I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions for a replacement engine cradle for the fiero. I've read through the previous articles for some guidence and found some possible paths. One of them was the replacement cradle from Hi-Tech Development http://www.hi-techdev.com/ . It seems really nice but for 4,000 dollars for a 30 to 20 lb weight reduction it seem like a high dollar/performance ratio. Another idea was a cradle from one of the new impalas. Modified to fit the fiero frame of course. I liked that idea it would just be a pain and pretty expensive to fab the aluminum cradle to frame mounts aswell as the rear suspension mounts. Also I do not know of anyone that has successfully completed that conversion yet. If anyone out there has info, suggestions, knows anyone who can fab one for me to purchase or diagrams on how to make a tublar chromoly steel cradle please post a message.
Thanks for your help guys.
Bryan B.

Have you ever picked up a fiero engine cradle? They are not very heavy at all. I would look for weight and MONEY savings elsewere in the car (Like the doors).

Joe Sokol

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85 SE 2.8 - beater coupe-
86 SE 3.4 -in progress 3800 II SC -
88 Formula GT 4.9 5 speed beast
Enough parts outside for another one
-And a 3.4 push rod for sale in the mall Go and look-

Yea, definitely. I carried one myself with full rear suspension and struts myself, it was awkward, but not that heavy. Doors are about 80lbs EACH. Plus someone needs to figure out where all the weight in the front is lol, I think my 88GT was 1320 rear 11?? front stripped bare with nothing but driving essentials and a drivers seat. I guess its just the weight of the cabin is more located foward.

20 to 30 lbs would about be the battery, so sticking it up front would be about the same wouldn't it? or one of those dyna-batt batteries that weighs like 10lbs would eliminate the weight altogether.

Or ditch the spare tire and jack and carry a can of fix-a-flat and a cell phone. That't about a 40 lb savings.

I've spent allot of time under the crandle but haven't had it out. I don't see anything you could do that would lighten it significantly without making it really weak. Unless you built one out of aluminum or something I just don't see much chance of a road safe aftermarket one being significantly lighter. The OE cradle is already made from a set of stampings and ranges from hollow boxes to open channels.

As others have said... look elsewhere...

When you are at the track simply remove all the extras like the spare tire jack etc. Drain most of the window washer fluid. All that crap that is probably in the trunk.

If you are driving the car on the street you cannot legally remove anything that is considered a safety device.

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurasic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave (It's also at the top of every forum page...)

I remember reading about ALCOA providing aluminum for GM to make an entire Fiero frame back in the 80's. THAT would save some weight.

Rob

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88 TTop coupe (CJB #95), 96 3.4DOHC/5 speed in progress

Back from the latest trip for Uncle Sam. Maybe I'll get that motor swap done before the summer is over.

For me, going on a diet was the best way to lose 25 lbs.

quote Originally posted by gusshotrod:

How much does it weigh?

True, all stripped down... they are only like 50-60 lbs or so. So there isn't much to save. Ever weigh your carpets in the passenger cabin? or the seats?