phix919

Hi guys,
I have a 87 Camaro with a 2.8 V6 MPFI. I'm looking to add some performance parts onto it like headers, induction system, etc... and any recomendations I can get from you guys. But I want to keep the 6 in there. So my questions are, what are the best performance parts to put on this V6? and where can I find them? I've been searching for a couple weeks now with no avail.

Any help on this would be great
Thanks

V6camaroman

try some of the mods i have in my signature. if you wanna pull the 2.8 out and rebuild it i would suggest putting a cam in it and boring it out. i had my engine completely rebuild bored .040 over with new rings pistoions rods and a new crank shaft and magnafluxed all taken apart and put back together for $1098 at my local race shop. i really enjoy my little 2.8

TomP

First, do the Major Tuneup; click on "Search" in the upper right hand corner of this screen, search for "Major Tuneup" in the forum "-- V6". If you don't know the history of any of the parts on the car, you should take care of the Major Tuneup. If your car's in great running condition, then you'll see the best improvement from an aftermarket "performance" mod.

Most people on here (including me) seem to prefer the Dynomax Super Turbo Exhaust, part #17493, with dual opposite-end tailpipes. If you go thru http://www.summitracing.com, part #WLK-17493 is (i think) $160. You can call for a price check, too, at 800-230-3030.

You'll have to do some dirty work (or just call Summit and ask) to find parts for our motors. Most of the things you can do to a v8 are things you can do to our cars. For instance, you won't see a spark coil listed for our 2.8's- but we use the same ignition system (even the spark module under the distrib cap) as a V8 with TPI! Even the exhaust I listed above is meant for a V8, but will fit our v6. We use the same air filters & fuel filters. We can use the same transmission hop-up parts. We can do any suspension mod that's "meant" for any 82-92 f-body.

YOu've got an '87, which was the first year for the serpentine drive belt, so you can invest in power pullies. I can't, I have an '86 with V-belts.

Commercial header production stopped at -least- 6 years ago. You'll only find them thru the internet at auctions, and maybe from someone that's trying to "copy" a set, but you can always have a speciality exhaust shop make you a set. (That just turns into big $$ fast!) A guy that was on here, 3.1Firebird, made the 93-94 4th gen 3.4l V6 F-body headers fit his 3rd gen car. Those headers are made by Pacesetter, sold by JCWhitney.com , and fit the 3rd gen [i]engine[i]... but they don't fit the 3rd gen car. He had to bend some of the pipes to make them fit in the 3rd gen engine bay.

You can also change the rear gears in the axle... or, more accurately, have them changed. There's a lot of measuring involved, and if you mess up, you can destroy your gears on your first drive. I had swapped in a 3.73/posi/disc axle from an '84 Trans Am (with "L69" V8 and 5-speed trans). It was on the car until a few weeks ago, when the posi blew up. Now I'm back on a junkyard axle from an '88 Camaro- but I will fix that old one! Right now you have 3.42 rear gears, which are perfect, but no posi.

Search this message board, you'll find a ton of part #'s. Also look for "3.4 swap boogie", and hunt down Karl (KED85)- he's got the ultimate V6 hop-up!

86camarodriver

Check out my sig fr a few cheap things.

phix919

Thanks for the info guys, didnt know the V8 TPI parts fit the V6. I always see it say for the V8 and think crap, so close to finding that part. Sucks about the headers, mine are so rusted they are about to crumble off. Oh, are there any aftermarket rocker arm covers for the 2.8? Some nice polished ones? heh proly not

Thanks guys

stuart69427

camaro_hunter_d is making some headers for us, do a search to get more info

if any one knows about those covers' id like to know to!

edit: hehehehehehe

<---------- Post Number "454"

:lala: :lala: :lala: :lala: :lala:

phix919

woo hoo found nice valve covers from Edelbrock at summitracing.com Part #EDL-4488.

Description:Valve covers with a triple plated chrome finish

Chevrolet: 2.8L V6, steel, triple chrome plated, Signature Series, valve covers

Engineered for function and styled for good looks, these triple chrome plated valve covers accept all emissions equipment, including the PCV valve. They'll also clear all air conditioning and alternator brackets.

KED85

How much time ya wanna spend?
How much money ya got?
How mechanically inclined are ya?

phix919

Well, with taxes coming back I'll have around $1500 to spend on the car. I got enough time. Mechanically inclined, I worked at a shop for 2 years during collage, I was an R & R guy(rip out and replace, moslty engine parts and trannies) so I dont know too many details, but if I am given instuctions I can do anything.

