The Official VR6 Engine Swap (Page 45/73)
bmwguru OCT 17, 08:28 PM
Joey and I spoke with the body shop that painted my "Gay Orange Fiero" and they have agreed to take on our latest unique paint job. We are planing on dropping it off at the body shop come winter time and should have it back in our hands when they are done. As I promised, I will not be prepping the car whatsoever. Just a drop off and pick up...but the inspiration will be all mine and Joey's. As of now there are only about eight people that know the plan for the paint job including the body shop.
The only issue is that we want a really obscure paint job, but we don't really want show quality because this car will be a driver. I spent a small fortune on my orange and black car and it looks like this one will be a greater ordeal to paint. If I only took a body shop class when I was younger.
Dave
Austrian Import OCT 18, 02:21 AM
Something you could always pick up. All it takes is practice.

Maybe you could do the prep work, and have someone else shoot it.
Although from what I've read so far, prep work can be a bit of a nightmare.

Congrats on the milestone so far!!


I'd say do the 3.2 VR-6.
Or do DI (direct injection)

Just wait a while until the engine fairy drops one of these in your lap. Maybe even an engine with a stock turbo and oooo

Either way, can't wait to see more pics..
bmwguru OCT 18, 11:31 AM
I attempted to prep my orange and black Fiero and it didn't work out so well. I will just let the body shop do what they have to do to make Joey's and my vision a reality.
As for the 3.2 VR6 swap....I am already planning to remove the four carbed V8 and drop in a 24v 3.2 VR6 into the orange and black car. Probably within a year or two. After driving my stock gold car, my orange V8 and Joey's VR6 Fiero...I think her VR6 is the most fun. It really could use a little boost, but in N/A form it is still a riot to drive.....when she actually lets me drive it. We have over 1000 abusive miles on it as of today and it hasn't had any major issues. I have adjusted a few things here and there, but the swap seems pretty flawless so far. I'll be putting up some more pics and videos soon. I am so glad I purchased the LSD. Once you get used to it, it is a major difference in control over the car...it launches harder, keeps going straight when the wheels are spinning and seems to handle the turns better. (and it has a lifetime warranty)
Dave
Vonov OCT 19, 02:46 PM
Yeeeehaaaa!! NICE work!! In your next video, couldja wind it up a little tighter, so people can hear how good a VR6 REALLY sounds? (I realize the thing will do about 80-plus in second if you wind it up, and the residential neighborhood you were in sort of precluded that---and that the sound on the recording can't do it justice, but hey, a VR6 in full song is a beautiful thing to hear...)

I definitely agree on the European snarl these engines make; even with a quiet exhaust like mine, with the CAI, the intake noise is loud enough to hear the car approaching (rapidly) three blocks away if the driver has their foot in it. I did a dyno pull on mine recently, and bone stock, it pulled 165 at the wheels, which translates to just a little shy of 190 hp at the crank, which is within spitting distance of the 4.9 I had in my Formula. The difference is, as you mentioned, it doesn't run out of breath at five grand like the 4.9 OR the 2.8...and there's quite a bit of aftermarket available. With a hair dryer on it, 300 hp is easily achievable, and the narrow configuration of the engine leaves tons of room for one.

So, Joey, how do you like it (now that you've taken the keys back from Dave, hehe)?
------------------

'88 Formula - 4.9 conversion by The Fiero Factory

[This message has been edited by Vonov (edited 10-19-2008).]

bmwguru OCT 21, 04:32 PM
I'll post up a new video soon with the tach in the picture. It is pretty cool to watch it spin up to almost 8,000 rpms...and the sound is just plain sexy.
Here are a few pics with the latest updates on this saga.
First off, I replaced the fuel pump because the Warlbro was just too loud and annoying. It sounded like a jet plane waiting to take off. I swapped in a stock Fiero V6 pump and fuel trims are still in spec with no power difference. I saved the Warlbro in case if we decide to boost this car. The original plans were to have a turbo added, but Joey is still getting used to the car.
We added the Fiero Warehouse side scoops...and shortened the air filter to clear better...



Also, remember the cooling system filter I added to see what we would catch. Here is a pic of the coolant filter after 1000 miles of driving....kinda makes you think.

That's all for now....Joey and I are still trying to determine when the body shop will be taking the car away for five or six months to do the paint. She doesn't want to be without the car.
Dave
85duke OCT 21, 04:43 PM
Lookin good dave keep us posted. Btw When i finish at uti can i work for you?
bmwguru OCT 22, 07:55 PM

quote
Originally posted by 85duke:

Lookin good dave keep us posted. Btw When i finish at uti can i work for you?



I'm really hard to work for because I expect no less than 110% from myself and employees. We all get along and bust on each other all day (hell, Scrubby threw a firecracker at me while I was cutting something with the torch near the gas tank of a BMW. Then again, I put a "honk if you want a BJ" sticker on the back of his MINI), but the minute that work stops getting done, I start getting mad.
So if you are up for the challenge, come see me when you get through school and don't forget to bring the chapstick and kneepads to the interview.
Dave
shawnhalolush OCT 22, 08:36 PM
" don't forget to bring the chapstick and kneepads to the interview. "

I did and it worked out well for me, lol.
Shawn
Austrian Import OCT 23, 12:21 AM

quote
Originally posted by bmwguru:
That's all for now....Joey and I are still trying to determine when the body shop will be taking the car away for five or six months to do the paint. She doesn't want to be without the car.
Dave



I hope you're being cynical. Paintjobs shouldn't take more than 2 months. Even the really good ones. The car can always cure when it's at home with you.

Love the scoops btw.
85duke OCT 23, 01:06 AM
Dave that was just me tryin to get close to that VR6 powered beast, but on a more serious note I start Nov. 17 and will be done in 75 weeks. I am taking the auto/diesel course.