I seen an ad about a rebuilt 4 cyl shortblock that was available on craigslist.
Never Installed. $300
Casting # 10038980 1988 1989 1990 (To be used with head Casting # 1101496
Pontiac Fiero and other gm 4 cylinder applications
I have an 86 currently with a duke in it that is bad. I understand the 88 models are DIS but I thought I read somewhere that you can add a distributor by removing the freeze plug. Not certain if it was for V6 or L4 models. Anyway the price is good so the question is can an 88 block be used if I swap over the heads/accessories and add the distributor?
It's hard to find info on the casting numbers to confirm if it would (Or I just do not know where to look).
I'm not too familiar with the 2.5L engines, but I believe some parts may be hard to find if your short block doesn't come with them. For example, the '88 Duke had counter-rotating balance shafts in the bottom end, a different oil pan, and a strange oil filter arrangement. I'm sure there are other very specific parts that you'd want to make sure you could get or were included with the block.
88 was also DIS, I don't know if you could use a distributor on a 88 block, if you can't use a distributor you'd need allot more 88 parts.
I actually have a 84 that needs a engine and a complete 88 engine with harness and ecm. It might make it easier if I could go with the distributor and 84 witing
[This message has been edited by jmbishop (edited 02-04-2015).]
88 Duke has NO provisions for distributor. It is DIS only.
I have an 88 Duke drivetrain sitting here with 70,000 miles, redone head ($400) with tranny, wire harness, and ECU that I would love to sell. It ran like new when pulled for swap.
88 was also DIS, I don't know if you could use a distributor on a 88 block, if you can't use a distributor you'd need allot more 88 parts.
I actually have a 84 that needs a engine and a complete 88 engine with harness and ecm. It might make it easier if I could go with the distributor and 84 witing
I looked into doing this myself... But the '84s are goofy. They have different firewall connectors, and even 84 to 85 ignition system parts are not interchangeable. The 87 and 88 dukes have a LOT of significant changes to them. It is, of course, very possible. But it' s not the bolt up and go opperation it may seem.
IIRC (and, it has been a while, I could be mistaken) you'd need the new ECM, the whole engine wiring harness, AND the whole cabin wiring harness from the '88. And you' d STILL have to do a bit of Frankensteining on the firewall connector to cram it in there.
Well sounds like it's a no go on the short block then. I figured it would require some work but it sounds just as difficult as a full engine swap vs just a replacement. Olejoedad your full engine package sounds tempting, but you are a little far for me. Thanks for all the input, Can someone post the link or topic that shows the compatible engines from other cars that would work for the 85-86 years.
If someone needs a replacement for late 87 or 88 duke models here is the link to the craigslist ad.
I looked into doing this myself... But the '84s are goofy. They have different firewall connectors, and even 84 to 85 ignition system parts are not interchangeable. The 87 and 88 dukes have a LOT of significant changes to them. It is, of course, very possible. But it' s not the bolt up and go opperation it may seem.
IIRC (and, it has been a while, I could be mistaken) you'd need the new ECM, the whole engine wiring harness, AND the whole cabin wiring harness from the '88. And you' d STILL have to do a bit of Frankensteining on the firewall connector to cram it in there.
For plug and play yes you'd need the 88 harness.
Like I said I have the 88 engine harness and ecm, I should be able to re-pin the c500 and do a few other changes to make it work with the 84 interior harness/c500. I also have 2 86 interior harnesses that could be swapped into the 84 but I don't know how much if any repinning would have to be done.
Like I said I have the 88 engine harness and ecm, I should be able to re-pin the c500 and do a few other changes to make it work with the 84 interior harness/c500. I also have 2 86 interior harnesses that could be swapped into the 84 but I don't know how much if any repinning would have to be done.
If my memory serves... There was some arangement in the '84 firewall connecter that had a unique geometry. I believe, you'll have to splice the '84 connector on the end of the '88 harness. None of the other ones will mechanicaly plug into it.
Not a big deal, but something to be aware of.... If I remember correctly...
Also... There' s something about the terminal block over near the battery...
[This message has been edited by Twilight Fenrir (edited 02-06-2015).]
