Well heres the facts...I obviously love Fieros..but, Ive never been a big fan of the problematic engines that power them. Have you ever noticed that a Fiero engine is either bullet proof, that is, rarely giving you any probs (like my 86 SE V6 daily driver), or they're pure crap (like my Formula, 87 Gt, ect.), constantly giving problems? Yes yes, I realize they're old, and I hate to even bring this up right now w/ that stupid 4 banger bashing post sloth posted. After doing much V8 readings on the forum,as well as drooling over Archies site for some time now, Ive come to the conclusion that it is time for a V8 in my 87 GT. If all goes well, most of my Fieros will recieve the same treatment, with the stock V6 engines getting dumped at the bottom of the Mississippi! BTW, the V8(s) will all be Chevy 350s CARBED engines...NO LT1's or any fuel injected, computer run engines....I absolutly HATE those stupid computers in cars...more complicated, more crap to go wrong! Cant go wrong w/ a good old fashion carbed engine! So, like many Jaguar, DeLorean, and Fiero owners, Ill keep the body and interior of our beloved cars, but ditch the overcomplex powertrane in favor of a good old carbed V8! This will actually be starting THIS week on my 87 Gt (that has sat since I bought it over a year ago due to constant seemingly unrepairable probs), and I'll be sure to keep it posted! ARCHIE, I'll be giving you a call in a few! Cant wait, WOO HOO!!!!!!!!!!!! Edit, sorry, this should've been in the GFC section...oops. ------------------ My 7 Fieros
[This message has been edited by My7Fieros (edited 07-30-2001).]
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03:56 PM
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AkursedX Member
Posts: 2890 From: Lackawanna NY Registered: Aug 2000
Originally posted by My7Fieros: ...BTW, the V8(s) will all be Chevy 350s CARBED engines... NO LT1's or any fuel injected, computer run engines.
You must not have to pass emissions tests in Memphis. Generally, a replacement powertrain must include all of the emissions equipment that came on the original car, in order to pass. Can a carbed engine be made to run as clean as a FI setup, and still run properly?
Just curious. And a bit envious as well.
------------------ Raydar - aka Steve
Black 88 Formula. Red 88 Duke coupe. "The Project" 88 Formula parts car. "The Donor"
[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 07-30-2001).]
You won't regret it, I certainly don't. I am constantly driving around town just for the fun of it. I love my car with the V8 and I am already thinking of doing another swap into my second GT. BTW I used Archie's kit and it works great.
Jim 87 GT 87 GT V8 T-TOP
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05:01 PM
BC-GT Member
Posts: 719 From: Burnaby BC, Canada Registered: Mar 2001
I hear you, sick of chasing around computer codes and replacing sensors BUT: I looked into getting a carbed manifold and carb for the 2.8 today and it's way expensive. I know it's not a V8 but I hate that Friggin computer as well and can't afford the kit. Breakdown: (Canadian Funds)
Originally posted by Jimmy: You won't regret it, I certainly don't. I am constantly driving around town just for the fun of it. I love my car with the V8 and I am already thinking of doing another swap into my second GT. BTW I used Archie's kit and it works great.
Jim 87 GT 87 GT V8 T-TOP
Just a few questions Jimmy, how much did it cost you? What motor did you put in? Who did the swap? I'm ready to do mine, just have to sort out a few things. But still don't know whether to go LT1, or a rebuilt carbed 350. I want to keep it naturally aspirated, no NOS, supercharging or turbos. What's your advice? Will it be worth doing the upgrade?
I did everything except the machining and rebuild of the engine, the exhaust and the custom built radiator. Otherwise I put everything into the car and hooked it all up. Oh yeah and I also drive it!
LT1 costs quite a bit more as you need custom axles since you have to move everything to the driver side. You should call Archie about that swap. I know he can give you more insite. I went with the carb cause it was simpler to install and way cheaper.
If your asking me if its worth upgrading, I say DEFINTELY! I am so happy with my V8. I was very surprised at how much better my Fiero feels with a lot more power.
BTW I am going to put nitrous on my car as it only costs about $400 for a 100-125 shot.
my intake was alreay on the motor but look into the edelbrock torqer 2. you'll need a hood scoop but its worth it.
I have an extremly built 3.2 stroker (previous owner of engine said it dynoed at 270 hp @ 7000 rpms). with he holley 390 non-emsissions carb and the edelbrok torqer 2 or it might be thruster 2, i dont remember off hand, and its ported, and the car has a lot of get up and go. From the 2 times driving it my dad said it feels faster then his vette so I cant wait to go to the track. youll need a spacer for the holley carb and that intake on an auto, and no spacer for a standard.
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07:17 PM
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artherd Member
Posts: 4159 From: Petaluma, CA. USA Registered: Apr 2001
I totally agree with the comments on the "engines" in the fiero. to put it bluntly, they suck. (untill they blow up, then they do nothing)
But Carbs?! I'm all for to-each-his-own and all, but I personally find a fuel injected engine to be one of the simplest, most elegant designs in it's purest form.
A 3D equation based map where the axies are throttle opening, rpm, and fuel delivery (injector pulse width, corrected for lin.)
That's it. TPS, injector, and a spark that fires *now* (whenever it's exactly the right time, in a DIS system at least.)
