Ok, I have what I think is an 85 2.8 which I'm planning to put in my 87. From what I understand the 87 had a different timing cover and oil pan. Is it worth it to take the parts off my 87 engine to put on this rebuilt ? Also am I likely to have any problems with the ECM and 85 engine ?
Thanks
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11:19 PM
PFF
System Bot
Feb 21st, 2004
watts Member
Posts: 3256 From: Coaldale, AB, Canada Registered: Aug 2001
Bulk of it's the same - and it really depends on if it's an early or late 87 engine!
Easiest way to tell is look at the front edge of the pan. And early engine's pan is sloped up (about 45*) under the timing cover. The late ones are a full loop under them with a neoprene gasket - it's a million times better for sealing, and ease of removal/replacement. If you don't kill the gasket, it's virtually yours for life.
Other than that, the rest of the engine's the same (block, heads, induction, etc). Few minor changes to plug styles, and the engine mounts changed (no more hydraulic strut for example).
The 87's and 88's also had engraved upper plenums where as the 85 and 86's had a sticker that said "Fiero" on top instead. minor point and it could easily have been changed but i thought i'd bring it up.
------------------ Activities Director N.I.F.E.
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01:53 AM
GT-maniac Member
Posts: 597 From: Leduc, Alberta Registered: May 2000
Bulk of it's the same - and it really depends on if it's an early or late 87 engine!
Easiest way to tell is look at the front edge of the pan. And early engine's pan is sloped up (about 45*) under the timing cover. The late ones are a full loop under them with a neoprene gasket - it's a million times better for sealing, and ease of removal/replacement. If you don't kill the gasket, it's virtually yours for life.
Other than that, the rest of the engine's the same (block, heads, induction, etc). Few minor changes to plug styles, and the engine mounts changed (no more hydraulic strut for example).
Well it appears to be an early 87 engine which makes sense as this car was one of the first 3000 made in 87. The new motor might actually be a late 87 motor than and not an 85 as it has a full loop under it. That could be as I think this motor I'm putting in might have been a crate motor. It has no markings on it other than made in mexico. Was GM getting these motors from mexico back in 85 ?
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02:06 AM
Indiana_resto_guy Member
Posts: 7158 From: Shelbyville, IN USA Registered: Jul 2000
The 87's and 88's also had engraved upper plenums where as the 85 and 86's had a sticker that said "Fiero" on top instead. minor point and it could easily have been changed but i thought i'd bring it up.
I don't understand that one Dave. My 85 still has correct parts so far as I know and I have the engraved plenum.
Arn
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09:01 AM
NotAFieroAnyLonger Member
Posts: 4413 From: 75762/Texas/USA Registered: Dec 2003
Other than that, the rest of the engine's the same (block, heads, induction, etc). Few minor changes to plug styles, and the engine mounts changed (no more hydraulic strut for example).
I had the strut on my 87GT so that mean's it was an early 87 model..??
------------------ AKA. "SmoothGT".... Custom Built W I D E BODY~GT!! "I would rather be hatefully remembered, then just forgotten!!"
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09:48 AM
NotAFieroAnyLonger Member
Posts: 4413 From: 75762/Texas/USA Registered: Dec 2003
When I blew the motor on my '87, I was surprised to see a Gen II block with a Gen I crank. It had the timing cover and oil pan of the gen II, but the crank was externally balanced, instead of internally. Of course they were both toast so I just got a new gen II block & crank and a neutral flywheel, then reused what I could.
I don't understand that one Dave. My 85 still has correct parts so far as I know and I have the engraved plenum.
Arn
As the artist formerly known as Smooth already said; someone must have swaped the upper plenum because the 85 and 86's came with the decal where as the 87 and 88's came with the engraved plenum. Most people prefer the engraved one so it's often switched on the older models.
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02:09 PM
GT-maniac Member
Posts: 597 From: Leduc, Alberta Registered: May 2000
When I blew the motor on my '87, I was surprised to see a Gen II block with a Gen I crank. It had the timing cover and oil pan of the gen II, but the crank was externally balanced, instead of internally. Of course they were both toast so I just got a new gen II block & crank and a neutral flywheel, then reused what I could.
So how can you tell if the crank is externally balanced ?
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03:36 PM
PFF
System Bot
fiero_fan Junior Member
Posts: 10 From: Vernon, B.C. Canada Registered: Feb 2004
So how can you tell if the crank is externally balanced ?
Look for a weight on the flexplate or the flywheel. It is large and about 3 or 4 inches long. If it has a weight it is externally balanced. Don't make the same mistake I did and take someones word for it. It sucks having to re pull a motor and change the flywheel because you put the internally balanced flywheel on an externally balanced motor. Shakes like crazy! If the flywheel/flexplate are missing you will have to check the casting # of the block.
-Brian
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05:22 PM
Feb 22nd, 2004
Indiana_resto_guy Member
Posts: 7158 From: Shelbyville, IN USA Registered: Jul 2000
I wish I could get an answer on this so I don't end up getting the wrong pan gasket. Unfortunately I can't look at the flywheel as the trans is still attached to the old motor and I won't be taking it off for some months yet. I think the motor is an 85 but I'm not sure.
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06:10 PM
watts Member
Posts: 3256 From: Coaldale, AB, Canada Registered: Aug 2001
already said; someone must have swaped the upper plenum because the 85 and 86's came with the decal where as the 87 and 88's came with the engraved plenum. Most people prefer the engraved one so it's often switched on the older models.