So with that said, what ya got for me KED85?

KED85

I spent $800 swapping in a 3.4, including purchase of used running motor.
I sold old left over 3.4 stuff.
I spent a considerable amount of time on ignition, fuel to make foundation good.
Do a search for the 2.8 3.4 long block swap boogie.
Read it and see if that is a realistic answer for you.
It was for me.

phix919

I really want to try to stick with the 2.8. Ya know a its a "yeah its the stock 2.8 engine, like how i burned you?" thing heh. if i wanted to upgrade it as far as it could go, what should I do?

I would put a 3.4 in, but at the moment this is my only car so I dont want to chance it.

KED85

Your call.
I used to live in Westfield, Summit Court.
Rahway Ave & Railroad crossing.
This Firebird is my daily driver.
It is my "only car" for my Wife & Son to be scooting in.
Read the swap, it is easy.
But detailed.
IF you pass by Summit Court, wave hi at 128. I grew up there 1960-65.
Been back there 4 times.
Did you work for Ford plant?

Project: 85 2.8 bird

Damn, Karl. How old are you again

phix919

No, didn't work at the ford plant but live 5 mins from it. Crappy thing is that Ford plant is getting shut down soon. Hundreds of jobs down the drain. bah

KED85

Hey, I'm still a stupid kid, that gets to pass it along.
I've got four more years until I'm a millionaire at 50.
I was there, when it all happened.
I got to do so much.
Then, I took it for granted, but, kinda not.
Know how much fun it was to be a PIG during the HEIGHT OF DISCO & THE SEXUAL REVOLUTION??????
Have as your High school ride a 1966 Corvette bought for $1,750, COMPLETE & 95% original (1972 when I got my Drivers license)? Yes, you can do it in a Corvette, ALOT OF DIFFERENT WAYS And do it, also, in a 1974 (new), 1954 and 1961 Corvette, which family owned all at one time.
Know what it was like to ride in the back of a 1963 Jaguar XKE, NEW? The hatchback/fastback part.
Drag race your Aunt's 1965 GTO (trophy winning stock racer) against your Dad 1963 421 Grand Prix, When these things were new? I was the one that heard that after the race happened. Dad against my Cousin in his Mom's GTO.
When Kennedy was shot, I was in Second grade it was mid afternoon. President Kennedy.
I had no idea that a nuclear bomb could have been dropped on me, shortly after that day (10 days of October).
Know how much FUN the 60's were?
Watching the Beatles invade America?
Buying their first and second albums, new?
The TV show, "Wonder years" is a chronicle of my school youth, very close.
Know what it's like to go to your First Grateful Dead concert (1974-Philadelphia) and start a bus ride, Further?
End it at Jerry Garcia's funeral, People's Park, San Francisco 1995, where the bus ride, Further, started in 1965.
Know what it's like to protest, at the World Trade Center, when it first opened, during the LARGEST Anti-Nuclear Power Plant Rally (we warned you about terrorist, then, 1978!)? That event was the No-Nukes Concert.
Know what it was like to serve in the United States Senate (1980), when Reagan was elected, then move to Los Angeles? And help him get elected (I worked at the Repbulican National Committee HQ for a few months, then joined Senator Schweiker staff).
Eventually THANK Brian Wilson, of the Beach Boys, for making me want to do move to Los Angeles, back in 1962 & 1963 when he released the "Surf Sound" on America of "California Girls" (the 2nd record I ever bought). I have not yet, thanked Michelle Phillips, Mama's and Papa's, of "California Dreamin'"
Attend the US Festivals (82-83, introduction of the Apple computers, and U2, to America).
Drag race and WIN on Van Nuys Blvd (1968 Firebird 400/TH400, bought used & stock, $900.00).
Buy a 1967 RS/SS Camaro Convertible 4-speed, stock 350, $3,800, drive the entire California Pacific Coastline, top down, drive thru those GIANT REDWOOD TREES, too!. And still own that car!
Watch your edited TV Commercials, broadcast, world wide, during the 1984 Olympics, held in your home town (Budweiser, Exxon, Levis Jeans).
Drive a BRAND NEW 1982 Camaro Z-28, T-TOP, IN HOLLYWOOD, FOR FREE, ALL DAY. Especially on Mulholland Drive, a SUNNY SUMMER DAY!!!!!
Drive down Hollywoood Blvd and Sunset Blvd, and see your 20' x 40' Billboards you created, glow at night time.
Watch your Son being born.

