I am fixing up an 84 auto fiero and it appears to have a blown head gasket. I was wondering if a head off another year 4 cyl will work. I have another 84 with a good head on it but I also have an 88 spare motor and I was wondering if the head would work, I figured the intake and exhaust manifolds would have to be used from the 88 but??? Thanks Nate
As I understand it, the newer heads will not work, try to use the same year heads. I think the difference is the location of some of the water jacket holes.
Let me know if you find any more info on restoring an 84 in general, I'm working on that right now. (84 SE Auto)
Restored one 84SE Auto already. Also own a an 84 with 4spd I intend to bring back to as close to new look as possible. What do you need or need to know? I have a few spare parts laying around. feel free to pm or email me too. Don
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08:12 PM
sanderson Member
Posts: 2203 From: corpus christi, texas, usa Registered: Sep 2001
Thanks for the offers of parts but I really don't need any more parts. I have an 84 model parts car. The head on my parts car is good, I just wanted to know if the 88 head was better or would work. I have a lower mileage 88 head but if it won't work I will use the one from my other 84. Thanks Nate
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10:31 PM
FieroAddict Member
Posts: 210 From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Registered: Feb 2004
No, as far as I know it will not work. I went to the junkyard and pulled one to use in my car, but as was said, some of the water jacket holes did not match. Also, I heard there is some difference in the size of valve stems between different years.
Your 88 head will not work, the intake ports are also significantly different and will not line up with your 84 intake. If you go to the 88 intake to solve that problem, then your throttle body does not bolt up. If you go ahead and try to use the 88 throttle body along with the intake and head, then your TPS connector and *I think* your IAC connector does not go in. Not to mention, the PCV differences (you would have to utilize the 88 valve cover along with the 88 air cleaner housing) There really isn't all that much to be gained by going to the 88 style setup anyway, from what I can tell, all the crossflow swirl port Iron Duke heads are pretty unimpressive in terms of performance.
