85 celebrity engine swap dillema

[Whatshislips]

Hi all
Newbie to the site and celebrity wagons.
I purchased my 85 Celebrity wagon (Marriette) 2 weeks ago because she LQQKED unique and I was in need of a car. She has a 2.8 carbed engine with 161,000 miles.
The problem is is that the engine timing chain gave up the ghost this week.
Should I replace the chain in the hopes that the valves didn't get too intimately involved with the pistons?
Or is is it possible, for the sake of ease, simplicity and need of "footmobile" relief, to swap in a 2.8, 3.1, 3.4, 3100? Tranny too maybe?
Then put the original 2 barrel carb intake set up, instead of the F.I. so as to avoid the complications and time consumption of retrofit.
Later on when wiggle room is achieved, the F.I can be retrofitted,
Then,"Meanwhile back at the ranch" Whatshislips is going down the road along with the ongoing public.
I really like this girl (car) and any help, advice, will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance...respectfully/submitted....w h lips and marriette...

[bigjoe1015]

The 2.8 isn't an interference engine. You should be fine replacing the chain and gears, but a swap is always better if you keep the FI. If you want to keep the carb, stick with the motor you have. I have a 2.8 carbed X-11 Citation, and I can't wait to get rid of the stupid 2bbl carb. It's a piece of crap and should have been fuel injected from the beginning.


Hi all
Newbie to the site and celebrity wagons.
I purchased my 85 Celebrity wagon (Marriette) 2 weeks ago because she LQQKED unique and I was in need of a car. She has a 2.8 carbed engine with 161,000 miles.
The problem is is that the engine timing chain gave up the ghost this week.
Should I replace the chain in the hopes that the valves didn't get too intimately involved with the pistons?
Or is is it possible, for the sake of ease, simplicity and need of "footmobile" relief, to swap in a 2.8, 3.1, 3.4, 3100? Tranny too maybe?
Then put the original 2 barrel carb intake set up, instead of the F.I. so as to avoid the complications and time consumption of retrofit.
Later on when wiggle room is achieved, the F.I can be retrofitted,
Then,"Meanwhile back at the ranch" Whatshislips is going down the road along with the ongoing public.
I really like this girl (car) and any help, advice, will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you in advance...respectfully/submitted....w h lips and marriette...

[86euro]

If it were mine, I would be toying with the idea of swapping in a 3.4 from a '93-'95 camaro or firebird. It's nearly a direct replacement other than having to drill and tap starter holes on the other side of the block. You could use an Edelbrock intake manifold and a holley four barrel on it rather than converting to FI. You could toss a cam in it too:D

[bigjoe1015]

If it were mine, I would be toying with the idea of swapping in a 3.4 from a '93-'95 camaro or firebird. It's nearly a direct replacement other than having to drill and tap starter holes on the other side of the block. You could use an Edelbrock intake manifold and a holley four barrel on it rather than converting to FI. You could toss a cam in it too:D

One thing to consider if you use the Edelbrock piece. You will lose about 1.5" of hood clearance with the 4bbl and 1" with the 2bbl. Another would be the cost. It's spendy when you buy both the top and bottom.

[86euro]

One thing to consider if you use the Edelbrock piece. You will lose about 1.5" of hood clearance with the 4bbl and 1" with the 2bbl. Another would be the cost. It's spendy when you buy both the top and bottom.

I think it just limits the air cleaner selection, though, right? I remember seeing a Citation with the edelbrock intake and a 4bbl with the stock hood. There was also an angled plate between the carb and intake to make the carb sit level.

[LordDurock]

If it were mine, I would be toying with the idea of swapping in a 3.4 from a '93-'95 camaro or firebird. It's nearly a direct replacement other than having to drill and tap starter holes on the other side of the block. You could use an Edelbrock intake manifold and a holley four barrel on it rather than converting to FI. You could toss a cam in it too:D

need to very sure to get the holes right on all plains though..........

[86euro]

need to very sure to get the holes right on all plains though..........

There is a jig available from Rodney Dickman (sells stuff for fieros).

[Whatshislips]

I do appreciate all the advice. I think I'm going to try replacing the timing chain, this seems to be the quickest option at present.
however I will be on the look out for a 3.1 3.4 fwd FI from a donor car and then install it at a later time. Will a fiero motor bolt right in? Whats the hottest bolt in motor for this application?
many thanks. W H Lips

[bigjoe1015]

I do appreciate all the advice. I think I'm going to try replacing the timing chain, this seems to be the quickest option at present.
however I will be on the look out for a 3.1 3.4 fwd FI from a donor car and then install it at a later time. Will a fiero motor bolt right in? Whats the hottest bolt in motor for this application?
many thanks. W H Lips

There are quite a few motors that will "bolt in", but I think what you are asking is what motor will you have to do no wiring or modifications that has the most power. The answer to that is: The one you have.

Now, if you want to do some mods, the sky's the limit. Take your pick. 3.1, 3.4, 3.8, 4.9.

[Whatshislips]

What is the easiest way to replace an oil pump in a 1985 celebrity 2.8 v6 ? raise engine or maybe just pull the engine out? I dunno...
I have to replace the the timing chain, that is the primary issue...... thanks, W H Lips

[85_Ciera_Rebuild]

What is the easiest way to replace an oil pump in a 1985 celebrity 2.8 v6 ? raise engine or maybe just pull the engine out? I dunno...


Here, take a gander here (http://www.autozone.com/shopping/repairGuide.htm;jsessionid=05D10F97368483BE907AE1A DD53B87AC)...and then look at this (http://www.autozone.com/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/0e/f7/e8/0900823d800ef7e8/repairInfoPages.htm)

If I could look at oil-pan, I could figure it out...but I've never seen one except in 88 Beretta...which was a piece of cake to take out...wiggle/wiggle.