I am looking into putting an LT1 350 chevy engine into an 88 fiero. I read that the LT1 stock has a gear driven water pump...is this true? If so, is it possible to continue using the gear driven setup once the engine is in the fiero? Any other useful tips about this swap would be great so that I can learn more. Thanks

http://www.v8archie.com for all your LT1 swap needs.

Yes, you keep the cam driven water pump and Opti Spark distributor. Because of this, the LT1 is about 3" longer than a regular SBC, and requires moving the engine to the left 2-3". But it's very doable. Do a search for "LT1 Stinger" and you can find all sorts of pics of an LT1 buildup that Archie did recently.

Yes the water pump is gear driven. So is the optispark as far as I know they keep both. That is why the engine/trans are mover over to the drivers side. Contact archie or LT1fiero (winston) he has a web page on the install too. I don't have the link, but it is well done, and informative.

so if I put in an LT1 I have to move the tranny and engine to the left which means new axles and tranny mounts right?

quote Originally posted by natnov: so if I put in an LT1 I have to move the tranny and engine to the left which means new axles and tranny mounts right?

Yep, and you will need to notch the frame rails also. As for the tranny mounts you would want new ones anyways. Those rubber mounts amount to not much more than a big rubberband when you have the torque of a V8 ripping them apart.

One interesting thing that Archie has done with the LT1 is fabricating a way in which to turn the upper manifold around in order to get the intake pointing in the same direction as the stock V6.

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ouch, frame notching...I didn't know you had to do that...i don't like that....maybe I should rethink my choice of engines

quote Originally posted by LS1swap: Contact archie or LT1fiero (Winston) he has a web page on the install too. I don't have the link, but it is well done, and informative.

http://fierolt1.com

quote Originally posted by natnov: ouch, frame notching...I didn't know you had to do that...i don't like that....maybe I should rethink my choice of engines

That's right, if you want to use the LT1/4 you will have to notch the frame rails a bit. If you stick with a "normal" SBC you can fit it between the frame rails.

Archie

PS...define "normal" = Any SBC Except the LT1, LT4.

Archie

I am new to the sbc world...previously an import person...but I was curious if it is possible to say build a V8 fiero with a regular 350 and use a carb and all and then later fit it for fuel injection...???
Thanks

quote Originally posted by natnov: I am new to the sbc world...previously an import person...but I was curious if it is possible to say build a V8 fiero with a regular 350 and use a carb and all and then later fit it for fuel injection...??? Thanks

Yes you will just need to get the harness and ECM for the fuel injection too. there are aftermarket ones but they are $$$$ you are best off finding one at a bone yard.

Here is a question are you thinking new or used? if new check out the GM performance cat. or summit. if used you might want to look for an F/I L98 .it will probably will not be that much more than a used carbed SBC

[This message has been edited by LS1swap (edited 10-10-2002).]

What cars came equipted with the F/I L98 engine you mention? What are its specs? and about how much does one go for in good used condition?

There is nothing wrong about notching the frame. It is further reinforced with high strenght steel afterwards, which IMHO makes it the same if not stronger than OEM.

Still, this swap is not for the faint of heart. But if you are into high performance and hi-tech, LT1 all the way. (LS6 if you have the money).

Most if not all of your questions can be answered in my sig below.

quote Originally posted by natnov: ouch, frame notching...I didn't know you had to do that...i don't like that....maybe I should rethink my choice of engines

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Winston Ojeda
88 Fiero Formula LT1
Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
http://www.FieroLT1.com
Home of the Fiero LT1

Archie also has detailed info on his website: http://www.v8archie.com

Archie does this for a living, so he tries to answer any questions you might have on his website. Check it out.

Thanks for all the replies. I have been to V8 archies web site...what do you think gave me the idea anyway! I plan on buying a kit from him and doing the work myself. However I was just trying to get some ideas from people who have done it about different engines...Thanks again