Rebuild or replace (Page 1/1)
Mylek DEC 22, 12:34 AM
I'm working on an '84 SE restoration. The engine I have in the car is the 2.5 Iron Duke. 212k miles on it. It runs very well for the number of miles on the odometer. I was thinking of rebuilding the 2.5. In doing so, I would like to increase the power. i.e. Cam and bore.
The other option would be to retire the Duke and upgrade to a turbo 4cyl or SC 6cyl.
What, in your opinions, would be better? Rebuild or Replace?
Thanks,
Patrick DEC 22, 01:19 AM

quote
Originally posted by Mylek:

I was thinking of rebuilding the 2.5. In doing so, I would like to increase the power. i.e. Cam and bore.



With a whole lot of work/expense, you might get the Duke close to what the stock 2.8 puts out... but I guarantee you'll not be getting anywhere near another 212k miles out of it.
Mylek DEC 22, 04:02 AM
I'll put your vote in the replace column.
Patrick DEC 22, 01:01 PM

quote
Originally posted by Mylek:

I'll put your vote in the replace column.



If it's "power" you're after... definitely!

I swapped a 5-spd into my '84, and the Duke is more than capable, even on the freeway. The car is fun to drive. But after reading of many people over the years mostly wasting their time and money trying to build up a Duke, IMO it's not worth the trouble.
Easy8 DEC 22, 04:19 PM
Here is all I have to say

#dump-the-duke


3.4 swaps are so easy and the power you get is WAY worth the little effort required.
wftb DEC 22, 05:16 PM
If it runs fine as is why not just enjoy till it finally dies? I had an 85 4 cylinder and I got it for 500.00 and I was going to use it as a parts car. When I got it home I realized it could be made to run for 500.00 so I ended up driving it instead. Real slow acceleration but on the highway it would roll along at 120kmh quite nicely and got great mileage too. If I had not sold it eventually it would have had an ecotec swapped in to it.
Mylek DEC 24, 07:55 PM
I think I'm going to go with a restoration for now. But being that I intend to do a lot of highway driving (I live 15mi out of town and a 60mi drive round trip for work), I'd like to drop in a 4speed auto to try and keep the RPMs down. Any suggestions?
Patrick DEC 24, 08:28 PM

quote
Originally posted by Mylek:

I intend to do a lot of highway driving (I live 15mi out of town and a 60mi drive round trip for work), I'd like to drop in a 4speed auto to try and keep the RPMs down. Any suggestions?



My suggestion is to forget the slush-box, and to drop in a 5-spd Isuzu instead. (5th gear is overdrive.)


quote
Originally posted by Patrick:

I swapped a 5-spd into my '84, and the Duke is more than capable, even on the freeway. The car is fun to drive.
Phlebmaster DEC 24, 08:38 PM
If you have the means and a way to do it, pick up a 3.4 as suggested and take your time rebuilding or modifying it to your standards- then when ready (or if catastrophe hits your Duke) you have a plan in place.

Its great to see the car still on the road with that many miles! Must have been taken care of for the most part. I drive 80 miles a day for work myself and have the 2.8 with 4spd... I'd prefer to have the 5spd for mileage but the 4spd seems to have long legs. I keep thinking...if I just had one more gear.....

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Aaron H
1986 Fiero GT 2.8- A dream car of mine since childhood- Stock now, but looking for creative options to upgrade this wonderful car