Fiero Help

[ajwolfgang99]

Hello, I am new to this forum but not to Fiero's. While other children in school have posters and dreams of Lamborghini's, Ferrari's, and Porsche's I had a poster of the 1988 Pontiac Fiero GT. This has been one of my 3 dream cars since I was 6. Well, I finally got one. After several months of waiting for customs to approve it, I have it sitting in my garage. However, I do desire to modify it, mainly the engine. Now I did not get the exact model I wanted (1988 Pontiac Fiero GT with T-Tops) because of price. However, I am very happy with my 1986 standard edition. But, I would like to know what engines I can put in it with out modifying the bay? Also, if anyone knows of anything I should look into to make my car better. I have friend who will paint it, and my neighbor will do my new interior once I get it all put together. Most ask why I want to replace motor, I say 1. because it is too small, 2. because it's not what I want, and 3. because it does not work. I am a weekend mechanic so I doubt I will be installing the engine myself, most likely take it to local garage for that but I would like to know what kinds of options I have for engines. Thanks.

 

[Oreif]

Well the short answer is just about any GM engine will fit into a Fiero. The popular choices are the 3800/3800SC engine and the small block chevy V-8.

But there have been folks who also swapped in 3.4DOHC engines, 4.9L Cadillac V-8's, Northstar V-8's, 4.3L V-6's, etc. One of the easier swaps is a 3.4L from a 1993-1995 Camaro/Firebird. These engines fit right in (same mounts as a stock V-6) and give you about 160hp. They can also be upgraded with a turbo as well.

The 3800 (200hp) and the 3800SC (supercharged)(260-280hp) are very popular as you can drop in the entire engine and transaxle from any GM car that came with one. There were many cars equipped with them. You just need to get the engine, trans, harness, and computer.

Not sure what is available over where you are, But there are a few Fiero's in the Netherlands and Germany.

 

[ajwolfgang99]

I do not desire to go V-8...mainly because it is hard for me to get ahold of GM V-8s. The 3800SC was what a few mechanics told me to try but I've read that they require a lot of modification to fit. I will look into getting a 3.4 from a Firebird though since there are still a couple floating around in this area. What other parts do I need to get if I can get a new 3.4L? Although I am not doing this myself I still like to have all parts ready for installation when I start project. Thanks.

 

[ajwolfgang99]

Hey, I recently acquired a 2000 Jeep 4.0L L6 engine for free, just finished rebuild. Will this fit? I know a company who can make an adapter plate for transmission.

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[Oreif]

The L6 is too long to fit.
As for the 3.4L, You just need the 3.4L.
As for what needs to be modded on the engine, You just need to drill and tap new holes for the starter. www.rodneydickman.com sells a jig to do this easily.

 

[Kazin]

Hey ,

Yea for sure you can throw the 3800 series into her,

BUT!

You can go out and by a 350 chev crate and drop her right in. The transmission in yours although might need replacing because of the high stress of the torque the v8 puts out, but i know my M17 stock (transaxle...) already can handle the high torque and the crate engine mounts right up with no problems! Btw go for carb-ed engines. less jacking around with computers and the such - BIG headache and BIG bucks if you go anything EFI - any tweeking is simple on a carb. (twist this nob here diddle that one there...) and your off and running.

cheers

 

[Kazin]

ohh btw man its not that easy to slap a straight six into it...

Is it possible? yes but your going yo have to do a sh*t load of work with the fuel system - eletronic stuff and the such. besides.. Thats a chrysler engine totally different area your workign with.

also on a side note i have a 92 jeep laredo six and I have to say AMAZING engine! i got 400xxx on her and does leak a drop nor burn any oil - just did a compression test on her two months ago all six cylinders in the high 150 - simply awsome

Anywho best of luck keep us all in up to date with your project.

 

[Oreif]

Hey ,

........ and the crate engine mounts right up with no problems! cheers

Sorry but that is wrong. The only V-8's that will bolt up to the stock transaxle are the Cadillac 4.9L and the Northstar V-8.
SBC Chevy V-8's will not. An adapter plate is required.

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