Know how much fun it is to be alive, today, done all this $hit, feed on the vibes of today's youth and give it to my Son? And spread the wealth?

Whom was born September 11, 2000.

What's a number, when you are alive.
Yep, that's me, the Woodstock Generation, Baby Boomer, call us what ya like.
As Grace Slick (Jefferson Airplane) said, during Woodstock,
"Good Morning People, it's a New Dawn!"

89camaroRSV6

damn ked how old are ya ?... makes me wonder if ur 85 yrs old lol

KED85

When I had my first back injury, I sure felt that old.
Crossed the street looking like one, too!
I was laid up in bed for a month.
Had a BUNCH of Girlfriends helping me outta bed, tho!

When ya learn, it's just a number, that's when the fun begins. And have fun getting to that point, too.

WaynesRS

I think he's like 90 something . J/K Karl !
We still love ya even if ya are an old fart !
Of course we know your not an old fart , just older than we are .

KED85

Again you're attaching numbers.
The only number I care about is that my Wife is 13 years younger than me!
And how much closer I am to being a Millionaire within four years!
Believe me, I still do and can think of doing more stupid $hit..........
As I've said, "I'm nowhere near a grave, so don't put me there."
Old Fart.
NOTHING SMELLS LIKE MY KIDS' DIAPER
I just have more experience doing stupid things.....
Ask my Wife!

WaynesRS

Im just joking with ya man ! Ya know we all love ya !

BitchinRS

Come on guys he gave you the answer you just gotta find it.

Now 4 - 50 = ?????

46


Thats not old at all


BTW: I loved doing word problems in school!!

My G/F's father is 78. You couldn't tell by looking at him. He helps me with working on our cars some times. He's starting to lose some of his strength and sight, but he was still able to help me get my rear drum brakes back together! I just hope I'm still able to walk when I hit 78 let a lone be able to work on cars!!!

89camaroRSV6

lol karl im just jooking here...

actually ur never too old unless u "think" ur old

86camarodriver

Well my grandfater is 70 and he drives a porshce 914 with a HO all aluminum two hundred some cubic inch v-8 that pulls 1.5 g's in the corners, does the quarter in 13 flat without the supercharger that he orderd and the front of the car and the rear weigh exactly the same so its perfectly balanced for road racing along with BMW brakes and blisteen shocks.
So the older you are the better because you have more experiance. BTW his wife drives a suped up GTP
David

KED85

Ya consider yourself lucky if you have friends along the way.
Those are numbers I value also.
I hope I'm like my Dad when I'm in my 70's.
He's still at it, even with Cancer.
Live live fully.
As Janis Joplin said, "Try, Just a little bit harder".
That's how I'll make a million by 50.
My realtor is looking for my second house for me to fix for profit.

j166a99

hahah, funny...

a bit off subject, but i'd go with TomP and do the major tune up first. then work from there.

KED85

That's a Buick/Oldsmobile/Rover/Triumph Stag-TR8 Aluminum engine. 215. Was also Turbo Charged (Starfire V-8) by Olds, for the FIRST Cutlass, as an option. It's used in all Rover's today, still.
I had that 215 V-8 in my 1963 Buick Wagon (I turned into a "Hippie" mobile on wheels, curtains, carpeted back, room for friends, 4 speaker stereo (with fader!). That Pubic Buick (as we called it) wagon was the BEST at the Drive-In, as I never "saw" the movie
Sport wagons have always been a part of my life.

86camarodriver

Yep its the buick motor but it still runs the quarter in 13 flat it also helps when the car weighs 2,5000 pounds.
I know its off topic but with age comes experiance.

Brian K

The only way to really hop it up is:

CRANE 2030 Cam
Comp Cams 1.52 Roller Rockers
Coyle’s Double Roller Timing Chain
Dynomax Cat back
Catco High Flow Converter


After you do that look into:
4.10 rear gears and locker
MSD Coil
MSD 6A Ignition
MSD Wires
Ported Heads
Ported Plenum
Nitrous
Suspension Mods
Brake Mods

I wish someone would have b-slapped me when I got my chip because for the same price you can get a cam and guess which one will really give ya power.

phix919

lol, thanks a lot Brian, just the info i was looking for

KED85

As a final thought for ya.
IF ya gonna do all that cam & effort.
The 3.4 comes with that cam.
And the better heads/springs to take advantage of the cam.
All in one tidy package.
Spend a measly $6 for the GM Performance Parts book, from ANY GM dealer.
Find out some more information about these 60* engines.