I do not believe that putting an engine that was never used in any GM vehicle in a Fiero is a good idea. That engine is a Nissan product and has zero in common with what GM products have. For instance axles to mate a Nissan transmission to Fiero hubs would have to be custom built from scratch, the shifter would also need to be specially built as will the mounts. Then you'll have powertrain management issue to to cope with and a PCM designed to make it all happen. . I guess anything can be done but the amount of money, time and energy required to do such an odd swap would be prohibitive.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, 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 "
Agree with Dennis here. For something not done yet go with High Feature V6. At least still GM and I want to learn from your build! LOL! High feature V6 has forged steel crank and 6 bolt mains, all aluminum and close to 12:1 CR
For instance axles to mate a Nissan transmission to Fiero hubs would have to be custom built from scratch, the shifter would also need to be specially built as will the mounts. Then you'll have powertrain management issue to to cope with and a PCM designed to make it all happen.
If I do this (which i might), the hubs would be an issue bot not a large one, shifter is understandable with the concern. The motor itself will be purely mechanical, what with carburetors and a mechanical fuel pump, to make it easier on the wiring.
I am not a fan of the spinner engines......I like torque.......An interesting newer engine would be the new, all aluminum, 4.3 GM V6 (LV3)...... much lighter than the 2.8 V6, 300 hp and up to 330 Lb/Ft of torque.....And I have heard an older 4.3 in a Fiero and it sounded like a 2.8 on steroids........The only downside is that you would have to use a bellhouse adapter plate.
Some of the available options are other GM 60 degree V6s, including both high value as well as the high feature. Cadillac HT V*s (avoid the pre-87). Cadillac NorthStar . GM LS4.
Please do research on the high feature engine before considering spending the time and money on it as a swap. From my experience it is poorly engineered. The numbers and specs seem good on paper, but it has many inexcusable flaws that in my opinion make it worth its weight in scrap metal. That's it.
[This message has been edited by Reallybig (edited 10-23-2018).]
If I do this (which i might), the hubs would be an issue bot not a large one, shifter is understandable with the concern. The motor itself will be purely mechanical, what with carburetors and a mechanical fuel pump, to make it easier on the wiring. All in all, just a normal swap.
If going to a more modern swap why on earth would you go backwards to carbs? Yes, the wiring is the biggest pain in the arse. Driveshafts are easy, loads of companies make those. Gearshift, well that's reversing quadrants, or longer cables depending on the transmission. Worst case, use the entire wiring loom from the donor, that's what I'm doing.
Keep in mind that the wiring doesn't necessarily have to be a problem. GM offers modern crate engines complete with all the wiring to make them work in older cars
I'm in the beginning stages of an LFX/F40 swap in a 88. So far the engine, transmission and axles are sorted. Working on motor and transmission mounts now.
If i was doing another engine swap it would be another Audi the 2.7 biturbo V6 with a 01X 6 speed run by a megasquirt 3x longitudinal install or i would just do the Audi V8 like i allready have but turbocharged instead of the SC
I know an electric Fiero has been done several times. I like the idea of 4 motors on 4 wheels. With feedback and logic, you could really maximize grip. The electric tech has come a long way in 20 years.
My other thought.... (and I have thought about this for years) is to do a stout 4.3 V6 bolted to a Porsche transaxle similar to what I have in the IMSA. Because it is basically a SBC with 2 fewer cylinders, the front end should be able to be made to fit behind the fire wall. It would be a true longitudal mid-engine setup. Balance would be great and 300hp to 350hp to the wheels realistic. It would require a custom bolt in cradle, but that has been done before. The real down side is that accessing the front of the motor would require a lift. Also, it would make sense to make the entire cradle self contained with quick disconnects to allow for easy removal. That would be the best way to have good access.
My other thought.... (and I have thought about this for years) is to do a stout 4.3 V6 bolted to a Porsche transaxle similar to what I have in the IMSA. Because it is basically a SBC with 2 fewer cylinders, the front end should be able to be made to fit behind the fire wall. It would be a true longitudal mid-engine setup. Balance would be great and 300hp to 350hp to the wheels realistic. It would require a custom bolt in cradle, but that has been done before. The real down side is that accessing the front of the motor would require a lift. Also, it would make sense to make the entire cradle self contained with quick disconnects to allow for easy removal. That would be the best way to have good access.
Just a thought.
The LT based 2014+ EcoTec 4.3 is factory rated at 285hp/305tq and all aluminum. I am sure with some aftermarket parts you could get more out of it. I think it would be a great engine to swap!
The EcoTec 4.3 was the engine I was suggesting.....70 lbs lighter than the 2.8 and 300 hp....and the power would be across the power band, not just at 7000 rpm like the spinner engines.
