I have an 85 Fiero based Lambo Diablo Roadster replica. It original had a 5 speed 2.8L, It ran okay. I had V8 Archie do a 350 sbc swap(I kept the 5 speed) then i had the frame reinforced to address the flexing issues with roadsters, it probably added about 200 - 250 lbs in materials. I also put 18 x 11 wheels on the rears. It has been sitting in storage for about 5 years.
I just tried driving it. Here is the issue... When i engage it into gear, I don't get that kick/thrust one usually gets. The vehicle engages softly and moves slowly either in forward or in reverse. I only drove it 1/2 a block. Even if i step on the gas, it doesn't punch it. To make a comparison....it feels like if you are driving an automatic with low or near empty transmission fluid. The car has no punch when in gear. It has a new clutch when Archie did the install. Not sure whats going on. Any ideas?
Thanks to Will, Olejoedad and Fierosound for the quick response. I will have the throw out bearing replaced. I now just need to find out which clutch, throw out bearings V8 archie used. I assume that is specific clutch and bearing?.
Thanks to Will, Olejoedad and Fierosound for the quick response. I will have the throw out bearing replaced. I now just need to find out which clutch, throw out bearings V8 archie used. I assume that is specific clutch and bearing?.
A bad throw out bearing would make noise. You just need to pull the transmission for inspection of the clutch, then figure out what's wrong from there.
Long shot... but make sure the rod between the slave and the lever on the transmission wasn't replaced during the engine swap with a rod which is longer than it's supposed to be. If the slave is bottoming out, the clutch will never engage completely.
I will definitely have the transmission pulled and check...
1. The throw out bearing as suggested. Even though it does not make any noise. 2. Oil leaks on the pressure plate. 3. Check the rod on the slave Cylinder and Lever.
Is there anything else i should check?
Also...Which setup(clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing, etc) do you guys recommend for 350 swap? In case i need to replace.
I will definitely have the transmission pulled and check...
3. Check the rod on the slave Cylinder and Lever.
Perhaps this goes without saying... but check the length of the rod before pulling the tranny!
Easiest way to determine if the rod isn't too long is to clamp some vice-grips onto it, and make sure you're able to pull the rod further into the slave. If you can't pull the rod any further in, the slave may be bottoming out.
85 V6 Fieros did not have a 5 speed transmission originally.....so you need a clutch that matches the trans you have, whatever it is. Archie is still to be found on the web, so you should probably contact him to find out what you have now (or describe the cable connections and we can tell you).
[This message has been edited by Gall757 (edited 12-03-2019).]
Did it operate properly prior to being placed into storage?
To be honest... When i picked it up from V8 archie( back in 2013 when he had his shop in IL), We took it for a test drive. It was a bit of a rough ride and the car would shake momentarily when i would put it in gear but I could feel the punch. I thought I just need to break it in. I already had about 150 lbs of chassis reinforcement at that time. That was the last time i drove it before completing the diablo kit on it. since then I added prob another 100 lbs for additonal chassis work plus the 19 x 11 wheels. I would start the motor once a month and let it run for about 15 mins. Just to hear it. ha ha ha
I noticed the clutch issue last year when i was driving it up onto the flatbed. Trying to drive up the inclined flat bed was a task. I had it in 1st gear with my foot on the pedal and it was barely moving up the flatbed.
Even with the added weight and increased rotational mass, the V-8 should move the car quickly. Before pulling everything apart, I would check the throwout arm shaft for binding. Perhaps the long period of storage has allowed some corrosion that is preventing full rotation of the shaft when releasing the clutch.
A squirt of penetrating oil might save you a lot of work and money. Shoot some on the top of the shaft under the throwout arm and pump the clutch pedal several times.
Even with the added weight and increased rotational mass, the V-8 should move the car quickly. Before pulling everything apart, I would check the throwout arm shaft for binding. Perhaps the long period of storage has allowed some corrosion that is preventing full rotation of the shaft when releasing the clutch.
A squirt of penetrating oil might save you a lot of work and money. Shoot some on the top of the shaft under the throwout arm and pump the clutch pedal several times.
Thank you olejoedad for the recommendation I hope to try that this weekend. I will update you on the progress.
I find it hard to believe that Archie would anything out of his shop that wasnt road tested and in proper order.
I am in no way questioning Archie's work, In the past he has always been helpful in answering questions about fieros an swaps. As mentioned previously, the car ran ok during the road test when i picked it. I was a bit intimidated by the power of 350. I wasn't use to the punch when shifting gears so i looked like a first timer driving a clutch. The car would shake as i engaged into gear momentarily(like when you are trying to start/crank your car..) , then it would be fine. After sitting in my garage for 5 years is when i noticed the clutch issue. I thought maybe it was the hydraulic fluid. but mechanic said it wasnt.
I know you weren't questioning Archie's work, we all know what great work he and his team did. I was just pointing out that the car was set up correctly, and the.problem is from lack of use, not incorrect parts. Its my hope its a matter of lubrication and exercising the clutch system, rather that an expensive teardown, that gets you back on the road.
