Valvetrain help!

[stick shift]

So I'm rebuilding a 89 2.8 (insert comments now) Anyway its going in s10. Its getting bored .40 over and I'm sticking a Melling CL-MTC-5 cam in there, I didn't want anything huge in there so it came up as a nice choice and the price is right. On to my question what all should I replace on the valvetrain? I couldn't find any info on the spring requirments or if I needed new rocker arms or if I could use stock pushrods... Could someone steer me in the right direction? Much appreciated!

[ezrollin]

Always use new lifers with new cam.Melling should be able to give you spring specs,why use tired springs with a new cam.

[stick shift]

Do I need to use roller rockers or are regular stamped rockers just fine?

[Superdave]

usually with the Melling cams you can use stock springs. It's not much of a gain in lift over stock so it's not a problem. I'd atleast install new valve seals. the old springs are probably ok but you can find upgrades very easy. Comp sells a nice set if i remember right.

Yes, you can use the stock pushrods and roller rockers are an option but not needed.


What are you looking to do with this 2.8? just a daily driver?

[stick shift]

Yeah its kind of a project to keep me busy in the auto shop at school, but it will be going in tha daily. I just wanted a peppyerish 2.8 if thats even possible lol, instead of the doggy stock 2.8.

[34blazer]

port and polish the heads+ 4.3 tb= somewhat peppy 2.8


$0.02

[geoffinbc]

Change the springs no matter what. They are cheep insurance and give you better valve control. Stock rockers and pushrods are ok.

[stick shift]

Alright I've got the valvetrain figured out. I just talked to the guy from the machine shop and my block got bored .60 over. I didn't think the walls were that bad but i guess they were. Does this change my gameplan at all besides bigger pistons?

[neo71665]

I'd find a new block. 60 over is a bit too much IMHO for a DD

[stick shift]

Oof not what I was hoping to hear. What kind of problems are expected or is it more of a hope you don't break down on the side of the road type of deal...

[bszopi]

You should be fine with 60 over, but don't plan on being able to use the block at a later date for a rebuild. I have seen people go more than 60 over and not have any issues. Its just not recommended.

[neo71665]

In personal experience 60 over likes to run warmer than I like but if bszopi says its fine go for it. He knows more about these things than I do.

[geoffinbc]

If it was a good shop they would have UT'd the walls to check the thickness. With no core shift .060 is not a problem at all.

[stick shift]

Is cam istallation a problem? Or should I have the guy at the machine shop do it? He wants 70 bucks to do it so I told him to wait on it. One more question what pistons can I use? Can they be out of a different vehicle as long as its a RWD 2.8?

[geoffinbc]

You can install the cam very easily. Are you sure he did not say the cam bearings? Those will need to be installed by the machine shop. Yes you can use 2.8L pistons for any 2.8L with iron heads. Thats includes any FWD cars with iron heads.