I did a power band comparison thru the gears to vehicle speed in gears between a 3.4 F-body conversion (160 hp at 4500, 200 Lb/Ft at 2600) and the Honda 1.6 L with 160 (at 7500, and 116 Lb/Ft at.....7000). The 3.4 thru the Getrag gears stays above 100 hp at each shift, while the Del Sol (5 spd)1.6 drops to approx' 80 hp at each shift, then climbs back up........
HP is what actually accelerates your car....If your power band is narrow, your accel' drops off during shifts. Obviously, turbo engines are great at this, but drivability suffers due to turbo lag.....Driving a 1/4 mile you will not suffer much lag, but on a road course or during street driving, turbo lag can become very pronounced.
I'm not familiar with this publication but it must be something geared toward 'ricers' Both the Top 10 engines and Bottom 5 engines are all Japanese makes. nothing from GM or Ford. Nothing from BMW.
When I started my Quad 4 swap 7+ years ago, Quads were common in the salvage yard. Now I hardly see them anymore (glad I bought a couple extras back then). Ecotecs, on the other hand, are everywhere. If I ever do another swap I’d take a long look at an Ecotec.
[This message has been edited by Quad Raider (edited 11-08-2018).]
Honda/Acura J32/J35 V6 coupled to a TL-S 6-speed manual.
Advantages 278hp/256tq out of the box of smooth, reliable, V-tech power. Popular with the Civic J-swap crowd so some aftermarket items are available. Stand-alone PCMs are also available tho a bit pricey. Lower mile motors can still be had and are fairly inexpensive. The trans is probably the hardest to come by as it must be a fwd-only unit. I need to take some better measurements to see just how well it might fit.
Besides wiring, Honda uses some unique mounts that might make things interesting. Of course custom axles, and A/C lines if you want air conditioning. But I think with some mild performance tweaks, a 300hp/30mpg car is very obtainable. I've not researched gear ratios yet, but with a 7000+ RPM redline and the 6-speed, well at least the theoretical top speed would be crazy!
[This message has been edited by FastOwen2XLL (edited 11-09-2018).]
2 more engines i would consider are the vw w8 and w12 the w8 came in 2002-2004 passat and the w12 came in the 2004-2006 phaeton the w8 is 16 inches long so no problem mounting it longitudinal and the w12 is 20 inches long and would be mounted longitudinal and is about the same length as my audi v8 you could do both without a streched car
When I started my Quad 4 swap 7+ years ago, Quads were common in the salvage yard. Now I hardly see them anymore (glad I bought a couple extras back then). Ecotecs, on the other hand, are everywhere. If I ever do another swap I’d take a long look at an Ecotec.
I almost decided on an exotic 4 cyl when a LFX donor car came available. The LNF can produce an easy 300 hp at less weight than the stock V6. If you aren't thrilled about a turbo engine, you can still get a respectable 200 hp with the LCV from a late model Malibu.
[This message has been edited by Daryl M (edited 02-08-2019).]
well i see a w8 fiero being built in the future as i just bought a W8 passat wagon now once i get my other project done i can start putting another together just what the doctor ordered i think i will go Automatic transmission like the 5hp19
[This message has been edited by engine man (edited 02-06-2019).]
well i see a w8 fiero being built in the future as i just bought a W8 passat wagon now once i get my other project done i can start putting another together just what the doctor ordered i think i will go Automatic transmission like the 5hp19
Doesn't GM get better hp and torque from the LFX and LGX engines? Just sayin'
Honda/Acura J32/J35 V6 coupled to a TL-S 6-speed manual. ....
The J35 (aka "minivan" engine) is a popular swap into early Miatas. I was actually contemplating doing that very thing, until I sold my '97. I will caution that the J35 is an interference engine. Wouldn't have given that a second thought except that my wife's Odyssey popped a timing belt, long before it should have, and now I get to fix that mess. (Van is way too nice to part out or scrap.) But, FWIW, everything I have read leads me to believe that the J32 is NOT an interference engine. But they're still big as hell, being OHC.
i want longitudinal install this engine might not put out as much power but it is 16 inches long and as far as physically putting it in it should not be hard at all wiring will be a bit harder as no one has wired one in but not that big a deal just take longer and if i want more power it can be turbocharged but the LFX or LGX engine a good but the best bang for the buck will always be the 3800
[This message has been edited by engine man (edited 02-06-2019).]
well i see a w8 fiero being built in the future as i just bought a W8 passat wagon now once i get my other project done i can start putting another together just what the doctor ordered i think i will go Automatic transmission like the 5hp19
That sounds like a fantastic combination. It would also need an IMSA Fastback GT Widebody, C6 front suspension, and C6 rear suspension with coil-overs.
