Since giving away the 85, and rewarded with seeing the new owner get it into terrific shape so quickly, I have been thinking of the 86 GT I have in the garage. I really miss driving a Fiero, and although this one is good shape it has the dreaded rod knock. That means a new engine block at the very least.

So what's my smartest first move? I will end up customizing this one like the last, where do I start so I get the maximum return my efforts? Rebuild the 2.8, go for a 3.4 conversion, find a replacement cradle and install a 3800/4.9 motor on it to swap?

Keep in mind this is just a preliminary list - I'm doing other things to facilitate this project.

I would suggest that you go with whatever engine you actually want to have in it. If you go with a temporary enigne ,rebuild or used, it's just wasted money and effort IMHO.

Nolan

[This message has been edited by Sourmug (edited 10-08-2011).]

I agree with Sourmug

[This message has been edited by Danyel (edited 10-08-2011).]

Oh, I dream V8 dreams. But having seen so many excellent builds, I realize I'd be happy with almost anything. Bigger V6's, a 4.9, Northstar. Those would be joined to a newer transmission. In my mind, the stock trans+3.4 upgrade to the car would be an upgrade. Next step would be PR's 3800 brackets, a wiring harness, etc. for simplicity and cost. From there, ???

You mention CHEAPEST and BEST in the same sentence. They don't always go together. First determine what "cheapest" means, decide what your budget will allow and go from there. If cheap is the criteria, try buying a "dropout engine" in the mall from a forum member who is upgrading.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, ZZP Intercooler, 3.4" Pulley, N* TB, LS1 MAF, Flotech Exhaust Autolite 104's Custom CAI 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

Your cheapest alternative is to find a used motor in good shape and swap it in. Your cheapest swap is probally going to be the 3.4 or the 4.9L.

If your thinking "cheapest", you shouldn't even think about the northstar.

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quote Originally posted by Custom2M4: Your cheapest alternative is to find a used motor in good shape and swap it in. Your cheapest swap is probally going to be the 3.4 or the 4.9L. If your thinking "cheapest", you shouldn't even think about the northstar.

These are the sort of responses I am thinking of. Getting it on the road now, building the 'ultimate' (read: moving target) swap as a longer-term project.

<EDIT> although finding a used motor that is worth the trouble is kind of slim.

[This message has been edited by USFiero (edited 10-08-2011).]

1st Thing: Clean the garage. Cost = $0 (except sweat equity)

Not counting the motor itself...
Engine mounts yours are shot trust me mine were at 28k on clock
Shocks and springs and any rubber part needs replacing use poly eurothane
The tires are probably brittle
the brakes would likely need attention.
Steering may need tightening up.

Then look at how motor is running coolant system first.

Drop a 4.9 in it it is really easy, just call olejoedad. Ok thats how I did it but I had money to burn so to speak. Let me tell you the 4.9 is a great engine all around. My only complaint is that I get horrible gas milage. lol On my trip home I got 30 mpg. I now only get 20 mpg, but I notice that I tend to drive it hard and occasionally rev it higher just to hear the rumble of the v8. Yesterday I had to go to a vendor and on the way back I was having fun with a camaro <sp> on the free way and noticed we were doing 100, had to slow down immediately already got one ticket in this thing. Its no slouch just a flick of the gas and you can pass cars with ease.

If you want cheap, there are two 2.8s over there that will need pulled soon. No idea what the condition of the one in the 85 is. But happy to help rebuild one for you to get your car running.

Have you pulled the pan off and examined the rods? It's possible that the journal wasn't damaged. Maybe you can just replace the rod bearings, and go another 10,000 miles or so. That would certainly be the cheapest.

I don't know if you have found out for sure if you do indeed have a rod knock. I don't remember what caused it but, there is something in the engine compartment/cradle area that makes the exact same sound as a rod knock. Heat shield comes to mind. Engine mounts, all the usual, but I do remember my car had a rod knock and that's why I bought it cheap at the time. ON changing out the engine we could not find anything loose in the old engine.

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Denise, Bristol PA (Ernie is my Brother) 86 SE, stock resto. Jasper reman, 5spd Isuzu

quote Originally posted by erniehawk: I don't know if you have found out for sure if you do indeed have a rod knock. I don't remember what caused it but, there is something in the engine compartment/cradle area that makes the exact same sound as a rod knock. Heat shield comes to mind. Engine mounts, all the usual, but I do remember my car had a rod knock and that's why I bought it cheap at the time.

This is intriguing - the previous owner had told me about the rod knock, and upon firing it up it sure sounded like it. I've only owned a few cars that ultimately threw a rod. Not pretty. When I gave away the 85, it sorta sounded like rod knock, but I wasn't sure - turned out to be the bolts that held on the torque converter in the trans were broken from what I heard from the new owner.

quote Originally posted by TopNotch: Have you pulled the pan off and examined the rods? It's possible that the journal wasn't damaged. Maybe you can just replace the rod bearings, and go another 10,000 miles or so. That would certainly be the cheapest.

I agree, but that would be just under a year and the car would have to be serviced in a major way again. So, cheapest, possibly yes. Best? Maybe not for me.

quote Originally posted by Australian: Not counting the motor itself... Engine mounts yours are shot trust me mine were at 28k on clock Shocks and springs and any rubber part needs replacing use poly eurothane the brakes would likely need attention. Steering may need tightening up. Then look at how motor is running coolant system first.

right on. if the motor comes out, darn skippy it will get new mounts. the steering is actually nice and tight, one of those things you check when you 'test drive' it in a driveway. the car was titled twice before I had it, and the second owner never drove it - it sat in his yard for a couple years. It has nearly 160,000 miles on it.




I haven't even pulled the blower motor out of the interior vent system yet to check it for mice nests, so a lot of preliminary work still needs to be done. I washed and vacuumed it before it went into the garage.

Priorities would be the lower front balljoints, probably just replace the heater core and save myself some grief, brakes are a given, tires and rims I have covered - the rest may have to wait for budget allowances - unless I did like the 85 - a piece at a time, at my leisure in my garage... but I guess it's time to get this started at least.

quote Originally posted by dobey: If you want cheap, there are two 2.8s over there that will need pulled soon. No idea what the condition of the one in the 85 is. But happy to help rebuild one for you to get your car running.

You sir, have gotten my attention. A) you are in Newport News, B) you have access to spare motors for I presume cheap or very little? C) You imply you have the ability to rebuild motors. You have a PM

Erniehawk, I would like nothing better to slap a 4.9 with the 460te trans - and if I had the $$$ I'd trolly this puppy down to Ed Park's place and have the Fiero Factory do the conversion.

This is the thread I got up close and personal with a 4.9 conversion.