3.6 liter High Feature I a Fiero (Page 1/15)
Daryl M SEP 07, 07:16 PM
Has anyone attempted putting a 3.6 liter High Feature from a late model Buick or Chevy in a Fiero? I am considering the swap, but would be interested in opinions from anyone that has considered it or done it.
Thanks,
Daryl M
dobey SEP 07, 07:49 PM
There have been many threads about this on here, but so far nobody has done one.

The closest would be the Saab 2.8t (LP9 high feature engine) swap that bmwguru did on his car. I'm not sure if he's finished it yet though.
Daryl M SEP 07, 08:06 PM
I have the opportunity to acquire a 2013, low miles, engine and transmission from a Chevy Impala, with ecm, harness, alternator, starter and some other misc. parts for really cheap. The engine seems to be a bit tall for the engine compartment, but a raised rear deck should be a simple fix. Anyone have input?
dobey SEP 07, 08:25 PM

quote
Originally posted by Daryl M:
I have the opportunity to acquire a 2013, low miles, engine and transmission from a Chevy Impala, with ecm, harness, alternator, starter and some other misc. parts for really cheap. The engine seems to be a bit tall for the engine compartment, but a raised rear deck should be a simple fix. Anyone have input?



How cheap is "really cheap" exactly? And why is it so cheap?

The engine should fit fine in the Fiero engine bay. The biggest issue will be getting it tuned.
Daryl M SEP 07, 08:36 PM
$800. Maybe less. Depends on my negotiation skills. As for tuning, I may be missing something, but if the install is functionally the same as the doner car, shouldn't the factory ecm from the doner do the job?
Joseph Upson SEP 07, 08:44 PM

quote
Originally posted by Daryl M:
$800. Maybe less. Depends on my negotiation skills. As for tuning, I may be missing something, but if the install is functionally the same as the doner car, shouldn't the factory ecm from the doner do the job?



You'll probably need or want to get the steering column, the radio, the tranny computer and the body computer. That stuff is usually all linked through VATS, and VIN, otherwise you'll end up paying someone with programming equipment to sort it out. If you can get all the required hardware from the donor car there shouldn't be a need to tune anything. Don't forget the gauge cluster and accelerator pedal. See if you can get the whole car.

[This message has been edited by Joseph Upson (edited 09-07-2016).]

Daryl M SEP 07, 08:47 PM
I believe that all of those items are there.
dobey SEP 07, 08:48 PM

quote
Originally posted by Daryl M:

$800. Maybe less. Depends on my negotiation skills. As for tuning, I may be missing something, but if the install is functionally the same as the doner car, shouldn't the factory ecm from the doner do the job?



The ECM is not a standalone unit. The production vehicle has many modules which must all communicate to provide a fully functioning vehicle. You can't just plug it in an expect it to work.

You'll need to at least disable VATS for example, and you'll likely need to disable some of the traction control features since the Fiero doesn't have ABS and brake control module. You might want to tune for more power too. You'll also need other sensors which aren't part of the engine or transmission package itself. Brake booster vacuum, fuel tank pressure, and EVAP canister sensors, for example. Presumably you're not also installing all the same emissions equipment, so you might need to change the tuning for that.
Joseph Upson SEP 07, 08:57 PM

quote
Originally posted by dobey:


The ECM is not a standalone unit. The production vehicle has many modules which must all communicate to provide a fully functioning vehicle. You can't just plug it in an expect it to work.

You'll need to at least disable VATS for example, and you'll likely need to disable some of the traction control features since the Fiero doesn't have ABS and brake control module. You might want to tune for more power too. You'll also need other sensors which aren't part of the engine or transmission package itself. Brake booster vacuum, fuel tank pressure, and EVAP canister sensors, for example. Presumably you're not also installing all the same emissions equipment, so you might need to change the tuning for that.



Yep, forgot all about those missing sensors.
gtjoe SEP 07, 10:14 PM

quote
Originally posted by dobey:


The ECM is not a standalone unit. The production vehicle has many modules which must all communicate to provide a fully functioning vehicle. You can't just plug it in an expect it to work.

You'll need to at least disable VATS for example, and you'll likely need to disable some of the traction control features since the Fiero doesn't have ABS and brake control module. You might want to tune for more power too. You'll also need other sensors which aren't part of the engine or transmission package itself. Brake booster vacuum, fuel tank pressure, and EVAP canister sensors, for example. Presumably you're not also installing all the same emissions equipment, so you might need to change the tuning for that.



Im pretty sure I have read that the bcm stuff can be removed from the high feature tune. There seems to be a few people putting these motors in miatas

link to a miata forum with a thread about a miata with a lfx installed http://www.v8miata.net/cars...fx-fresh-build-2511/

[This message has been edited by gtjoe (edited 09-07-2016).]