I'm considering a V-8 conversion on an 88 coupe. I'm trying to get a general consensus of which transmission would be better. Do most of you V-8 owners generally have an Auto or Manual transmission? Also, is the auto tranny the same on the v-6 as well as the 4 cyl?

I have an auto tranny with my V8 Batmobile, and all auto Fieros use the same tranny (TH125). I'll never own another manual shift Fiero.

It all depends on your preference. If you like to have alittle more control over the power of a V8, then go with a manual. They're fun to drive. The 4 cyl have Izusu trannies and the V6's have Getrag/Muncie trannies. The Getrags are tanks!! I think they can handle up to 400hp. My buddy is putting a 350 blueprinted for 368hp and a guy that specializes on fiero conversions told him to use the Getrag. There aren't too many Getrag's from fiero's available. Check out the Rodney Dickman website, he has a list of non fiero's that have Getrag's in them. Good Luck

Well, according to JPT, the V-6 125's have a couple more disks in the clutch packs, and the "lock-up" on the Torque converter has wider friction material on it.

The Automatics, when beefed up properly go like crazy, but I've always preferred stick shift cars. Going all the way back to the '60's, every car I've ever bought for myself was a stick (except for Fieros).

Archie

Batboy, is that because you don't like driving them anymore, or because you are sick of working on them??

I have used a 4 spd muncie behind a 355 lbs torque motor without any problems. Getrags are o.k. too. Any fiero tranny will break if you think it's bullet proof. -

Like Archie, I used to always have 4 speed vehicles. But, these Fiero clutch hydraulics are for the birds. At least I don't like them anymore. Getting older has a lot to do with it too. In addition, the autos have gotten so much better over the years. My 1950 Chevy truck hotrod I'm building with a Camaro subframe will have a old fashion Muncie 4 speed with manual clutch linkage and Hurst shifter...ah, the good ol' days!

I believe the autos are a little easier on the drivetrain and the car in general in the long run too. The TH125 is fairly tough, especially if you get them beefed up a bit like Archie suggests. With a V8, they do need a shift kit too.

[This message has been edited by batboy (edited 10-25-2000).]

I used the O/D automatic(440T4)and I think it
is great for daily driving.I cruise at 70MPH
at 2000RPM!-this is good for the engine as
well as great fuel mileage.The only problem
I have discovered is under REALLY HARD right
turns the damn thing goes into neutral(engine
revs free!)because the fluid pickup screen
becomes uncovered-the fluid "washes up" the
inside of the case!!!I'm talk'in hard turns
here-like hard enough that the washer fluid
pushes out of the resevior onto the windsheild.Anyone who runs their car hard
knows what I mean.For drivers who are not
foaming at the mouth lunatics,I think the
O/Dautomatic is the best way to go!

Elfiero..... On the 440.. do you know of anyplace that has instructions and a parts list of what you need to do that swap. I like my little 2.8 in one of my GT's but would love to have the OD for the highway. Thanks

I think there is no greater thrill than revving up and dropping the clutch in a Manual . I have 10 times the fun with a Manual sports car.

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FREAK;I dont know of any kits or instructions
for this swap-I just looked at the "ACE" web-
site and figured it out from there!you use the brackets that come with the 440 from the
"donor" car,and the stock fiero rubber mounts
you have to reposition the rear mount to the right about an inch.the biggest thing is you
have to modify your axle lengths,but I did
this on my own to save money.Go for it!you
can do it!!

Thanks for everyone's input. I like the idea of a strenghtened automatic transmission. Does anyone make a kit for this, or does it have to be done at a transmission shop? Also, is a shift kit required? I thought shift kits just made the transmission shift more firmly and abrupt, instead of smoothly shifting into gear. Maybe there's more to this than I'm aware of. Any comments?

For performance and with an engine with lots of torque, you want crisp, quick shifts. Not long, smooth shifts. Less wear with quick shifts. Check out this website for shift kits and more info.

http://www.teleport.com./~txchange/index.shtml

I just got done checking with Twin Lakes Fiero about a trans change. I have 410 4 speed and wanted to go with the 440 4 spd auto. He says you have to change flywheel/flexplate, axles, complete engine and dash wiring harness, even more if you have cruise. He quoted $4500.00 with a brand new trans. Im tired of riding clutch in traffic...anyone have a automatic V6/V8 Ferrari or Lambo kitcar to trade for my stick Ferrari 308. Everything is like new in and out and runs like a bat outta h__l.

manual 4-5 spd

I'm running the Isuzu 5 speed with my V8 without any problems. The duel friction clutch is actually lighter than my stock 87GT's clutch, go figure.

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BBBAD V8

BBBAD GT

BBBAD 5.0