Rebuild the 2.8 or put in a 3.4/3.8?

[no_doz]

get a set of 3100 or 3400 heads/intake/tb, the custom pushrods to match, & some headers, as well as a tune from wot-tech & you should be thrilled with the power you get. or you could get a set of TGP exhaust manifolds & a t25 or t28 turbo, & have flybynight on tgpforums.com tune you a chip to match.

you could be gradually buying parts & make it an crazy badass ride without a full out engine swap. if you go the route of the turbo you should get:

a set of pistons from summit racing or wot-tech
ARP studs for the connecting rods
manual boost controller
walbro 255 lph fuel pump
boost gauge
intercooler
the intake piping
tgp headers
stiffer valve springs
chip tuned for boost (flybynight on tgpforums.com would be a good person to talk to)
bigger injectors
accommodating oil lines

or you could do the 3400 heads with a t25 or t28 turbo which will require different headers & i you went that route you could skip the t25/t28 & go for a T4 & really push some power.

there are lots of options even with the stock engine

[2.8 Grand Prix]

Ok, thanks guys!

I will definately go with an engine swap. Now all I have to do is try and find a decent one with good miles. I'll check the website you posted and see about that. Thanks again.

[ghrarhg]

It would likely be much cheaper to find a 3x00 and swap that in rather than rebuild the 2.8. With 250,000 miles, it's probably a good idea to do at least a clean up bore. Then pistons and rings to go with it. Then on to the top end. Cost and time depend on what's wrong with them right now. Just cost of gaskets for the top end plus any head work would probably get you a running 3400.

The heads can be pulled with the engine in the car, so that may make it easier, but if you're doing anything to the block, you'll have to pull it.

My vote is motor swap.

[asylummotorsports]

Have a look on www.car-parts.com for engines in your area.

A 3100 is good, a 3400 is much better. A 3500 is the most powerful option, but involves a little more work and expense.

In the long run you would likely be better off swapping to newer technology than rebuilding a 2.8, and it may also end up costing you less.

And at 250K just doing the heads is a bandaid.

[2.8 Grand Prix]

Ok, thanks!

Is replacing the engine still an easier alternative to rebuilding the heads? I am trying to do this with the least amount of money possible because I just graduated from college and don't have a lot of money right now.
How long would it take to rebuild the heads? I am just trying to find the easiest way to do this right now. If I do replace the engine, I will still keep the 2.8 and rebuild it, but I would really like to keep this car running as long as I can for now.

[robertisaar]

3800s aren't our type of thing.

if you insist on using it, check w-body.com for more help.

the easiest thing to do is probably just drop a 3100 or 3400 in it. you'll pick up at least 30HP even with the small port motors.

[2.8 Grand Prix]

Hello,
My 1988 Grand Prix has the 2.8 which is by no means a bad engine, but with 250,000 miles, time has taken a toll on performance. It only runs on 5 cylinders. I was told by the previous owner that it needs the heads rebuilt. How long would it take to rebuild the heads? How much would it cost?
I am wondering whether it would be easier and less costly to just put in a new engine. I have located a nice, good running 3800 out of an Oldsmobile. It comes with the complete wireing harness, computer, and transmission. Would it fit? Thank you for any suggestions or other alternatives.