3100 into 84' S10 Blazer

[2.8-350TBI]

Damn it, I gave away a set of good 3100 pistons when my 2.8/3400 project went bye bye

[geoffinbc]

You wont be able to notch the cross member in the S-10 the engine is much further forward. You would have to remove the whole thing to fit the 3X00 oil pan. You will need to modify the pan.

[Axelsmancave]

2.8-350TBI, That stinks about the pistons. I still have the other 3100 that I have not taken apart yet. I was going to try and measure the compression while on my engine stand but I am waiting to pull my 2.8 starter and see if I can rig something to turn that engine fast enough. I don't have a drill motor with the balls to spin the engine fast enough for testing. I should just pull it apart anyway since it is probably a high mileage engine as well.

BTY, How hard is it to modify the aluminum oil pan to fit into the S10?

[Axelsmancave]

I've got almost a week and a half off for Christmas and my goal is to pull the old 2.8 from the Blazer. I'll keep you informed. According to the Haynes manual I will be removing chassis bolts and lifting the body up a little to get access to the top transmission bolts. Good thing this is a NM vehicle with almost no rust.

[2.8-350TBI]

Id almost say its easier to remove the tranny with the motor... But thats just me. Its just easier to align everything outside of the truck and put it back together in one piece when ready.

If I could do it to a fourth gen 'maro, its cake on a blazer!

[Axelsmancave]

That sounds good to me, I'll pull the engine and trans together.

[Axelsmancave]

Hi All,

I got side tracked by wanting to build my own piston pin press and to my surprise it was a great success! Here is the youtube video of it in action. Let me know what you think.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ocsnup4ayT4

[geoffinbc]

Its hell to pull the trans and engine together in the S-10. I would recommend separating them first. You can remove the trans mount and the distributor which will allow you to lower the transmission tail a ton and remove the upper bellhousing bolts. Or you can raise the trans tail and get a wrench with a breaker bar on it to remove the top 2 bellhousing bolts and then remove the lower 4 bolts with the trans tail down.

[Axelsmancave]

Latest Updates on Progress:

I am continuing the disassembly of the 2.8 in the Blazer. The dizzy and carb are being held for someone on our forum. I think I'll get the heads off and then pull the engine as stated in the previous post by BTY.

The two 3100's have been completely disassembled and I found some issues with both. Engine #1 had 3 scorched (on the skirt) and badly worn pistons. It also had a spun bearing. The crank will most likely need some machining. The block and heads seem fine. Engine #2 was in better shape with only 2 scorched (on the skirt) pistons. Crank looks great.

Are pistons worth reusing in these engines? Can pistons and rods be swapped form one engine to another?

[Axelsmancave]

One more thing to add.

Another reason to love these engines! When the block is empty it can lifted off the engine stand by hand with one large person. I happen to be a large person and it was pretty easy to place my empty block on the floor.

[neo71665]

One more thing to add.

Another reason to love these engines! When the block is empty it can lifted off the engine stand by hand with one large person. I happen to be a large person and it was pretty easy to place my empty block on the floor.

I'm 6 1 and barely 200lbs and I picked up my iron 3.4 and held it while dad helped me put it in my stand. Hardest part was the sharp edges on the oil pan mount flange. I don't call myself big by any means.

[Axelsmancave]

You're right Neo, Its strength not size that make a difference.

Did you pick up the whole block heads and all?

[geoffinbc]

A bare block with caps is just over 100Lbs. Not too bad at all if you get a good hold on it.

You can mix and match pistons and rods if they all weigh the same and the piston to bore clearance is within spec.

[Axelsmancave]

Finally got some time to work on my S10. I've got the top half of the engine off and now I am ready to make the pull.

B.T.Y. - I understand now why I will need to tilt the engine. Not enough room to break those upper bolts loose, exactly as you said.

Notice the pooled coolant in the driver back cylinder. This cylinder measured about 30 PSI lower than the other cylinders.

[geoffinbc]

Man you really went to town with removing the accessories from the engine. I usually just remove the distributor and lay the PS pump and A/C pump to the side.