New member wants to instal a v8 (Page 1/5)
Roger Walling MAY 02, 01:52 PM
Hellow, I have just joined your forum after looking at many of your posts trying to get my 4 cyl. running.
I finally got it running and as they are known to do, it caught fire.
Not much damage though as I had my fire ext. ready.

However that was the last straw, I now want to install a low HP SB crate motor in it.

This is a pic. It is a street machine and lots of fun driving.
I am looking for some clear pic's of an engine installed in an 84.
Thank you.

AND a big thankyou to every one that had posted on diagnosing a unrunning engine that has helped me get mine running.

I don't think my pic went through, I will try later.
Easy8 MAY 02, 02:23 PM
Welcome to the fun of fieros. Glad you got yours running, sad to hear it caught fire. As far as putting a low HP small block crate motor goes I would tell you this. Forget a crate motor and put a caddy 4.9 in it. The swap is the easiest to do. You get plenty of low end torque with the V8 sounds with out all the extra pieces and work of any other swap. Search here and you will see lots of info on how easy the swap is.
olejoedad MAY 02, 02:41 PM
I second the 4.9.
Gobs of torque, no adapter plate, lightweight aluminum block, no need to hack the spaceframe as with the iron SBC.
Roger Walling MAY 02, 05:25 PM
Thank you for the quick response.
I did a little quick reading and someone said that I do not need an ECM, is that true?
(or do I use mine )
Thunderstruck GT MAY 02, 05:32 PM
4.9 NoStar probably the worst engine GM ever made next to the HT4100. Go with an LS or SBC, you'll only do it once and it will be bulletproof. Do a Google search on Caddy engines. > https://itstillruns.com/cad...roblems-6637955.html


quote
Cadillac Northstar Engine Problems

•Oiling Issues. Far and away, most of the Northstar's issues have to do with oiling. …

•Oil Consumption. It's not unusual for pre-2000 engines to go through as much as a quart of oil every 500 miles. …

•Carbon in the Cylinders. …

•Blown Head Gaskets.



They left out Warped heads, cracked heads, head bolts pull out of the block, and the 3 piece block with NO GASKETS that always leaks.
Dennis LaGrua MAY 02, 05:33 PM
I add my name to the 4.5L/4.9L V8 swap club. Best performance at the lightest weight, and lowest cost per dollar, while still getting 27-29 hwy MPG. . Even if you purchase a ready made plug and play harness, you should be able to complete this swap, engine and all, for under $2,000. Locating a V6 cradle will simplify things.
Roger Walling MAY 02, 05:34 PM

quote
Originally posted by Thunderstruck GT:

4.9 NoStar probably the worst engine GM ever made next to the HT4100. Go with an LS or SBC, you'll only do it once and it will be bulletproof. Do a Google search on Caddy engines. > https://itstillruns.com/cad...roblems-6637955.html


They left out Warped heads, cracked heads, head bolts pull out of the block, and the 3 piece block with NO GASKETS that always leaks.



I thought the North Star was a later engine?
fieroguru MAY 02, 05:43 PM

quote
Originally posted by Roger Walling:

I thought the North Star was a later engine?



It was...
the 4.9 is a pushrod engine, the Northstar is 4.6L and quad valve and dohc. Completely different engines.

Since you are not looking for a rocket ship, the 4.9 is definitely easier and cheaper than the SBC, but the SBC, Northstar, and LS4 have a lot more performance potential. The 4.9 also isn't an easy engine to make look clean and clutter free, which may or may not be of interest to you.

All gauges, cruise, AC and Fuel pump will work without any ECM... that is once of the nice things about the Fiero. They are very basic from an electrical perspective and easy to swap whatever you want into.

[This message has been edited by fieroguru (edited 05-02-2020).]

Roger Walling MAY 02, 05:59 PM

quote
Originally posted by fieroguru:


It was...
the 4.9 is a pushrod engine, the Northstar is 4.6L and quad valve and dohc. Completely different engines.

Since you are not looking for a rocket ship, the 4.9 is definitely easier and cheaper than the SBC, but the SBC, Northstar, and LS4 have a lot more performance potential. The 4.9 also isn't an easy engine to make look clean and clutter free, which may or may not be of interest to you.

All gauges, cruise, AC and Fuel pump will work without any ECM... that is once of the nice things about the Fiero. They are very basic from an electrical perspective and easy to swap whatever you want into.



Does that mean that I leave in my ECM or remove it?
fieroguru MAY 02, 07:24 PM
The stock fiero ECM is normally removed when non-stock engines are swapped in. If the new engine is fuel injected, then the ecm to run the new engine is installed.