Until I can find the perfect Fiero for sale (White/gray int, 88GT, 5-sp, AC, sunroof/t-tops, good condition, not too far from MN), I am working on another project which might involve the front clip of either a 4.9L or Northstar Caddy. I know it's not directly Fiero related, but hopefully some of you who have dealt with the Caddy's can help me out! These are probably stupid, basic questions, but I'll ask anyways!!
Ok, the project I'm working on is a rear-engined hot rod, and I want to take the front clip of a FWD car, and graft it onto the frame in the back. I think the 4.9 or the N* would be a good candidate - good power, V8 rumble, and the ease-of-use/reliability of a computer-controlled engine; but I have a couple of concerns/questions:
1) When dealing with a computer controlled engine, what components do I need to grab from the donor car for it to work correctly? Engine, transaxle, computer, wiring harness, ignition, and gauges are what I can think of - am I missing anything? If just transplant all of these components to the project car and hook up all the wires as they were in the Caddy, will I easily be able to convince these components into thinking they're still in the Caddy, or will there be a lot of things that I have to trick, suck as the ABS and VATS systems?
2) The Caddys have big, ugly struts in front, right? Are those easily replaced by coilovers? If so, know of any good donor cars to get coilovers from?
3) Does an auto transaxle from a Caddy just use one cable, whether it's on the column or console?
4) What axles are compatible with the transaxle in the 4.9's and N*'s? Also, what axles work with the older TH425, TH325, and TH325-4L's? How spendy is it to have custom-length axles made?
5) If I want to use the engine and transaxle from a 4.9 or N* Caddy, but the suspension from a RWD vehicle (has to be as compact as possible, no struts!), what vehicle would be a good donor (keeping compatible axles in mind)?
6) Are wheel adapters, the kind that change bolt pattern size, trustworthy in a 300+ hp application? (Assuming 5x4.5" wheels can't be forced to fit on a 5x115mm bolt circle...)
7) Since my hot rod will be smog exempt, what extra crap can be remove from the engine/drivetrain, like EGR, cats, etc, and what do these modifications involve (removal of components, tricking the computer)?
8) Lastly, does anyone have any cheap, running Caddy's for sale? It's ok if they're smashed up, as long as the engine, transaxle, radiator, front suspension, and computer are in good running condition.
*Whew!!* Sorry for the length of this post, but any help is appreciated, and I'm always eager to learn new things!!!
