workhorse of an engine that will run a long time. Its not to friendly for performance upgrades (mostly because there weren't too many made) and they were only made for a few years in the late 70's and mid 80's.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 140
Likes: 0
From: CT USA
whats the best
Basicly it involves swapping the engine an just about everythign connected to it with the exception of the transmission. You will need a newer fuel tank with electric fuel pump, new fuel lines, and wiring harness along with computer and lots of other miscalanious items i am forgetting. It can be done if you have a donor bronco 2 or ranger with a 2.9 but for what its worth with the money and time you would spend doing that you could put it toward a newer truck with a more advanced fuel injection system or on making that 2.8 you already have more powerful. 
