I have sifted over the archive and not found an answer to these questions. I hope someone here will be able to answer them.

How much horse power did the 1989 Isuzu 2.8l V6 make?
Which GM motor is it? The L44, LB8 or one that I might not have listed.

I ask because I am trying to learn more about the Isuzu Trooper V6. I owned an 87 trooper with the 4EZ1 motor. It was a great machine, but lacked power. The head never went bad on me which was good but I needed a bit more power. now I'm looking back on all the good things the Trooper had to offer and I'm curious about the V6 version.

Do the GMC V6's have any faults?
Can I find the V6 in a Chevy or GM product?
If so which ones?
Is there any info that I should be aware of?
<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/mrt.gif" alt="" /> I piddy da foo who dont answer this mans question.

These engines are known as "RPO LL2" with a VIN Code of "R". Also found in the Fiero, they have a FWD bellhousing configuration (starter on driver's side in a RWD rig like ours) but with cast-iron heads.

If I recall, around 125hp and 150 ft-lbs torque.

It's a nice, smooth engine with a lot of Hot-Rod potential. Responds very well to Old School speed parts (cam, exhaust, intake, bigger TBI, etc). Engine parts are readily available and relatively inexpensive compared to most "furrin" rigs. Parts are common to your garden-variety S-10 2.8 (except for the block and clutch kit).

Common problem areas were oil leaks from valve covers, distributor O-ring or the RTV-sealed intake manifold ends. The intakes are also rather notorious for having the bolts loosen up, then you get water in the oil with resultant bearing problems. You just need to re-torque the bolts periodically. Head gasket leaks are less common but known. Exhaust manifold broken studs & leaks, generally thought to be due to the metal-on-metal joint. Aftermarket offers a gasket which works well.

Compared to some of the other "nightmare engines" out there, the problems are relatively benign and after all you're talking about 20-year-old rigs!

Not that bad of an engine to work on and I like the fact that I can run down to the local parts store or the Pick-a-Part and usually find anything I need. Or order up new parts and they're here the next day or sooner. Try doing that with a 4-cyl or later-model Isuzu-built V6!

If you are crazed for power, you can easily replace the 2.8 with a 3.1 (which is just a stroked-out 2.8 with pistons to match), or stuff in a 3.4 and built it To the Hilt.

3.4's were sold as a new "HT" crate motor and also came in '93-'95 F-Bodies (Camaros & Firebirds).

Do a query on "3.4" and you'll find lotsa buzz here and also at the Planet Isuzoo forums. I have info on the swap when you're ready for it.

HTH..............ed

There are a few parts that are getting very hard to find - notably the exhaust manifolds. They are different than the ones from the S-10, and simply are not available either through the Isuzu channels are through the aftermarket world. You are going to have to go to the junkyard world for those. Again, unfortunately, a lot of junkyards are not keeping 1st gen Isuzus in the yard due the (relative) lack of demand for the parts.

While some people have made or had made headers, to my knowledge there are no Isuzu-specific headers available for the 2.8/3.1/3.4.

The transmissions are not interchangeable between the 2.6 and the 2.8 et al.

Thanks for the rapid detailed replies.

I wonder if the 89 auto trans is a good one? Is the tranny and transfer case all one unit? If so is this a bad deal?

As for the exahust manifolds, do they crack or have issues that require that I need to replace them? Why wont S-10 manifolds work, cross memember interfearance?

As for the motors power, I feel that any boost of power over the 4cyl will be just what the doctor ordered.

I'm also looking at '89 Monteros. They have a larger motor. I understand that more of their truck parts swap over to the montero. I wonder if any one thinks that the Montero is bette than the Trooper? I might post that question on a new thread.

The clearance to the frame is what causes the problem with S-10 headers on the Trooper.

I haven't had any trouble with the exhaust manifolds cracking. I just snapped a manifold to collector bolt and nothing was going to get it out. I probably could have taken it to a machine shop but I chose to try to find a replacement.

A long-time member here came to my rescue with one off his "parts" machine.

BTTT for Monday.

Not sure what further input you are looking for. Specific questions would be a help to us.

I have 3 runing 2.8 v6 trooper in the family right now. The stock one has 150K on it and has always been good for 20.5 MPG on a road trip. My oldist one has 255K on it stock sized tires, roller rockers, early v8 valve springs, and runs like a scolded dog. Gets 16.5 around town, never had the heads off.
If you are going off road you will need more power for taller tires. A tuned 3.4l will get you 200 HP.

The 92 Trooper has a nice coil spring rear suspension and weighs 1000 lbs more.

One trip to the auto parts store to buy overhead cam parts will brake the bank. The old iron head chevy parts are every where, cheap and dependable. Some of the better upgrades found on the +92s can be used on the earlyer models.
I just bought a 3.4L Camaro engine with 30K on it for $150 on Craigs list. Thats going in my third trooper.

Why I like the old ones.

John in LV

Amen, Brother!!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />