2.8 Piston Source

[Prater]

I'm building a 2.9 for 7S, and I'm planning on putting 2.8 pistons in it to raise compression since its the same piston minus the dish. Does anyone have experience with a particular brand? Is there anything I should avoid? I'm trying to purchase them in the next week so I can have my block machined.

Thanks.

[sickrick]

I believe Racer Walsh carried aftermarket pistons for that engine at one time.

I have a brand new set of oversized 2.9 pistons you can have for free. They are brand new in the box.

I personally wouldn't spend alot of money on that motor (heads always cracking). I would replace it with a 4.0L if that is legal for7s.

You can get redesigned heads from World Products

You can find all the swap info on www.therangerstation.com

Pm me if you want the pistons, I believe they are silvo-lite pistons.

[DSRacing]

I agree with Sidekick,

I was faced with this same dilemma a few years ago. Trying to find parts for the 2.9 and build the engine so it would put out decent HP numbers. I went with a stock SOHC 4.0 explorer engine. It only cost me 1/5th what I would have paid for a full blown 2.9 with close to the same HP numbers. The 4.0 is legal for 7s as long as you don't make any internal modifications. Intake and exhaust are open.

I run pump gas, parts are readily available and in the year and a half I've been running it, I've only changed the spark plugs and oil. When it's time to change this engine out, I'll make a run to the junk yard and pick up another one.

[Kritter]

esslinger...

[Prater]

Thanks for the input guys. I'm waiting for my catalog from Racer Walsh, and I'll check Esslinger. My plan is to build the 2.9 I already have, and when it breaks evaluate my other options. Has anyone else had experience with the 4.0 SOHC? What kind of torque are you getting from it?

[zetapsi827]

esslinger...

http://www.esslingeracing.com/

I agree with Kritter. Esslinger is the place to go for 4 cylinder Ford engines. But i don't think they work with 2.9L; only 2.0 and 2.3L.

[sickrick]

I hope some other people can help change your mind about the 2.9L before you waste any money on it. The heads will crack sooner or later.

[Prater]

I think zeta is right, I could only find 4 cylinder parts at esslinger. Sickrick I appreciate your feedback, and if this was earlier in my buildup I would change my mind but since its the last part I need I'm going to finish this motor for now. I have a 4.0L OHV that I'm rebuilding as well, but I have a feeling that it needs a lot of TLC which is why I'm interested in more opinions on the SOHC before I put any money into it.

[Kritter]

I mentioned esslinger since the 2.8, 2.9 and 3.0 are all a joke even if you put 15k+ into them. I would go OHC 4.0 or esslinger 4 cyl. in a 7s.

[Byrdman]

SCORE legal 2.3 or 2.5 Iron head 4 banger- $5-8,000
Stock OHC 4.0 with computer and everything to make it work- $1500-$2500
running pump gas vs race fuel- $3.00 a gallon savings.
(most 4 bangers get 4-5 mpg)
For the price of "building" a motor, weather its a 2.3- or 2.9- you could have (2) 4.0's motors w/ entry fee and fuel money for the next MORE race.

[Prater]

I found a source for forged 2.8 pistons, Racerwalsh.com and they go for $600 + another $90 for rings. I dropped my heads off at the machine shop and one was already cracked (as sickrick thought) so I'm now abandoning that engine and moving forward with a 4.0L. Thanks guys.

[sickrick]

I found a source for forged 2.8 pistons, Racerwalsh.com and they go for $600 + another $90 for rings. I dropped my heads off at the machine shop and one was already cracked (as sickrick thought) so I'm now abandoning that engine and moving forward with a 4.0L. Thanks guys.

Very wise move.