Will a 88 2.8 V6 5sp work in a 86 SE 2.8 V6 4 Speed

[bserrage]

I have a 1986 Fiero SE that has a bad engine and a 4 speed manual. I have purchased a 2.8 V6 5 speed engine and transmission. I have begun taking the 2.8 out of the 86 and have noticed some subtle differences in the routing of the heater hoses, the water pump is different, and the transmission shift cables and mounts are different. How much work will it be to swap these engines and will it work? Also, the 88 V6 has had the wiring harness cut to shreds, I guess it was a quick removal since the old owner was doing a V8 conversion. Will my 86 Wiring harness work on the 88 2.8?

Thank you,
Brian

 

[Oreif]

There are differences.

4spd to 5spd:
You need to use the 5spd cables and shifter.
You need to use the 5spd slave cylinder, You may need to bend/modify the hardline slightly.

The transmounts are slightly different as well. You need to use the 5spd ones.


86 2.8L to 88 2.8L:
The water pump hook up is different. There should be a screw-in plug on one water pump and a screw-in pipe on the other. You need to match the 86 water pump.

If I recall the front engine mount is different on the 88, Just use the 86 mount.

The harness will work except for the alternator. The 88's used a CS style.
You can use the 86 style alternator or rewire it for the CS style and use the 88 alternator. All other wiring is the same.

The engine itself is identical except the 88 is internally balanced and the 86 is externally balanced. This means you need to use the correct flywheel for the correct year engine. If you already removed the flywheel, The 86 version will have a 1" X 2" weight welded on the engine side of the flywheel and the 88 will not. All other parts are interchangeable.

 

[bserrage]

Thank you very much. I was afraid I would have to buy an 86 v6 because nothing would interchange. The wiring harness was my biggest concern. So, I can just swap the alternators, and the wiring harness will work. Purchase a 5 speed shifter and cables, and a slave cylinder, and 5 speed transmission mounts, and I will be good, correct?
Brian

 

[Oreif]

Yes.

Thank you very much. I was afraid I would have to buy an 86 v6 because nothing would interchange. The wiring harness was my biggest concern. So, I can just swap the alternators, and the wiring harness will work. Purchase a 5 speed shifter and cables, and a slave cylinder, and 5 speed transmission mounts, and I will be good, correct?
Brian