quote Originally posted by ITALGT: Still dead in the water.. I'm pretty sure most people in my shoes would have just given up on this project

Hang in there Brett,..my project has been on the slow track almost as long as yours and that included a divorce !

Keep the faith, everything will eventually fall into place.

[This message has been edited by exoticse (edited 10-06-2014).]

[This message has been edited by ITALGT (edited 08-08-2014).]

[This message has been edited by ITALGT (edited 10-14-2014).]

Alrighty, back in business around here.

The search is STILL on for a replacement transmission... now I'm looking for a 5-Speed Getrag, preferably a later model FWD from a 1992-94 Beretta/Corsica/etc.

Getting ready to remove the engine and transmission from the cradle...

As of right now, I'm planning on ditching the factory TPI and Vortec base for a Weiand Stealth Ram to extend the SBC's usable RPM range for the low-geared Getrag. I would like to swap out the 262H cam for something with a more aggressive grind, or I may just use full roller rockers with the same cam. Not sure yet on this, as there are clearance limitations with stock Vortec heads when going over .470 lift and I wasn't planning to pull the heads. If I start going that deep, I may as well start considering building that 383 stroker that I want.

I'll be loosing a little low-end torque doing all of this, but that will help ease the load on the fragile Getrag a little, which is what I'm aiming for. Ultimately though, the extended RPM range should also make the car much more enjoyable/drivable, not to mention quicker. That's the goal.

I'm not building a drag car here, but I do want the transmission to last a while behind the SBC.

I can hear some of you laughing already.

Stay Tuned!

[This message has been edited by ITALGT (edited 10-29-2014).]

quote Originally posted by fieroguru: The HSR intake is a pretty nice piece. I just did Trinten's swap using a highly modified HSR (shortened & plenum flipped) here: http://www.fiero.nl/forum/F...3/HTML/000142-3.html For the camshaft, I think if you switch to the LS1 valve spring retainers you can get up to .525 lift w/o machine work to the vortec heads, so the GM hot cam (roller cam with .525" lift) would be a good upgrade and worth about 425 fwhp with the right intake and exhaust.

I've been watching that build, VERY nicely done. I've always admired your work and your knowledge here on the forum, I really appreciate your input.

I just recently learned about the use of LS1 retainers, but I just haven't found a lot of solid info on the subject. Sounds like it's the way to go for using my stock Vortecs. Also heard good things about the GM "Hot Cam" on other forums.

Note taken.

[This message has been edited by ITALGT (edited 10-08-2014).]

Unfortunately I didn't make it to Road Atlanta this year to watch the 'Vettes rock Petit Le Mans, so I spent a good part of the day in my garage streaming it live from imsa.com while wrenching on the GT. It was a helluva' race despite some unfortunate luck for the Corvette Racing team. They wound up in 3rd place in points overall for the year... not bad considering the new C7R's early-season bugs that took a few races to work out, along with TUDOR's ridiculous "Balance Of Performance" crap and bad luck they've dealt with all season long. Next year is going to be very interesting.

As for this ongoing Fiero project... some things are just better explained with pictures instead of words.

I'll start with a ridiculous teaser pic. Yes, it's a cardboard box with some words on it. Deal with it!:



Stay "tuned."

[This message has been edited by ITALGT (edited 04-26-2015).]