1986 iron duke swap (Page 1/1)
invidia999 FEB 11, 03:17 PM
Hi all, new to the forum and new to Fiero’s. I’m thinking of getting a 1986 fiero with the 2.5l iron duke and 5sp manual transmission. Has 120k miles on it and I’ve been seeing that it’s pretty common to swap engines on these things. So I’m thinking that if I get it, I’d swap it out.

Does anyone know which engines are popular and compatible with the OE transmission? Something that won’t break the bank preferably.

I’d love to get a 2.8l v6 from some other Fiero but when I look them up I’m unable to find any.

I’ve never done an engine swap before, so I’m not looking to do any major alterations to the body. I know that with a new engine there will be modifications but I’m really just looking for an upgrade into fuel injection that’s compatible with the OE transmission (mostly compatible).

Thanks guys
82-T/A [At Work] FEB 11, 04:39 PM
Unfortunately, the 5-Speed manual that you have (Isuzu 5-Speed), isn't really rated for a lot of horsepower. With the Fiero's V6, you'd kind of be on borrowed time. You'll want to get a 5-Speed Getrag, or maybe even the 4-Speed Muncie (which can handle everything up to a V8).

As for engines, any version of the FWD V6/60 from the 80s and 90s will pretty much just drop right in, with all the existing motor mounts. If your Fiero runs and drives really well, and all you're looking for is a stock V6 Fiero, I'd recommend (to be quite honest), selling the Fiero and buying another Fiero that already has what you need / want.

An engine swap usually requires a lot of planning and lots of other things. You can't use your existing ECM, so you'll need to get a new management system.

I suppose the easiest thing is, what kind of performance are you looking for, and reasonably how much money would you be willing to spend. We can kind of give some options.
richard in nc FEB 11, 04:53 PM
the good thing about starting with a five speed is you don't need custom axles or a lot of other things.you can use the transmission in the car.you might?break it. https://fieroinfo.com/howto/swaps.html
Dennis LaGrua FEB 12, 11:26 AM
Swaps are involved, I've completed 6 of them ( not recently though) and depending on what you want or find, a first time swap, could take up to 100 hours of labor. My preference is the V6 w 4 speed automatic transmission swap but in a stick vehicle it adds extra work replacing the shifter, cables and brake cable. There are dozens of items that are needed for a swap. Do you want an easy swap like from the 2.8L/3.1L/3.4L P/R family or a more sophisticated LFX or LS4 swap? Most of the answers are here..

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
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