I officially started my v8 swap today. I dont have any pics yet, but I pulled the engine and put a spare cradle underneath the car and rolled it back out into the driveway for more room. I'm hoping to have the car done by Dells. Only being able to work on weekends is going to make it close. Look for updates after each weekend. Here is the engine going thats going to be installed.
So remind me, this is the one that you had made the deal with me that when you got done swapping it we'd trade for my GT with the blown bearings, right?
Just kidding... My sister goes to school down there, I'll have to tell her to look out for it for me.
------------------ 88 Fiero GT (in a coma up on blocks) 78 T-Bird 302
AIM: phool88fiero
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08:55 PM
Mar 29th, 2004
KissMySSFiero Member
Posts: 5541 From: Tarpon Springs, FL USA Registered: Nov 2000
Sorry Phool, That deal expired. Where does your sister go to school? Valparaiso University? I'm right across the street from there. Next time you visit stop on by.
A little info on my engine. Its a ZZ3 crate motor with about 40k on the clock. The fuel injection is All aftermarket parts. Its the Accel Plenum, runners Intake and 1000 CFM Throttle body. I'll be running Accel's Gen 6 DFI and tuning will be via Laptop. Should be fun.
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10:18 AM
mrfixit58 Member
Posts: 3330 From: Seffner, Fl, USA Registered: Jul 99
Looks like a fun project. Has anything been done to the motor? A 1000 CFM thottle body sounds huge for a stock crate motor.
You'll like the Accel DFI. I'm running the exact same setup on my L98 car. It's really sort of fun. Once everything is tuned, I find I don't use it all that much except as a "Gee Whiz" demo to people. But never underestimate that, in and of itself!
wow sounds interesting, but I keep looking at that airfilter, looks like it will fit in the fiero's engine bay but I doubt that is cabable of flowing close to 1000cfm's
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02:12 PM
Mar 30th, 2004
KissMySSFiero Member
Posts: 5541 From: Tarpon Springs, FL USA Registered: Nov 2000
Looks like a fun project. Has anything been done to the motor? A 1000 CFM thottle body sounds huge for a stock crate motor.
You'll like the Accel DFI. I'm running the exact same setup on my L98 car. It's really sort of fun. Once everything is tuned, I find I don't use it all that much except as a "Gee Whiz" demo to people. But never underestimate that, in and of itself!
Hartz
The motor is the performance crate motor. It has the same specs as the zz4, but 9.8:1 compression instead of 10:1 Cam is .474/.510 in/ex and duration @50 is 208*/221* in/ex. it has Aluminum heads, roller cam and all forged internals. Its rated at 345hp/390tq. However, I agree that 1000cfm is too much, but its what came on the motor. I can easily throw on a twin 52mm TB if I run into problems.
quote
Originally posted by KRMFiero:
wow sounds interesting, but I keep looking at that airfilter, looks like it will fit in the fiero's engine bay but I doubt that is cabable of flowing close to 1000cfm's
I don't know if that air filter will fit, but I wont be using it anyways. It also came with the motor.
Now for the update pics. For future reference. Anyone who has disconnected the battery and left the windows down, A cordless drill battery hooked directly to the door connector under the dash will get that window up if you want to put the car back outside. I've also done this in junkyards. Carrying a door 100 yards with the window down is a lot easier.
[This message has been edited by KissMySSFiero (edited 03-30-2004).]
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10:31 AM
Apr 5th, 2004
KissMySSFiero Member
Posts: 5541 From: Tarpon Springs, FL USA Registered: Nov 2000
I didn't make much progress this weekend, Had a busy weekend wiith other stuff.
I did get the old engine trans apart to look at the old clutch. WOW. that thing was bad, I'll post pics later this week.
Ran into one big problem though. I found another fiero. DOH!! I told myself no more. But its so Tempting. Buying would hold me off from finishing this for another month or two. We'll see.
