How hard is it to add fi to a S-15??

[evilmiata]

Anyways for the motor I was gonna take a rwd block and use the 3.1 crank and overbore it.

Is it just a matter of taking out the ENTIRE wiring system from the Camaro and grafting it into my truck? Or do I need the instument cluster as well. I know I need to switch to a electric (probably in-tank) fuel pump. Will my older tranny work with the ECU (does the ECU need the input) and can I use a ECU from a front wheel drive 3.1L or can I reprogram the 2.8 ECU from the camaro?

Wouldn't you make more power and save money by pulling a 3.4l out of a F-body?

No matter what you do, don't forget that you are virtually swapping out one engine for another. All the sensors will swap from your block onto the new one. Plus, any engine you find will probably already have all the sensors it needs.

Computer-wise, I'd go with a 3.1l. However, you'll want to check on the 3.1l transmission outputs (speed, reverse lights). I ask because I'm having a hard time adapting my T-5's electronic MPH signal to work with my stock mechanical speedometer.

Of course, I may have no idea what I'm talking about .

[geoffinbc]

The only port injected s-trucks in the 90's were the 4.3L Vortecs but that is a totally different engine family.

If you can find a complete camaro engine with ECM and harness it will not be too difficult to put in. The tranny will work fine just get an ECM with a manual tranny programming and the 700R4 will work of the VSS and TCC solonoid.

[akira]

Will the ECU from a 90's fwd car with a 3.1 work the same for the tranny? Can I just use one from a manual tranny? I could make more power with a 3.4 but I have 3 2.8's kicking around and I like building engines myself and I like a challenge. Will I have to change the instument cluster or can I keep the gauges I have and wire them to the ECU? Or can I install the ECU as a stand alone sytem while keeping my wiring system intact, I have seen this done in cars with V8's and Chevy markets there V8 EFI systems like this in the performance book. Can I get away with just plugging in power and sensor inputs into the ECU and harness?

[evilmiata]

Will the ECU from a 90's fwd car with a 3.1 work the same for the tranny? Can I just use one from a manual tranny? I could make more power with a 3.4 but I have 3 2.8's kicking around and I like building engines myself and I like a challenge. Will I have to change the instument cluster or can I keep the gauges I have and wire them to the ECU? Or can I install the ECU as a stand alone sytem while keeping my wiring system intact, I have seen this done in cars with V8's and Chevy markets there V8 EFI systems like this in the performance book. Can I get away with just plugging in power and sensor inputs into the ECU and harness?

If you are rebuilding the motor, you better go out and get "How to Rebuild Your GM V-6 60degree Engine" by Tom Currao. It covers both the 2.8, 3.1, and 3.4l engines. Of course, most of your answers regarding wiring are probably in that book!

I'm sure you're real excited about rebuilding and boring an engine, but by the time you get machine work and new pistons, it would be A LOT cheaper and easier to swap in a 3.4l.

[akira]

Boring $15/ hole Pistons (3.1rwd iron head) $26/piston Gasket set $79 Cam and Lifters from G.M $159 turn a crank $105 Rebuilt heads $>300/pair Work(alot of fun)Free The price will come down even more by the time I do more price comparison. All prices in cdn $. For under a grand I have a new motor not used, I have a bunch of fun and get something that should beat the stock 3.4L. The comp ratio will be up (milling the block and heads, heads I ported a while ago) and for the $100 I can get the 3.1 crank with an offset grind to end up with a stroke of 3.120 or 3.130" which will up comp ratio and total volume. I don't care about the job being easy, thats why I do ALL the work on my vehicles myself, from swapping parts to rebuilding engines - body work - and even painting them. A used 3.4 when I last looked was around $1500 for a tested and running one with shit all for a waranty with 60 or 80 or even 100,000 kms on it. Why would I want that. You don't learn jack and experience squat when you pay other people.

[evilmiata]

Boring $15/ hole Pistons (3.1rwd iron head) $26/piston Gasket set $79 Cam and Lifters from G.M $159 turn a crank $105 Rebuilt heads $>300/pair Work(alot of fun)Free The price will come down even more by the time I do more price comparison. All prices in cdn $. For under a grand I have a new motor not used, I have a bunch of fun and get something that should beat the stock 3.4L. The comp ratio will be up (milling the block and heads, heads I ported a while ago) and for the $100 I can get the 3.1 crank with an offset grind to end up with a stroke of 3.120 or 3.130" which will up comp ratio and total volume. I don't care about the job being easy, thats why I do ALL the work on my vehicles myself, from swapping parts to rebuilding engines - body work - and even painting them. A used 3.4 when I last looked was around $1500 for a tested and running one with shit all for a waranty with 60 or 80 or even 100,000 kms on it. Why would I want that. You don't learn jack and experience squat when you pay other people.

I'm not sure if your prices are in line, even with US$. However, you are right about a rebuild if the $ are legit.

[ezrollin]

The reardisc brakes off a 82-92 camaro / firebird can be easily adapted to the S10 rear. I adapted a set to a 95 S rear which I installed into an 85 S blazer, the S axle hubs have to be turned down slightly to fit the rotors. I had the offy 4 bbl/390 holley,crane cam and it worked very well,but the 2.8 MPFI has to be the best looking intake .

[DubTee1480]

The reardisc brakes off a 82-92 camaro / firebird can be easily adapted to the S10 rear. I adapted a set to a 95 S rear which I installed into an 85 S blazer, the S axle hubs have to be turned down slightly to fit the rotors. I had the offy 4 bbl/390 holley,crane cam and it worked very well,but the 2.8 MPFI has to be the best looking intake .

This may be an ignorant question, but:
pre-94 2WD S-series trucks had rear wheel ABS. Swapping to rotors doesn't affect the ABS performance does it?

[ezrollin]

That's a fair question,but since I didn't have abs on the 85 I didn't have to deal with it. Have to ask someone familar with abs.