Hello to everyone! I have a few questions for anyone who can answer them. What are the advantages/disadvantages and or likes/dislikes or swapping either a Northstar or Chevy 350? EX: What the cost difference, relibility differences (as a daily driver), Installation, emissions, and dragability? By the way, the car is an '88 Formula Auto. Also, is there any shops like Ed Parks' facility that would supply the motor and do the swap in PA or close?
I need all the info I can get because I am only 16 and don't want to waste my hard earned money on something that will give me one headache after another.

Hate to be a PITA here, but...you'll need alot of $$$. Either (engine)way you're minimum cost is $3000+.(more,to do it up right!!!) Use the 'search' button and you'll find answers to most of your questions.
Or, look at it another way, it would be a 'tremendous learning curve' that you might be able to sell to your parents!!!
good luck, there's nothing like a V8...
Sandy

sbc will be MUCH cheaper. Performance parts are everywhere and again much cheaper. If you wanted fuel injection the TPI systems are a dime a dozen and there are aftermarket harnesses that are plug and play.

As far as reliable. that depends on who you ask. V8 archie drives v8 fieros everyday and has for many years. the Northstar is very reliable as well if installed right.

for the strip. Ive never seen a northstar get into the 10's. Small blocks have been doing that for years. And its been done in fieros.

Neither will be cheap.

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JOEJOE Aol:SSFiero
Two 88FORMULAS Red & Yellow and a Black 86GT
SSFiero@Aol.com

What will I need to do to the factory 3-Speed auto? I want it to be able to handle the power and torque of either engine. What will make it durable enough to handle hard launches and possible burnouts? Thanks. BTW: Does anyone know if a V8 Fiero will pass inspection and emissions?

the stock auto will not hold up to either engine. best stick with the 4t80e trans that is used behind the n* in the caddys. or a 440t for use behind sbc. small block would be cheaper and easier to do. stock n*'s doing mid 13's at drag strip. easiest v8 swap is caddy 4.9, or so i've read.

For a V8, the Cadillac 4.9L coupled to it's matching 4E60T 4 speed automatic transmission is a nice choice. This engine provides 275 ft lbs of torque and is no heavier than the 2.8L There are few options for mods though.
If you wish to "Hot Rod" your engine to the hilt, the SBC will provide many options but it is the heaviest choice and you are limited to the power can be handled by the Fiero drivetrain before a trans swap is also necessary. You can contact V8 Archie to get an idea of the kit cost and what is involved in the swap. Archie has been doing SBC swaps longer than anyone. If you want "macho" appeal then the SBC may be for you.
The 4.6L Northstar is a fantastic high tech lightweight engine but is probably the most expensive swap of all. The ECM that runs this engine doesn't like to do it outside of a Cadillac so some serious electrical mods are necessary to get it to work correctly. As with the 4.9L you can't do much to modify this engine. What you have is what you'll keep. I like the Northstar engine but there are much more cost effective ways to get the same power.
I've read stories about Northstar Fieros running mid 13 second 1/4 mile times. That is certainly respectable but when I compare it to the 12.5 second 1/4 mile by a guy from PA with a nitrous fed turbocharged 3.2L it changed my thinking that cubes don't always matter in the 1/4 mile.

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87GT 3.4 Turbo Best 0-60 5.2 seconds
http://turbofiero.fierojoe.com/turbo.htm

Thanx for everyone who replied. What do you think I should do then? The only reason I wanted the V8 was for the power but mostly the sound (can't beat a rumbly 8). Is there a cheaper way to do this? Like a turbo or Blown 3.4 or something? Which is the cheapest engine swap that will allow me to beat a high-headed owner of an IROC-Z? All the kids with the V8's say they would kill a V6 so is there a cheap way to destroy them reliably, without turning to NOS? I also want a loud and rumbly exhaust tone, NOT like some import! What do you guys (and girls) think? I there anyone in PA who has done a swap that could possibly help me? Thanks to everyone.
Justin

If you really want a N*, a SBC just won't do, as it's not a DOHC motor.

Read more, if all you want to do is beat an 80s Firechicken, just dump in a 3800SC and go.

Best!
Ben.

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Ben Cannon
88 Formula, T-top, Metalic Red. (2:13.138 at Sears Point) "Every Man Dies, not every man really Lives"
88 Formula, Northstar, Silver, In-Progreess. -Mel Gibson, "Braveheart"

quote Originally posted by EMX5636: The only reason I wanted the V8 was for the power but mostly the sound (can't beat a rumbly 8). Is there a cheaper way to do this? Like a turbo or Blown 3.4 or something? Which is the cheapest engine swap that will allow me to beat a high-headed owner of an IROC-Z? All the kids with the V8's say they would kill a V6 so is there a cheap way to destroy them reliably, without turning to NOS? I also want a loud and rumbly exhaust tone, NOT like some import! What do you guys (and girls) think? I there anyone in PA who has done a swap that could possibly help me? Thanks to everyone. Justin

You can't beat the sound of a SBC w/ headers and exhaust. If you want that rumpety sound, that's your ticket. No one will ever mistaken your motor for a stock motor that's for sure. As I always say, "chicks dig it, men fear it."

Those IROC's are pretty sad. The V6 Fieros in stock trim should give these guys a hard rub. From what I remember, these cars do the 1/4 mile in the upper 15 - 16 sec. range. Not much competition there.

Farknocker