Me again - still trying to figure this all out in terms of what to get I was curious as to if the Isuzu 5-speed would hold up with the 3.4L V6? No turbo / supercharger. Just N/A 3.4L as I see a few people on the forum have this motor in their Fiero.
Also I assume all the 1988 Notchbacks are the Isuzu 5-speed (if manual)?
Yes I am still thinking about the 1986 GT that isnt running right now but electrical issues are my worst enemy hah ha.
Huummm. I've heard of many people blowing them behind 2.8s and the like. 2nd gear is the weak part of that trans, so be kind on the 1-2 shift. that being said, I have one behind a Northstar and have had no problems, but I drive it like _I_ own it
I've got an Isuzu behind (beside?) my 3.4 with no problems yet. Then again, I don't try to speed shift and bang gears and such. As always, YMMV.
------------------ Raydar 88 4.9 Formula IMSA Fasback..........................88 3.4 coupe -soon to be something other than red Read Nealz Nuze!Praise the Lowered!
IP: Logged
05:13 PM
jstricker Member
Posts: 12956 From: Russell, KS USA Registered: Apr 2002
We've been running an Isuzu in the race car with a strong 3.4L for a couple of years. No problems at all. We do run GM Syncromesh in it and we have Rodneys Axle Support bearings in it. We autocross and open road race the car so it spends a lot of time in 2nd gear on the autocross track, but it isn't speed shifted like on a drag strip. In the open road races, once we get to fifth it usually stays there and runs over 100 mph over the entire course. Like I said, no issues.
Hi John, thanks the reply! Actually that is what I am planning to do. Open roads and join the SCCBC (SCCA but here in BC) which is why I am thinking of the 3.4L as well. I will need to keep in mind that the tranny may need the case strengthen as you did. Thanks.
IP: Logged
09:07 PM
Sep 13th, 2007
FTF Engineering Member
Posts: 710 From: Near Philadelphia PA Registered: Sep 2001
The Isuzu car guys claim that GM demanded a different composition of the metal used in the gears and although it certainly wasn't their intention, this resulted in the GM version of these transmissions being weaker than the Isuzu versions. They claim that the Isuzu versions use different metal in the gears and are stronger.
Unconfirmed, untested hearsay, but that's what I've heard. Grass is always greener. YMMV. Proof is left to the student. Yadda, yadda, yadda...
IP: Logged
09:22 AM
Eclipse Member
Posts: 2040 From: Woodstock, Ontario Canada Registered: Jun 2004
I run isuzu with my 2.8 (replaced my 2.5) and I love it. I keep first and second gears very short, but I hit it in third and it really picks up :}
Just watch your shifter cables as they cross over right at your throttle body intake and will interfere with your intake tube. I was able to push them back so they run under my intake tube.
Let me know if you want more pics with the intake tube in place to see how I ran the cables.
I ran a 5 speed duke very hard except for no tire spinning on take off,but loved to run rpms up to max performance and then shift quickly and hard,you should have no problem ,any time you launch hard you risk the gears in a 20 year old car,which can throw metal that destroys your hopes and dreams,not much difference in performance between 4 and 5 speed,5 speed deliver superior MPG..4 speed easier to drive around town.. my duke was fierce out of the hole
IP: Logged
12:14 PM
Mickey_Moose Member
Posts: 7497 From: Edmonton, AB, Canada Registered: May 2001
Oh yah? That sounds tight! Well hopefully I will be getting a Feiro soon enough. Just looking at the Arlington Fiero meet makes me jealous I did not attend even though I dont have one yet! LOL
I am quite active with my GMC Safari ... we are doing a quick two day camp out just to meet up with everyone in BC again.
IP: Logged
04:06 PM
Doc John Member
Posts: 749 From: Fayetteville, Arkansas Registered: Feb 2007
Oh sorry, that was intended for Mickey_Mouse, unless you are answering on his behalf?
I normally wouldn't presume to answer for Mickey_moose. You asked that question in your opening post...I didn't see it directed towards anyone in particular.
I do have an 88 Notchie with an Izuzu 5 speed connected to a 3800 SC engine. I baby it a bit because I am not certain how long it would last on a hard launch. Ideally I will spap in a 5 speed Getrag some day but until it breaks I will keep the Izuzu.
IP: Logged
07:03 AM
Mickey_Moose Member
Posts: 7497 From: Edmonton, AB, Canada Registered: May 2001
No, all that was done was new bearings and seals (oh, and some paint) - nothing special.
I don't think there is really much you can do to strengthen it other than find a replacement 2nd gear. Cryo treating could be done to help strengthen it (but I do have a spare it if goes - actually I would probably swap in a FWD Getrag at that point to try and get a better 1st gear ratio).
jscott1 >> your welcomed to answer for me
quote
Originally posted by phr1sk37: Also I assume all the 1988 Notchbacks are the Isuzu 5-speed (if manual)?
...as jscott1 meantioned, only if the car was a 4 cylinder does it have the Izusu...
[This message has been edited by Mickey_Moose (edited 09-14-2007).]
Thanks for all the replies. Glad to know the 5-spd Izzy isnt all junk as must people just jump up and say it is crap ;p I have been looking at a few tossing up 1986 Fastback or 1988 Notchy ... each to their own taste. My head hurts. The '88 has 4cyl to put around in till I can swap engines with better suspension / brake while the '86 has the "modern" look w/ Getrag tranny. I thought this would be easy! Then again it usually takes me at least 3 months to figure out which vehicle to get.
I have looked at some Fiero ads from Alberta any that you know of worth while looking at?
BTW, I have read a few 262CID (4.3L V6) swaps ... they are not common are they? Why not? Power band wise it looks like a good track/road motor in the Fiero ...?
IP: Logged
12:15 PM
Raydar Member
Posts: 40727 From: Carrollton GA. Out in the... country. Registered: Oct 1999
Thanks for all the replies. Glad to know the 5-spd Izzy isnt all junk as must people just jump up and say it is crap ;p I have been looking at a few tossing up 1986 Fastback or 1988 Notchy ... each to their own taste. My head hurts. The '88 has 4cyl to put around in till I can swap engines with better suspension / brake while the '86 has the "modern" look w/ Getrag tranny. I thought this would be easy! Then again it usually takes me at least 3 months to figure out which vehicle to get.
I have looked at some Fiero ads from Alberta any that you know of worth while looking at?
BTW, I have read a few 262CID (4.3L V6) swaps ... they are not common are they? Why not? Power band wise it looks like a good track/road motor in the Fiero ...?
I went with an 88 coupe, and proceeded to swap it, mod it, and perpetrate all sorts of atrocities upon it. And I'm not done yet. I've had great fun, and learned a bunch in the process.
There are several people here who have done the 4.3 swaps. Since it requires a fairly spendy V8 SBC install kit, most folks just do the V8.
------------------ Raydar 88 4.9 Formula IMSA Fasback..........................88 3.4 coupe -soon to be something other than red Read Nealz Nuze!Praise the Lowered!
