Dear people of the Fiero forum, I've only just subscribed as I'm going to be the proud owner of a Fiero GT Fastback tomorrow. But I would like to ask the question that has probably been asked many, many times before, yet in this case particularly for my situation as I thought some of you might not mind to chip in a little with your advice.
The Fastback has a Miller Wood Turbo kit, but the engine was blown up, the kit seems to have had everything but no oil cooler of intercooler... something I think is pretty important and I'd like to add if possible, maybe behind the airscoops it has on the side if that would work.
But my real question here is what engine should I replace it with? I'd be happy if I could reuse the turbo installation, and I'm certainly very tied to a low budget unfortunately but that's simply the way it is at my age (21). I've done engine swaps before, shouldn't be the problem, and besides there are many thorough guides out there for which I am utterly thankful. But what is a problem is picking just one engine. I was thinking it'd be best to go with a 3.4 from a early 90's Camaro or Firebird, since I could reuse everything, but on the other hand I heard that 3.4 DOHC swaps might be more profitable? What would work best with the turbo installation and what are the ups and downs of both options?
Many thanks in advance!
By the way, it seems that I can only find 3.4 DOHC's in Chevrolet Trans Sports here (in the Netherlands), would there be a disbenefit in getting one from such a truck as it's a truck and not a sportscar (tuned different maybe)? I did hear something about the ones in the transporters being of lesser quality, China-grade head gaskets for example.
I too went the 3.4L push rod out of a 95 camaro. I've prepped the engine with forged internals, everywhere ported and polished, 1.6 rollers and all the other goodies for a turbo or actually I wasthinking of a supercharger where the A/C went. A person in Canada did it... But also I'm in a us state where they have smog and look down on/ ticket or take away modified cars.. So I wanted the stock look of the engine if pulled over.. I did hear that the DOHC engine is best for the turbo app but I also heard that it is harder to tune for the turbo... For my engine, I assume I can piggy back the ecm and run off the 7th injector for boost.. Not sure hard hard it'll be to tune because I haven't ventured in it yet but seems to be attainable.
[This message has been edited by unboundmo (edited 02-28-2015).]
Thanks, guys! Picked the Fiero up today, still didn't get much wiser but what I'm getting from this here is that which ever way I go could certainly work out if done right.
The thing with the turbo installation though is that I think it'll only be completely compatible with the 3.4 from an F-Body, for a DOHC which might be better (while a decent F-Body one would be a good choice as well) I'd need other things in order to run the turbo on it and on a 3.8 it will just plain not fit unless I get a special ECM and MAP sensor and etc. (may or may not be more than what's necessary for the DOHC).
Actually, I don't think the DOHC would run with the ECM, but then again I shouldn't get ahead of myself since I haven't had a chance to take a good look at the ECM yet... it might be programmeable for whatever, as far as I know. All I know is that it's a pretty old one, so shouldn't expect too much from it yet.
[This message has been edited by Renier (edited 02-28-2015).]
If you want to keep the turbo the easiest swap (depending on engine availability) is the 3.4 push rod engine from the 93-95 Firebird/Camero. The turbo adds some pep and you can keep the turbo with this engine. I happen to have this combo and enjoy it. The HP will not be as high as a V8 or 3800 SC engine but the computer, most 2.8 engine parts, and existing wiring can be used. It is likely that you will need a custom chip to adjust fuel flow appropriately and larger than initial factory injectors (17 or 19 lb injectors are generally used).
If you want to keep the turbo the easiest swap (depending on engine availability) is the 3.4 push rod engine from the 93-95 Firebird/Camero. The turbo adds some pep and you can keep the turbo with this engine. I happen to have this combo and enjoy it. The HP will not be as high as a V8 or 3800 SC engine but the computer, most 2.8 engine parts, and existing wiring can be used. It is likely that you will need a custom chip to adjust fuel flow appropriately and larger than initial factory injectors (17 or 19 lb injectors are generally used).
Nelson
Thanks for your reply, do you have an intercooler and/or an oil cooler and do you know approx. how much HP you are making with the combo?
More pictures: (we've also washed it and put it safe and secure inside of a hall )
[This message has been edited by Renier (edited 03-01-2015).]
If you want to keep the turbo the easiest swap (depending on engine availability) is the 3.4 push rod engine from the 93-95 Firebird/Camero. The turbo adds some pep and you can keep the turbo with this engine. I happen to have this combo and enjoy it. The HP will not be as high as a V8 or 3800 SC engine but the computer, most 2.8 engine parts, and existing wiring can be used. It is likely that you will need a custom chip to adjust fuel flow appropriately and larger than initial factory injectors (17 or 19 lb injectors are generally used).
By the way, it seems that I can only find 3.4 DOHC's in Chevrolet Trans Sports here (in the Netherlands), would there be a disbenefit in getting one from such a truck as it's a truck and not a sportscar (tuned different maybe)? I did hear something about the ones in the transporters being of lesser quality, China-grade head gaskets for example.
The 3.4 in the Transport is the 3rd generation version of the 2.8/3.1/3.4 pushrod V6. It's usually referred to as the "3400 V6". It has aluminum heads, but it's still a 2-valve pushrod motor, not DOHC. You can't put the Fiero heads and intake on the later 3.4 because the compression ratio will be very very low due to the different pistons.
Can't seem to get the trunk open, unfortunately, even after hooking up a battery and a lot of things do seem to work even after 6 years of having stood in a yard, and everything looks surprisingly and refreshingly mint upon closer inspection (relativiely speaking), much better than expected! I'm starting to fall quite in love with my Fiero GT I had no idea I'd feel such a way about the Fiero, hardly noticed it before (they're really quite rare here).
I think that the transmission needs to send out a signal that it's in park to get the trunk open, right? Well, without a transmission that's a little hard, and unfortunately while the other locks work the lock on the trunk doesn't. It works per a switch, or is supposed to, but the switch does nothing and I think there's a yellow wire that leads to the release motor but even applying 12v to it directly does nothing, not even a slight buzzing sound or anything. Is there a workaround or something I might be missing? Next thing I know I might have to end up drilling a hole in the lock :S wouldn't want to do that, but if it's the only way it's the only way I suppose... unless it isn't? Neither do I love the idea of having a separate key for the trunk.
The deck lid not opening can be because it's technically on the same circuit as the "BRAKE" fault light on the dash. On the standard transmission, If the ignition is on then the "BRAKE" light has to be lit (It thinks the emergency brake is applied) for the deck lid to pop open under power IIRC. Not sure if it is a different setup for the automatic...
Also, check the fuses!
------------------ "Discord" Red 1988 GT under restoration!
( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
[This message has been edited by Shho13 (edited 03-03-2015).]
I've actually been offered a free but good condition 3.1L V6 from an Oldsmobile by a friendly local garage that I've occasionally worked with. Due to this I'm now seriously considering using that in combination with my turbo installation. What do you guys think? A 3800 series V6 would be totally amazing for sure, but a whole lot more expensive and waaay more (extra complicated) work, I'm certain. Consider me petty much having no money at all for anything like a 3800 series swap anyways.
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I had no idea I'd feel such a way about the Fiero, hardly noticed it before (they're really quite rare here).