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10:12 AM
jelly2m8 Member
Posts: 6113 From: Nova Scotia, Canada Registered: Jul 2001
Well, no pictures for me. But I have been making alittle progress. I've been getting new engine parts. My archie kit should arrive next week sometime. Thanks Mattm. Right now I have a spare cradle sitting up on sawhorses. the trans is ready to go on, but I'll be making solid mounts so I'm going to have to wait to get the adapter plate. I've done a lot of cleaning(mostly my garage) The engine bay is close to being ready. Now that its getting warmer I'll go ahead and put some fresh paint down. I did get a new intake for the motor. So I'll be cleaning that and polishing the Valve covers to match.
One more dilema, I found an 87Se, V6, 5spd. Needs clutch. Cheap too. I'm checking it out on Saturday. if the chassis if fairly clean I'll have another project on my hands. These things are too damn addictive.
One more dilema, I found an 87Se, V6, 5spd. Needs clutch. Cheap too. I'm checking it out on Saturday. if the chassis if fairly clean I'll have another project on my hands. These things are too damn addictive.
Joe - if you really don't want to undertake another project... I know a guy in my area looking for a V6 car with a stick -
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12:42 PM
DotTC Member
Posts: 2345 From: Hamlet, North Carolina Registered: Nov 2003
------------------ *ring* *ring* *ring* *ring* *ring* Hi, this is Kettle, leave a message at the beep.. *beep* Hello Kettle, this is the pot.. You're black
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08:09 PM
Apr 27th, 2004
KissMySSFiero Member
Posts: 5541 From: Tarpon Springs, FL USA Registered: Nov 2000
What kind of water pump are you using? I have a 350 TPI in my 85, and am switching to a CSI. Had Archies drive, it worked fine, but the CSI looks so much nicer.... I need a " T " fitting to hook up the heater line. I did away with the manifold lines. It runs much better with out it. Motor is out getting headers made " again " don't ask, so the pump is getting put on. Any ideas ?
Jim
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03:16 PM
KissMySSFiero Member
Posts: 5541 From: Tarpon Springs, FL USA Registered: Nov 2000
What kind of water pump are you using? I have a 350 TPI in my 85, and am switching to a CSI. Had Archies drive, it worked fine, but the CSI looks so much nicer.... I need a " T " fitting to hook up the heater line. I did away with the manifold lines. It runs much better with out it. Motor is out getting headers made " again " don't ask, so the pump is getting put on. Any ideas ?
Jim
I really dont know yet. I'll have the choice of both. I'm buying another kit. The guy selling it had both archie's setup and a CSI. This means I'll have 2 V8 kits. So I already have ideas for my second V8 car. I think I'll run archies pulley system on this car. This one is going to be more of a driver than show. Then save the CSI for the next one. Either that, or run some type of remote system to clean up the front of the motor. I'll decide for sure when I get all the parts here.
I wont be running the TPI anymore. I picked up another FI intake just to be different. Plus it looks better.
How did your car run better without the manifold lines? What headers are you running? Are they long tubes?
I think your going to have to be a little quicker than that Rob
LMAO - yeah, I figured he probably wanted something for the "old" stuff anyway (and my current budget is pretty well used up right now).
Although if anyone is interested, I've got a friend trying to sell the complete intake/injectors/wiring harness for a later 90's F-Body LT1 ...think he's asking $300 for the works (if anyone is interested, email me and see if it's still available).
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10:16 AM
May 3rd, 2004
KissMySSFiero Member
Posts: 5541 From: Tarpon Springs, FL USA Registered: Nov 2000
Not happening this time. I dont have any pics where I hit because this was late last night. The balancer pulley hits the frame rail. I Might be able to move the engine over enough(within 1/4 inch) to slide her in. It was late and I called it a night. Dont mind the dirty engine bay. I was waiting til after the first trial fit to paint it. Same with the engine. The intake and valve covers will be bead blasted(waiting on cabinet) and painted/polished.
Still a lot of work to do, but I'm making progress. Doubtfull that I'll be done by dells. I dont want to do this twice.
