I just bought a 1984 camaro with a 2.8. i know the enging isnt much bigger than a sewing machine, but i would like to keep it origional just modify it and lots of bolt on accessories. Now my problem is im 18 and never worked on a car in my life, other than changing oil plugs and slappin a cherry bomb on my pickup. Im getting the engine pulled and sending it to my buddys shop for a rebuild and i think a 30 thou bore. but what else can i do??? what are some good aftermarket brands or websites ?? and how do i do it hahaha im up **** creek without a paddle boys some advice????

 

You're never going to get serious power out of that engine. Well, not without spending far, far more money than you would to just drop a 350 in it. The 2.8 was pretty much a paperweight.

 

There's no company that has ever produced performance goodies for your car. Your best bet is to perform a 350 swap.

 

Keep the car as is, you don't need anymore power until you are capable of handling a car.
A Camaro even with a 2.8 is a good car to learn on. Even with this car you may be a visitor to Trafic Court. More power can come later with more experience.

 

The 84 back 2.8s are not only low in power but the bottom ends are very weak. Even in their stock form we used to get spun rod and main bearings while under warranty. In 85 GM upgrade the 2.8 from 107 HP to MPFI and 135 ponies. This required a new design crank and rods to handle the extra 28 HP. Even that redesign is weak. That style V6 did not is a decent bottom end until the 3.4 in 1993.

 

I've owned a first gen Firebird with a 350 (a two barrel carb with 2 speed Powerglide transmission), a second gen Camaro with a 305 (also carbureted) and now a third gen Camaro with a 2.8L MPFI. The first time I drove the third gen, I remarked that it felt just as peppy, or more so, than both of the earlier F bodies.

So, I looked up the specs and it turns out the 305 was rated at 140 HP while the 2.8L is rate at 135 HP. Very close, and the third gen is 500 lbs lighter.

Overall result, the third gen accelerates as well or better, handles at least as well and gets significantly better fuel economy. I'm a better driver now than I was back in the '70's too, and generally drive with much more sanity, with a better performing car.

Interestingly enough I just found some specs for the Firebird. The 350 engine was rated at 320 HP but I do not recall it being remarkably overpowered. As I mentioned, it was equiped with a 2 barrel carb and I bought it in California. It felt about as powerful as the other two cars to me.

 

Your best bet is going to be to swap a v8 into it.