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advice on 4.9 auto swap by westtexas
Started on: 04-16-2001 11:22 AM
Replies: 6
Last post by: qwikgta on 04-16-2001 11:03 PM
westtexas
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Report this Post04-16-2001 11:22 AM Click Here to See the Profile for westtexasSend a Private Message to westtexasDirect Link to This Post
I bought a '87 2M4, auto with a blown engine this weekend. I'm planning on swapping a 4.9 Caddy engine this summer. Basically, I want to learn the swapping process and have a little fun surprising some of the 'hot cars' in my little town (although I'm over a half century old I haven't grown up yet). I have printed out Bubbajoe's web pages on the swap and it seems to a good swap for a beginner. I'm going to buy his mounts. I'm asking for any advise or help you might have. One question I really need help on is the transmission. Should I use the original TH125 (146,000 miles on it) or the Caddy transmission, is one better than another? With the Caddy transmission will the half shafts be a problem? BTW,I'm definetely going automatic to reduce the swap complication. Thanks.

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mrfixit58
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Report this Post04-16-2001 01:12 PM Click Here to See the Profile for mrfixit58Send a Private Message to mrfixit58Direct Link to This Post
First off, WELCOME! A lot of use are hovering around the half century mark so you should feel right at home.

Your choice for an engine conversion project sounds like fun. I, too, have been digging into the 4.9 swap topic and Bubbajoexx has done us all a big favor with his research. He may also be the one to ask about the stock 4.9 tranny.

There is, however, a lot in the archives on automatic tranny swaps. Most are going for the 4 speed auto to gain the overdrive function. 440T, 4T60(?) seem to be the simplest. Do a search on "transmission swaps" or "overdrive" or even something like "440T" and see if some of the old posts can help.

Hope this helps,
Roy

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Jay
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Report this Post04-16-2001 01:23 PM Click Here to See the Profile for JayClick Here to visit Jay's HomePageSend a Private Message to JayDirect Link to This Post
Welcome to the board!
Well I'm not half a century old yet but almost 1/3 of a century, age however doesn't matter. Bubbajoe is a good source of info and answers questions. I think you are smart for staying with the automatic (cheaper, quicker install). In regards to the 1/2 shafts I'd imagine it is similar to what I did on my car (Northstar).
I've got photos and info on my web page. Just substitute the Northstar axles for the 4.9 axles(?).
Jay
1986 Northstar GT www.members.home.net/jaygrande

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Bluemagic
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Report this Post04-16-2001 03:58 PM Click Here to See the Profile for BluemagicSend a Private Message to BluemagicDirect Link to This Post
Welcome to the forum I am past 50 but the older I get the younger I feel not even using Viagra ha ha ha,I am doing a major 4.9 caddy transplant with NOS and although the engine was fairly new I changed the oil pump timing chain and Felpro head gasket also main and conrod bearings just to be on the safe side before I put the engine in the cradle.I am using the caddy 4 speed transmission instead of the 3 speed stock tranny I expect to have about 345 HP with other goodies like MSD6A ,underdrive pulleys,and exhaust work and this should be a lot of fun for those vettes,porsche to stare at my rear end for awhile in my piece of s*#~t Fiero so forget the chevy kit too expensive also why drive a chevy when you can drive a Cadillac.
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Report this Post04-16-2001 08:31 PM   Send a Private Message to BluemagicDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by westtexas:
I bought a '87 2M4, auto with a blown engine this weekend. I'm planning on swapping a 4.9 Caddy engine this summer. Basically, I want to learn the swapping process and have a little fun surprising some of the 'hot cars' in my little town (although I'm over a half century old I haven't grown up yet). I have printed out Bubbajoe's web pages on the swap and it seems to a good swap for a beginner. I'm going to buy his mounts. I'm asking for any advise or help you might have. One question I really need help on is the transmission. Should I use the original TH125 (146,000 miles on it) or the Caddy transmission, is one better than another? With the Caddy transmission will the half shafts be a problem? BTW,I'm definetely going automatic to reduce the swap complication. Thanks.
visit http://members.fortunecity.com/bubbajoexx/
the 440t will use the stock fiero axles and you use 89 pontiac 6000 with overdrive mounts on the tranny and it will bolt into the stock location . 45 and still kickin

[This message has been edited by bubbajoexx (edited 04-16-2001).]

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westtexas
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Report this Post04-16-2001 10:46 PM Click Here to See the Profile for westtexasSend a Private Message to westtexasDirect Link to This Post
This forum is incredible. By far the best resource on Fieros I've found. I'll spend many hours going through the archives, labor of love. Thanks for all of the great replies. My next step is to actually start finding the engine and transmission. I'll use one of the auto four-speeds you mentioned. I have a '86 GT with a Muncie 4-speed. The synchros are bad, probably because the previous owner didn't mind grinding the gears. The steel clutch pedal was installed wrong and the transaxle seals were leaking. It was almost dry. I'm going to put another Muncie in it but I'm somewhat burned on Fiero manuals.

Bubbajoe: I need all of your great knowledge and experience as will many others. This swap is a natural. Thanks for the reply. I'll be asking a few questions before the summer is over.

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qwikgta
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Report this Post04-16-2001 11:03 PM Click Here to See the Profile for qwikgtaSend a Private Message to qwikgtaDirect Link to This Post
BubbaJoe, you sold me, great site, I have a deal on a 4.5 and I think Im going to jump on it. The guy is letting the engine go for $350.00 with harness and CPU. I just have to do the pulling, at his house. He wants to much for the trannie and rest of car, I only want the engine and acc. Thanks again for the site, you may be hearing from me soon.

Rob

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qwikgta@yahoo.com
88 T-Top coupe
http://robsfieroproject.homestead.com/index.html

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