I did a trial fit on mine this weekend as well. My HB pulley barely touched the frame rail. I have no room to move it left but I did have a little more room to press the pulley in 0.100 more. I also shaved a tad off the frame rail. Hopefully that will do the trick.
How are you going about painting the engine compartment? I'm facing that as well and was hoping someone would have some procedural advice.
Keep up the good stuff.
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11:41 AM
May 4th, 2004
Mr. Pat Member
Posts: 1860 From: Melbourne, VIC Australia Registered: Apr 2003
Thats awsome man, dont use the powermaster mini starter. Im on my 3rd in 4 months. Why did you switch intakes? I like the one you picked
------------------ 1986 GT, LT1/4T60E http://hometown.aol.com/ptfiero/index.html On the forum https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/045554.html more in depth look http://dtcc.cz28.com/LT1build/index.htm
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08:20 PM
May 5th, 2004
KissMySSFiero Member
Posts: 5541 From: Tarpon Springs, FL USA Registered: Nov 2000
She fits. my camera makes everything look very dirty I'm gonna have to figure something out to fit a TB. This is an Lt1 TB. I think the TPI TB is a little more narrow.
Originally posted by Mr. Pat: Thats awsome man, dont use the powermaster mini starter. Im on my 3rd in 4 months. Why did you switch intakes? I like the one you picked
I have a powermaster and Tilton. Mines a stick. If my starter dies, I'm not stranded at least. I never really was a fan of the Tuned port. Its a great intake, but I think its ugly. The lt1 intake is sweet looking. You should know. I'll be adding the Corvette Injector covers later on. Assuming I can get this intake to fit. I hope I dont have to Cut the strut tower, but it looks like thats the only option. And then I still may have to get coilovers so the TPS doesnt hit. The TB is lower and further toward the front of the engine on the Lt1. On a TPI intake, its still close enough that you need to modify the TPS to fit it. We'll see.
quote
Originally posted by 87GTSleeper: Lookin' good! I did a trial fit on mine this weekend as well. My HB pulley barely touched the frame rail. I have no room to move it left but I did have a little more room to press the pulley in 0.100 more. I also shaved a tad off the frame rail. Hopefully that will do the trick.
How are you going about painting the engine compartment? I'm facing that as well and was hoping someone would have some procedural advice.
Keep up the good stuff.
I plan on just using Rattle can's this time. I "want" to paint the engine bay the stock yellow. But I know if I start that I'll be starting a body work and complete paint job thread. I'm trying not to let this project snowball into something that will last all summer. I want to drive the car this summer. This winter I want to fix my front end and paint the car. I'd do it now, but I want to paint the engine bay, front compartment, Door jams, underside of the hood and deck, and of course the rest of the car the factory Talbot Yellow.
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03:27 PM
GKDINC Member
Posts: 1812 From: East Tawas MI Registered: Dec 2001
Good to see you making some progress there Joe. That snowball you are talking about is going to be tough to make stop growing. Good Luck and keep us posted. Gary
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04:10 PM
May 17th, 2004
KissMySSFiero Member
Posts: 5541 From: Tarpon Springs, FL USA Registered: Nov 2000
With people graduting, moving, me taking vacation and occasionally being lazy, I haven't done much. But I got some motivation. Today my UPS guy brought me all of this. Now I have two v8 kits. And one fiero. Tell me I dont have a problem. Seriously, someone needs to tell me that, because everyone else I know say's I have issues.
Well, if there was any chance of me finishing, its gone now. Last week I found out I get to have surgery again. I have a hernia again. Its been less than a year and it came back. Its been hard for me to move around for a few weeks and for the next few weeks as well. I Guess I'll be shooting for Fieros At auburn in July.
As for an update,I can do a little. This weekend I'll be pulling out any parts that need bead blasted. I ordered a Blasting cabinet and it should be here friday. So the week or so after surgery, Its clean up time. I'll be pulling the front susp, rear susp, lots of engine parts and other little things. I'll blast them and paint/por15 them. You'll notice the valve covers need this treatment badly. As well as the intake, which will be modified during this time too.
