Should be easier to remove separately vs with tranny & tcase. If your re manufactured 2.8 is from a S10 or camaro the starter is on the wrong side. Or you will need to drill and tap the starter holes, same as a 3.4 v6. You need a v6 from a Trooper or Rodeo.

I'd replace the distributor seal while your at it. There are no headers made for Troopers, but some have modified S10 headers. And yes your can pull the motor without breaking open the AC syst.

I strongly endorse the 3.4 swap. Drill and tapping for the starter is easy.


Finding a 4.3 tbi is easy. Opening up the intake manifold up for a 4.3 tbi is easy. Depending on the 4.3 tbi you find, drilling new hole for the throttle linkage is easy.