This is only the second Fiero I've owned, but I was under the impression that to pull the engine, you had to drop the cradle. That's how I did it on my last one. But I just watched a short YouTube video of a guy pulling his 2.8 out the top. Is it easier or harder that way?

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Rocco:
My Project
86 Fiero SE, Stock 2.8L, 4 speed

I have not done this from the top but my understanding is that if you remove the decklid, alternator and bracket, and the A/C compressor first, it is a hell of a lot easier. I don't know if this is true or not.

[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 03-29-2020).]

Well, the answer to this question is like trying to find peace in the mid-east. If you remove out the top, watch out for the rear window.

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1965 Tempest 400 CID
2018 Chevy Colorado Z71 3.6
2017 BMW X3 3.0 T
2015 BMW 535iX M Sport
2008 G6 GT "Street" Coupe
2005 Buick 3.6 Rendezvous

The way the fiero was put together, it was designed for the engine to come out from the bottom.

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fierogt28

88 GT, Loaded, 5-speed.
88 GT, 5-speed. Beechwood interior, All original.

Overall, it's much easier to drop it out of the bottom.
If you're just grabbing a motor out of the car with no plans on reinstalling, I could see going from the top.
However, if you plan on putting it back in, or doing a swap, dropping the cradle is a lot easier....

I pulled one once from the top on a parts car mainly because I didn't want the hassle of cutting all the cradle bolts...

I would never do it again. By the time you remove everything that is in the way (bay is narrower at the top), removing them in places that are not ideal for their removal to begin with, just adds a lot of delay and frustration to the process.

I had a friend that swore that removing the Fiero 2.8L was easier than dropping the cradle but he always did this with an auto that allows more room for lateral movement. IIRC, he said that he had to disconnect all the typical stuff plus the exhaust and deck lid. I would not do it this way but it worked for him.

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" 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 "