It's all that EMMISIONS crap that keeps going wrong and is six-ways-to-sunday complex :A)
Carbs scare me, jets, vaccum advance, vaccum EVERYTHING, resivors, floats, additional barrels. Carb freezing. did I mention jets? Eeeeek!!
Maybe that's why I'm building my v8 fiero, using a northstar.(one of the more, ah, complex swaps :)
One thing is for sure though, we're *all* going to have some durned fun cars!!!
Best! Ben.
------------------ Ben Cannon 88 Formula, T-top Metalic Red 88 Formula, Silver 87 Coupe, Metalic Red "Every Man Dies, not every man really Lives" -Mel Gibson, "Braveheart"
Originally posted by 84 2in1: one option is to use the manifold and distributor out of a 82 to 85 S-10 truck/blazer 2.8. these had no comp in them what so ever.-B-
Yeah, but that variable venrurii 2 bbl is worse than any kind of fuel injection.
Thanks for the advice, I'm looking to keep cost as far down as possible, I'm not a total tech head myself but a buddy of mines dad builds race engines and he said he'd do one up for me if I wanted, so I think I'd rather go carbed 350. What advice do you have to help me keep the cost down? I'm not a very rich man you know.
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California Kid Member
Posts: 9541 From: Metro Detroit Area, Michigan Registered: Jul 2001
If you're going "carb'ed" and you plan on using this car for show, pick up a used Tripower setup (progressive linkage) with manifold for the small block. The carbs are easy to rebuild. Make sure your engine guy selects the right cam for it.
It will be a real "Eye Catcher" with performance to boot !!!
I'm not really going for show, I just want pure balls, but obviously not too much that my car can't handle it. My engine guy will know exactly what to do, that's what he does all day, builds drag and stock car engines. What is the safest amount of power I can go with before I start doing some damage to the frame and possibly other things?
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09:01 AM
Will Member
Posts: 14303 From: Where you least expect me Registered: Jun 2000
Originally posted by California Kid: If you're going "carb'ed" and you plan on using this car for show, pick up a used Tripower setup (progressive linkage) with manifold for the small block. The carbs are easy to rebuild. Make sure your engine guy selects the right cam for it.
It will be a real "Eye Catcher" with performance to boot !!!
Tripower? Nah... Webers
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12:42 PM
Archie Member
Posts: 9436 From: Las Vegas, NV Registered: Dec 1999
You're THE V8 Archie right? If not, then these questions won't apply. How much are your kits for an 85GT? What's the cost to ship to Winnipeg Manitoba? What will I need that your kit does not include? Any advice about the V8's as well would be appreciated.
P.S. v8archie.com RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!
------------------ Dan 1985 Silver GT
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02:32 PM
California Kid Member
Posts: 9541 From: Metro Detroit Area, Michigan Registered: Jul 2001
Originally posted by Will: Tripower? Nah... Webers
Hey Will........You and I think alike!!! Webers came to mind with me too, but he stated he was on a tight budget, and not too "motor minded", synco on the carbs is a little touchy.
I'd almost be willing to dump my TPI Upper end for an 8 one barrel weber setup !!! I can just imagine the awesome sound of the sucker takin' air in !!! It would also be a big attention getter at the shows.
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10:27 PM
Aug 2nd, 2001
Will Member
Posts: 14303 From: Where you least expect me Registered: Jun 2000
Originally posted by California Kid: Hey Will........You and I think alike!!! Webers came to mind with me too, but he stated he was on a tight budget, and not too "motor minded", synco on the carbs is a little touchy.
I'd almost be willing to dump my TPI Upper end for an 8 one barrel weber setup !!! I can just imagine the awesome sound of the sucker takin' air in !!! It would also be a big attention getter at the shows.
If you really don't like that TPI, I guess I might be convinced to take it off your hands That would free up room under your decklid for Weber-look-alike fuel injection.
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01:25 AM
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Raydar Member
Posts: 41491 From: Carrollton GA. Out in the... country. Registered: Oct 1999
Originally posted by Raydar: You must not have to pass emissions tests in Memphis. Generally, a replacement powertrain must include all of the emissions equipment that came on the original car, in order to pass. Can a carbed engine be made to run as clean as a FI setup, and still run properly?
Steve, Any hot rodder can tell you that most of the emissions testing stuff is just a way for the gov't to get money. A regular engine that is in good working order runs a lot cleaner WITHOUT all the emissions stuff on it. Catalytic converters are the biggest problem going to the ozone right now and they know it. But just think of the money they'd lose if they admitted it...
LOL, well of course the hot rodder is going to tell you that. And the gov't is going to tell a different story. It's what makes the Hot rodder a hot rodder, and the gov't the gov't.
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01:41 PM
My7Fieros Member
Posts: 3357 From: Germantown, TN Registered: Jun 2000
Emmisions? Who gives a $hit about emmision? lol...seriously though, if you live in the city of Memphis, yes, you do have to go through inspection. I live in Germantown though (burb), anyone living in Shelby County (not in Memphis city limits) doesnt have to go through inspections..so, NOT a factor! MMMMWWWWAAAAAA! BTW, got a SBC 350 out of an 70 Monte Carlo....yessss!
j/k
