I'm going to rebuild my 85 Chevy 2.8L v6 173 because it has had more then 160,000 miles on it.

I can't afford to buy a crate engine and a rebuild kit is under $500.

I want to know what should be replaced and what should I buy in the kit. I will already be buying new headers as they leak but hopefully its just the gaskets since its not on the headers itself.

I don't care too much about power but I mostly care about fuel efficency for now, until i can afford too pay these horrible gas prices.

The engine runs well but im afraid im damaging it because of the amount of miles on it. I pretty sure it has alot more then 160,000 miles. There has been a rebuild on the engine already butI dont know when it was. It starts up perfectly due to a new Ignition starter.

Please any help would be nice.

 

If it has been properly maintained, not beat on all the time, and runs fine, I see no reason to rebuild it. You won't damage it due to high miles. It's thelittle problems(oil leaks, fouled plugs/wires, cooling system woes, etc...) that go unattended that damage your engine.

 

I sugest you loose the little motor. I know you said you cant afford a crate....but you dont need to get a crate. Any good junkyard should have a bigger mill. Even a small V8 or a larger V6 could be bought and made drivable for about what you would spend on upgrading your current engine.

 

Just a note if you choose to rebuild a different engine core to swap into your current 85 so you would reduce the down time on the engine swap. Make sure you use the correct flywheel for that engine. I made a big mistake in swapping an 85 2.8 into my 88. The crankshaft has a different balance between those years which require the proper flywheel.