So I'm finally getting to the point in my schooling where we are going to be rebuilding engines. I would like to rebuild a 350 SBC and then in turn eventually drop it into my 85 SE 4-speed. I have looked into Archie's kits and know which one I will be getting but I need to find an engine still. I would prefer to get one that's between a 68 and an 85 so I can try and avoid the extra cost. I would also prefer fuel injected. Ideally I am trying to at least double the HP that I currently have. If any of you can help me out by knowing where I can find an engine or just keeping an eye out for me I would greatly appreciate it
You won't find a fuel injected motor between 68 and 85. Well actually you might, I think Crossfire was introduced in 84, but I've heard it sucked. I'd look for something a little newer, IIRC 87 or 88 was when the roller cam motors started. You can tell these engines because the valve covers were held on with bolts down the center of the valve covers, earlier engines had them around the perimeter. Earlier non-roller motors will make plenty of power, but the roller ones let you run a more aggressive cam and make a little more power.
For fuel injection, easiest and cheapest would be a factory TBI system. There are numerous write ups on how to use a factory harness to wire it. The only thing about it is, it is only a 2 barrel TB. Big block engines also had a 2bbl TB, but the bores were bigger.
The only other thing is to research research research what you want out of your motor and pick the parts that will work together to get that for you.
Definitely '87 up, at least that way you get a "Roller Cam". Cross fire,...... people either Love or hate them. When they "Worked Correctly", the throttle response was fantastic, but when they get cranky .......well,
I'm amazed at the little tidbits that I run across on the web. The latest, that really has me thinking is that a later Impala SS, and some others (front wheel drive) used an LS4. I didn't even know they were putting V8's in these fwd cars. If I understand correctly the back of the engine will bolt right up to our transaxles. Since they are for fwd, I doubt that they would be all that expensive from a junk yard. What would you do with one other than replace your engine or install it into a Fiero?
I'm sure this is not as big a surprise as it was to me but if anyone has any more information about this swap I'd sure like to see it. I suppose that someone on here has done it.
I'm amazed at the little tidbits that I run across on the web. The latest, that really has me thinking is that a later Impala SS, and some others (front wheel drive) used an LS4. I didn't even know they were putting V8's in these fwd cars. If I understand correctly the back of the engine will bolt right up to our transaxles. Since they are for fwd, I doubt that they would be all that expensive from a junk yard. What would you do with one other than replace your engine or install it into a Fiero?
I'm sure this is not as big a surprise as it was to me but if anyone has any more information about this swap I'd sure like to see it. I suppose that someone on here has done it.
The LS4 only existed for 4 years (2005-2008 model years). The engine uses the same metric bell pattern as the Fiero, but the starter is mounted on the transmission, so it won't work with all the transaxles that have the same bell pattern, as the starter position interferes with the slave or other parts, on some transmissions. There are several swap threads on here for the LS4, with all the information, and I am building one myself right now.
Ooops. Yes, I had a little time this morning and started doing some more research and ran across fieroguru's swap. I would guess that it's not as easy as it looks on paper.
Ooops. Yes, I had a little time this morning and started doing some more research and ran across fieroguru's swap. I would guess that it's not as easy as it looks on paper.
If you stick with automatic and use the 4t65e trans that comes mated to the LS4 in the original production cars it came in (special bell housing casting for the starter mount in those cars), then it's a fairly easy swap. If you deviate from that, it can get pretty challenging.
Thankfully I managed to find a good looking 91 vortec for a pretty decent price. Now comes the fun part with all the money I'm gonna have to start putting out to get this thing together.......
