What do you think of the GM 2.8 V6 engine?

Ownership Experience
1

I’ve been diving into the world of Chevrolet’s GM 2.8 V6 engine and I’m curious about everyone’s thoughts and experiences with it, especially in models like the S-10 and Fiero. Here are a few points I’m particularly interested in:

  • Reliability: How does this engine hold up over time? Any particular issues that you faced?
  • Performance: How does it compare to other V6 engines out there? Does it offer a decent power delivery for daily driving?
  • Maintenance: What kind of upkeep does it require? Are there common problems to keep an eye on?
  • Upgrades: For those of you who have modified or tuned this engine, what upgrades worked well?

I’m considering whether this engine is a good fit for my future projects, so any personal insights would be greatly appreciated!

2

I’ve owned a GM 2.8 V6 for years, and a common issue I’ve faced is the upper intake manifold gasket leaking. You’ll notice coolant loss; the best fix is to replace the gasket with an improved version. Regular checks can help prevent this.

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3

That’s good to know! I often wonder if these gaskets are the Achilles’ heel of this engine. How often should we be checking them?

4

I totally agree with fgonzalez! I had that issue too! Replacing the valve covers can also help if you notice oil leaks. Keeping up with regular oil changes is critical!

5

I’ve heard some people complain about the timing chain tensioner, which can wear out. Symptoms include a rattling noise during startup. If you catch it early, you might avoid a larger repair!

6

Wow, I didn’t know that! I’ve experienced a similar noise. Is there a way to preemptively replace it before it fails?

7

From what I’ve read, replacing the timing chain tensioner is wise at around 100k miles if you have high mileage on your engine. Just be sure to use quality parts to avoid future issues.

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8

Frequent coolant flushes really help, too! I learned that the hard way when I had overheating problems. It’s a simple fix—just keep an eye on your coolant levels!

9

Ouch! I can imagine that was stressful. Any tips on a good coolant brand that doesn’t cause issues?

10

I’ve always had good luck with Dex-Cool, though some folks have had mixed experiences. Just be sure to avoid mixing different coolants!

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11

You know, my 2.8 started stalling occasionally. It turned out to be a faulty fuel pump relay. It was an easy fix once I figured it out! Anyone else had this issue?

12

That rings a bell! Sometimes my car cuts out too but I never thought about the relay. How did you diagnose that?

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13

I used a multimeter to check the voltage at the pump, and the relay wasn’t delivering. Simple fix, but it took me a while to figure it out!

14

I love this engine, but maintenance is key! A friend joked that it’s like a stubborn pet; you have to give it attention to avoid problems!

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15

Haha! That’s a great analogy! I definitely relate to that. It’s also important to check the distributor cap for cracks.

16

True, the distributor can cause misfires. I suggest keeping spare parts since these engines age—prevention means smoother rides!

17

I’ve found that keeping a maintenance log is effective for tracking issues. Anyone else have their own systematic approach to prevent mechanical failures?

18

It’s funny you mention that! I’ve been lazy about keeping logs, but maybe I should start. Is there a recommended format or app for it?

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19

I’ve worked on a GM 2.8 V6 before, and the first thing I would recommend is upgrading the exhaust system. A high-flow cat-back exhaust can really unleash the engine’s potential.

20

Absolutely! I also think tuning the engine after any significant mods can help maximize performance. Have you considered a chip tune or an ECU reflash?