Hi All,

I'm getting close to starting a Northstar swap into my '86 SE. Currently has the 2.8 with a 5 speed. I've ridden in a local members car with the Northstar mated to the cadi automatic. While I was most impressed with how that auto functioned, I think I'd be too sad to loose the 5 speed. I know there are a few on this list who have mated the Northstar to 5 speeds, though I'm not sure which 5 speed. I'm not even sure which 5-speed I have in my Fiero. I'm curious as to some of the details of the swap while keeping the manual. For instance:

Which 5 speeds work?

Is there a quick way for me to determine which 5 speed I have?

Do you simply re-use the existing driveaxles? Or do you need to get them modified?

How has the 5 speed been holding up for those that have gone that route?

Are the cradle modifications different if you keep the manual vs using the cadi automatic? I'm guessing so, just want to confirm.

Thanks in advance!

-John

I am working on a N* aurora/5spd isuzu trans right now. I am under the impression that you must have a getrag 5spd if your car came with the 2.8. I am not sure though. you will have to mod the cradle for the N* engine. If you use your 5spd then you can choose to leave it in its original mounts/location. That will let you keep the stock drive shafts. normally the forward crossmember is cut out of the cradle. some of us cut most of it out on the passinger side of the car (leaving the original front trans mount in place) and others cut the whole crossmember out. then you weld in a new one further forward that will give you room for the oil level sensor and the oil filter adaptor (and a/c compressor if you are going to use one). you will most likely have interference issues with the passinger side decklid hinge support and possibly the passinger side strut tower.
here is a link to a thread that gumert has made up that has tons of swap links and information that will help.
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/057075.html

one easy way to tell which trans you have is to look at the shift cables going to the trans. if they are secured above the trans together in one mount then you have an isuzu. if one cable goes in from above and another from the side or below then it should be a getrag. the getrag is the better of the two for strength. (if I messed up the getrag cable routing, someone please help... I have not seen one in person...)

good luck

Yes it has to be a Getrag, I have been told that the Isuzu cables are not going to line up right?
Do you know we have everything lined up for you at Spec as far as a flywheel and clutch goes?

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Bobby from NW Indiana
93 Northstar and 5 speed Getrag
219customs@verizon.net
My build thread