Well, after countless hours of trying to get my duke running half decent in my 84SE I've decided it's not worth it. So, I'm on a tight budget right now so I was thinking what I could do about this. Well I know I can get an old Caviler around here with a 3.1 in it with 160k for pretty cheap ($100 Canadian). So I'm going to pick that up real soon and hopefully drop the engine out of it this weekend.
Now, what all would be involed in this swap? The Caviler is an auto as well is my car, so should I take that tranny too? I know I'll have to weld on some new mounts, but about how much work is it swapping a 3.1 in a Fiero? Do I need a new rad? I may get a new one anyways as the tranny cooler in mine leaks. I'm not looking to spend over $500 canadian on this. I have full access to a garage and all the tools I could possibly need.
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06:27 PM
PFF
System Bot
4-mulaGT Member
Posts: 1210 From: Somewhere beetween raisin' hell... and saving grace. oh... and MN Registered: Jan 2006
The GM 2.8L V6 engine block is identical to the 3.1L engine block
Except the 3.1 has a longer stroke to increase displacement and different pistons to reduce compression.
If your going to do a swap with the cavaliers 3.1 than it would complicate the swap. But you can simply swap 3.1 pistons and crank (rods are the same) into a fiero 2.8
You dont need to swap transmissions it would just complicate the swap even more.
[This message has been edited by 4-mulaGT (edited 03-28-2006).]
yes, you can probably get away with doing this for your $500 canadien. this is assuming "all the tools" includes welder & someone (hopefully you) can use it. you will have to relocate the dogbone. you will have to do some exhaust.
yes, use the caviler trans if you can. you will need new axles. might pop your budget. and of course, use the 3.1 computer. the wiring will be intimidating. its nowhere mear as bad as it looks. really.
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09:46 AM
Blacktree Member
Posts: 20770 From: Central Florida Registered: Dec 2001
If your going to do a swap with the cavaliers 3.1 than it would complicate the swap. But you can simply swap 3.1 pistons and crank (rods are the same) into a fiero 2.8
This is incorrect. The Cavalier 3.1 is an aluminum head engine, and has the wrong pistons for Fiero heads. You would need 3.1 pistons from another iron head engine like the Firebird or the Lumina Van.
If you are going to use the Cavalier engine, you will need the entire wiring harness and computer for the engine.
I would carefully check compression and all of the bearings in that engine before putting it in.
[This message has been edited by Gary W (edited 03-29-2006).]
Engine will bolt up with a little work problem is the accesory holes in the end of the heads are in different spots on the aluminum head engines. Fiero V6 mounts can be modded to work but the exhaust will need work as with wiring it up. Save the engine harness and the ECM from the cavalier and swap every thing. Done a few of these swaps they are a tight fit but work well compared to a 2.5l duke. Dan
With all due respect, it sounds like the amount of work involved is similar to a 3.4L DOHC or more than a 3.4L Camaro motor. Surely, you've considered them?
However, it could exceed your budget (esp the DOHC, though the 3.4OHV isn't bad), and if that's the case, that makes sense. It'll hardly be drop in though, so be ready for some wiring and fab to make it work. Good luck!
Yeah, I got a garage with a few lifts and a welder and all that stuff. I plan on running the 3.1 for this summer and maybe next summer. I'm buying a 3800SC in the fall and getting it built then dropping that in. I'm just not looking at spending much money right now as I don't really have it to spend.
