I own a 87 2.5 fiero im about to remove the head. im sure the engine is bad I have sand in cylinders, intake , oiley sparkplugs, low oil pressure and white smoke coming out tailpipe and water in oil. if I buy an engine with vin number R will any of these engines fit my car ? what engine is usually mistaken that people try to install? where is the thread to a engine swap of the same engine? what must I do during the swap? I have never taken a motor out before but im sure I can do it. what should I replace during swap? what modiciations should I do while engine is out now that new technology is out? what upgrades should I do? I have a shop and plenty of time and some money so any help?

http://www.fierosails.com/Engine.html

"Seems" a 1987 REQUIRES a 1987 Engine !

I put a low mile 88 2.5 in my 87 about two years ago, I used this post https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/088599.html
it shows a v6 but comes out the same way. and here is the link to my build https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/089015.html
I had never taken one out , so I read the first post and asked a lot of questions here. you will get a lot of help.
I seems like a lot but if you take your time and one thing at a time it is not to bad .
just try to have things ready to go when you start like tools and what you are going to drop the motor on , and so on
good luck

[This message has been edited by kendallville (edited 04-16-2014).]

your right only r engine from other 87 will fit. thank you! thank you much for the info on all engine replacement chart. next question the chart tells me I can use a 1993 s10 2.5 and get more horsepower and fuel economy . is this true has anyone tried this in this fourem?

I replaced my R 87 with a R 88 out of a 88 fiero they are the same the only dif is the 88 had a force balancer ,
which means the oil filter is in the pan . perfect fit

I have a 70k 88 duke with a fresh top end in the shop that is for sale. It is an excellent engine. If you are interested, drop me a PM.

i thought the oil pan will interfere with frame if I put the engine from 88 to my 87? what kind of cutting or mod do I have to do?

No interferences....

no mod , no cutting , if it wouldn't have fit I wouldn't have put it in because I am no mechanic.
the 88 went on the cradle the same as the 87 came off.
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/089015.html my build post shows me replacing the duke.
the only difference was the oil pressure sending unit which I left the 88 on and changed the hookup
on the wire harness to accomadate the change from the 87 which you can no longer get.

bad pic but you get the idea.