Sometimes you get lucky. I stumbled on this 4.9 ('95 DeVille) with 24K miles on it. Practically new, so I took it home to replace the high-mile, 4.9 ('92 DeVille) in my '87 5-speed. Even was able to watch a video of it still installed and running great. Couldn't pass it up.
Do these V8's Fit and work well in a Fiero Engine cavity? or is there a lot of Modification that has to be done. Obviously it has been done, but just how much of a job is it?
No surgery needs to be performed to the engine compartment, other than (maybe) the removal of the dog bone bracket. Depending upon which trans you use, you may have to only fabricate an engine mount bracket or two. (The Fiero manual trans can be used with the 4.9. So can the Fiero automatic, but there's not a lot of reasons to do that.)
There's tons of info on the forum. Poke around.
If you have any specific questions, ask.
------------------ Raydar 88 Formula IMSA Fastback. 4.9, NVG T550 Praise the Lowered!
The Caddy 4.9 V8 is a relatively easy swap. Bolts directly to Fiero trans. Plenty of room in engine compartment. No major mods. Search the Forum for "4.9", and you will find numerous 4.9 swap threads.Neills88 has a particularly good one.
The Caddy 4.9 V8 is a relatively easy swap. Bolts directly to Fiero trans. Plenty of room in engine compartment. No major mods. Search the Forum for "4.9", and you will find numerous 4.9 swap threads.Neills88 has a particularly good one.
The torque of the 4.9L is not a good match for the Fiero Getrag. With even a slightly heavy foot that box is not going to last. It's more prudent to go with the transmission that GM designed to work with that engine. IMO, the auto swap is easier than the stick swap, if it replaces an original auto setup.
------------------ " 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 "
Getrag gearing does not match up well with the 4.9 torque. The 85-86 four speed is a better choice, as is the Frankenstein four speed. I would never bolt a 4.9 to a TH125C Fiero three speed auto.
I have a Seville (3.33 final) 4T60E in my 4.9 Formula. Do not use the auto from a Deville, the gearing is terrible.
I miss having a manual trans, but the gearing is fantastic, and its always in the right gear.
Getrag gearing does not match up well with the 4.9 torque. The 85-86 four speed is a better choice, as is the Frankenstein four speed.
I have a Seville (3.33 final) 4T60E in my 4.9 Formula. Do not use the auto from a Deville, the gearing is terrible. ...
I have a NV T-550 (aka Beretta Getrag) bolted to my 4.9. It a complete blast to drive, even though the gearing is all wrong, as Joe mentioned. It has held up quite well to the 4.9's torque, even after having broken both front side mounts. (Engine and trans.) I don't side step the clutch, however. I try not to shock load it. That was all a result of matting the gas, with the clutch already engaged.
With all of that said, if mine had come with the 3.33 final, I may have not swapped to the manual. The Deville trans (2.97 FDR) didn't do anything quickly. I hated it.
------------------ Raydar 88 Formula IMSA Fastback. 4.9, NVG T550 Praise the Lowered!
[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 01-12-2020).]
I have a NV T-550 (aka Beretta Getrag) bolted to my 4.9. It a complete blast to drive, even though the gearing is all wrong, as Joe mentioned. It has held up quite well to the 4.9's torque, even after having broken both front side mounts. (Engine and trans.) I don't side step the clutch, however. I try not to shock load it. That was all a result of matting the gas, with the clutch already engaged.
With all of that said, if mine had come with the 3.33 final, I may have not swapped to the manual. The Deville trans (2.97 FDR) didn't do anything quickly. I hated it.
Do these transmissions have identifying marks stamped on them to identify which one they are?
Is there a stamped aluminum tag near the socket for the dipstick? That tag has the trans ID code on it.
The last pic above is the only stamped info. There is a flat area, similar size and shape to the above, nearer the bottom of the dipstick tube but there’s no sign that anything was ever stamped there.
There is a paper or plastic tag with some numbers on it...
Do these transmissions have identifying marks stamped on them to identify which one they are?
Not really, but they can be identified by their physical characteristics. The Fiero Getrag has the clutch arm on the outside of the clutch housing. The slave cylinder is mounted to the bracket that holds the cables. The later (~90-91) Getrag has the clutch arm inside the clutch housing. The slave cylinder bolts directly to the case, and the pushrod goes through a hole, into the clutch housing, where it pushes against the arm. (Rodney's site has pictures of this trans, and pieces to adapt it to the Fiero.) The T550 has a hydraulic release bearing, similar to the F23. Otherwise, it's quite similar to the Getrag that we all are familiar with. Rodney sells pieces to adapt that one, as well. This is a link to the T550 that I installed in my car. Note... It does NOT use a Fiero clutch. The "stack" is too tall. You will need a 92-93(?) Cavalier clutch, to achieve the correct release bearing spacing. https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/098659.html
Not really, but they can be identified by their physical characteristics. The Fiero Getrag has the clutch arm on the outside of the clutch housing. The slave cylinder is mounted to the bracket that holds the cables. The later (~90-91) Getrag has the clutch arm inside the clutch housing. The slave cylinder bolts directly to the case, and the pushrod goes through a hole, into the clutch housing, where it pushes against the arm. (Rodney's site has pictures of this trans, and pieces to adapt it to the Fiero.) The T550 has a hydraulic release bearing, similar to the F23. Otherwise, it's quite similar to the Getrag that we all are familiar with. Rodney sells pieces to adapt that one, as well. This is a link to the T550 that I installed in my car. Note... It does NOT use a Fiero clutch. The "stack" is too tall. You will need a 92-93(?) Cavalier clutch, to achieve the correct release bearing spacing. https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/098659.html
Sorry, raydar, I was only talking about the auto transaxles. California smog.
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