Originally posted by KissMySSFiero: I ordered a Blasting cabinet and it should be here friday.
Where did you order from? I have been thinking about getting a blasting cabinet also and will probably get one at Harbor Freight which is only 75 miles away.
hi great project.....for the frame rail touching the engine at pully, it would be better to notch frame and weld in plate to hole made by notch, this will give you cleareance of at least 1 inch, depending how deep you make notch, with engine/trans movement you want as much clearence as possible, there was recent post with pic about the notch, i cant find it but, makes good common sense..good luck.................
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12:04 AM
KissMySSFiero Member
Posts: 5541 From: Tarpon Springs, FL USA Registered: Nov 2000
Jeff, I got the Blast Cab off ebay. It was $177 shipped. The guy sells them all the time so he should have another on there soon. Here's the link. ebay auction
There's probably better deals out there, but this is all that was on ebay at the time. I wanted one for this weekend so I did the buy it now. But it looks like its not going to get here til tuesday. Oh well.
silver86se, I didnt want to cut the frame rails because I didnt want to get into reinforcing them. I still have about 1/2" - 3/4" that I can move the engine over towards the drivers side. But where it sits, I can still slip a belt off and on without any problems. My engine is solid mounted, so It wont be going anywhere. Its also an 88, so the cradle is already solid mounted. Who needs vibration damponing, thats why the seats have cushions.
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09:52 AM
RCR Member
Posts: 4397 From: Shelby Twp Mi Registered: Sep 2002
I might have some info on my site that could help with your LT1 conversion: http://mywebpages.comcast.net/rrabine2/main/rcr3.htm The info on the page is a little incomplete, but it may help... I was the first person to do this swap, using John's information. I no longer have the car, but I might be able to help in some way. Honestly though, if I were to do it again and aside from the coolness factor, I'd leave the LTR TPI on. It looks cool, too, and I think you'll get better overall performance. Especially if you hog out the base and runners. Then you can leave the 1000cfm TB.
Good luck, looks like a cool swap... Bob
[This message has been edited by RCR (edited 05-26-2004).]
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12:51 PM
Jun 29th, 2004
GSXRBOBBY Member
Posts: 3122 From: Southern Indiana USA Registered: Aug 2003
I havent had much time to work on this. I did POR15 the cradle(great stuff btw) I started to polish the valve covers(PITA) Tonight I'm putting the engine back in the car to get the exact spot I want the mounts welded and to see where to make room for the CSI w/p. Then POR15 the battery tray area and paint the engine bay. I should have the mounts welded this weekend and engine back in for the last time by sunday. then I'll start hooking things up and planning exhaust. Should move along quickly from here out. Just maybe.
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10:36 AM
KissMySSFiero Member
Posts: 5541 From: Tarpon Springs, FL USA Registered: Nov 2000
this is what in intend to have my engine look like. Only I'll have polished Vavle covers. Inside the "fins" will be the stock yellow. The manifold with also be yellow but with polished "fins" up top. I would also like to paint the "Corvette" yellow. It should look pretty nice.
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12:40 PM
GSXRBOBBY Member
Posts: 3122 From: Southern Indiana USA Registered: Aug 2003
I got a little done this weekend. Its all marked where the mounts need to be welded. I'm using archie's water pump drive instead of the CSI. There was just a little more room for Archies setup and I have both. I'll be relocating the fuel lines to the drivers side. This will give me a cleaner look and also give a little more room by the alternator. The Vette injector covers are on the way. I also ordered my 12" rotors for the big brakes. I didnt get the engine out again, so it still looks dirty in the pics. I did pressure wash it, so I assure you its clean. I was thrilled when I put the LT1 intake on. I didn't know if there was going to be room for the Throttle body. I have the Stock TPI TB and it fits fine. I'll still have to move the TPS, but thats nothing new with these swaps. I should get more done this week too, so keep looking for updates. thanks for the space.
Oh well. 
