Wedge Engine 2.8i or 2.9?

[John042]

Hi All. Talking to some garage mates The consensus of opinion was,that the 2.8i engine was a pile of poo compared with the 2.9. Is there that much difference between the two in terms of performance etc? I appreciate that the 2.8i with its siamese exhaust ports and mechanical fuel system is not going to set the world alight but in a light car it can't be that bad, can it? I would be interested in the forums comments as I'm in the process of re-building the original 2.8i engine. Thanks J C.

[John042]

Thanks for all the replies. My purchase came with a 2.8i lump that has been removed 10 years ago whilst the interior was re-upholstered. The engine is in "kit" form, block/heads chemically cleaned, bores honed, crank polished,new main/big end shells supplied together with new piston rings. A new fast road cam shaft and steel timing wheel has also been supplied. So I guess initially I will re-build the original engine and go from there. In amongst the parts I also found two more cylinder heads, a fuel rail and electronic injectors. Perhaps the previous owner was considering converting to electronic fuel management? It's now a matter of sorting out what's missing etc. I'd like to keep it original but who knows what the future or Santa might buy me. Cheers all. J C.

[John042]

Hi again.Would there be any gain in converting the engine to a carburettor fit? If so, source for parts required,ie manifold etc.Thankyou, J C.