So I've got this '77 Camaro that I've been playing with, the engine looks like this...

...and the car looks like- well, it needs interior and exterior work. I thought at first that I would see if anyone was interested in trading for an '88 5 speed, but then I started looking around at some posts and started wondering about putting this 305 into my '85 Notchie. I've spent a lot of time playing around with the 305, gave her a new Performer intake, Holley 4150 carb... I'm taking the engine down and out of the Fiero to replace the exhast gaskets and clean things up, maybe paint some things that look a little rough, but now I'm wondering what your opinion is on taking the engine of of the Camaro and putting it into the Fiero. After that, I'd sell the Camaro shell and really concentrate all my energy on the Fiero. I have a welder, grinder, all kinds of stuff that would help me to do whatever needs to be done, but beyond that, I haven't the faintest idea where to go from here. I'm certainly not afraid to get dirty or make any modifications that might need to be done. Maybe more than anything else, it would be pretty cool to hang out in TD&Q with you guys for a while if you'll let me.

So, let me have it: OK idea, or not? If so, then any leads on how to accomplish this task would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for reading this far.

quote Originally posted by F-I-E-R-O: If so, then any leads on how to accomplish this task would be greatly appreciated.

This is a site that explains the SBC swap very, very well.

http://www.v8archie.com

quote Unlike the people who have copied my kits, Jazz and Ron's Mechanical and others, I can supply you with all of the parts you'll need. You won't have to call me later to supply you the flywheels or other parts that they can't supply. You won't have to call me later to rescue you from the want-to-be who can't originate something of his own design and is unable to supply the parts he doesn't understand.

Yikes! I'll have to be careful where I get what I need, I guess I'll have to make nice with Archie... Though I was hoping to not have to spend a ton of money to do this- hate to have to sleep with one eye open when Linda finds out.

You could by a used archie kit.. or off ebay..

Some things to consider...

1.) There is really no such thing as a cheap engine swap. You will have to establish a realistic budget right from the start. Among other things you will need:
*tranny adapter plate
*exhaust system
*motor mounts
*possibly different length axles etc.
Check out Archies web site. He has instructions and lists of items included in his kits

2.) Should have no problem with wiring or engine controls adapting your carbed 305

3.) How many miles are on that engine, are you going to rebuild it?

4.) While the 305 is a small block, it was never really a performance engine. My 82 305 had lots of torque but only put out around 150 hp. That's not a lot of improvement from your stock 2.8. Especially when you consider the added weight. Soooo, now we are considering rebuilding it, port & polish, cam, lifters, rockers, valve springs. While you're at it, overbore, new pistons & rods and on & on. At some point you will wish that you started with a 350 block with four bolt mains.

Don't get me wrong, I love small block Fieros but if you want significant hp, you are probably looking at investing over $4,000.

I would suggest selling the car intact & then looking for a late model small block that has more stock hp & doesn't need a rebuild. Then get an extra cradle and begin the process of building it up before you tear yours apart.

Just my thoughts......

Gordon - I could'nt have said it any better. And in addition,if this is the 1st swap, I suggest you investigate Archie's kit, cuz you will need his help.

If I were you I would invest $60-$75 and take that Camaro to a dyno shop and see how much power it is putting to the wheels. That would be your best indicator to see if it is worthwhile to put in your Fiero. Now, don't get disapointed with low HP #s unl;ess they are too low. Torque is king and will make a huge difference in a Fiero. A V8 Fiero is a wow factor if you like that and will beat any stock or mildly modified 2.8/3.1/3.4 Fiero. Bigger cost/difficult items will be kit, exhaust and new clutch to handle power (if stick). Axles will be fine for Archie or Archie alikes. I would say go for it if current rear wheel power levels are 45-50% or better than your stock 2.8 (around 110rwhp very well tuned)

------------------
Palm Beach Fieros
http://pbfieros.tripod.com

I spent some time going through his site last night and found a few others that discussed swaps. I think the best move is going to be to leave the Camaro intact and sell it the way it is. I'll def. get some money out of my investment (the car was only $850) and I'll use the extra to invest in a project the way Gordo suggested- extra cradle and newer engine. The fun part will be finding the right one and taking the time to put it together the right way while I still have the car to drive around. I was looking at the cars this morning and just know that I could get it started but would end up with a shell parked in front of the house and a parts garage in the house.

wow, checking classifieds over at thirdgen.org, people just give away 305's! It's too bad they don't seem to be worth the investment
edit to say the l69 "H.O." 305 made 190hp and 240tq

[This message has been edited by kwagner (edited 09-10-2005).]

yeah no one seems to like a 305, they are shunned upon by the f-body community. It can put out respectable power, im building one to put out 300 horses for another project of mine just because i already had the block machined and no car for it to go in.

Below is a webpage dedicated to the SS Monte Carlo which came stock with a 305. The page has excellent detailed info on the 305 including a practical modifying process to 290, 343 and 400 horsepower. A 350 would be preferrable but there is nothing wrong with making the most of what you already have especially when you can get the kind of numbers that have been achieved with it without the use of nitrous and forced induction, the 400 horse power build was said to have been done or could be done without removing the engine from the car: You already have the motor and for less than what it will likely cost you at the moment to purchase a 350 you can get more horsepower and torque out of the 305 than any Fiero transmission will allow you to appreciate anyway. A good cam, headers and intake can be had for around $300, but since you are considering the 305 I suggest you go ahead and take the money you would spend on a conversion kit and buy the Caddilac 4.9 for the weight savings, reduced modifications and adapters, and still have pretty much the same displacement and since it's not a 305 you won't here as much fuss about it.

Main page
http://www.montecarloss.com/technical.html

400 hp 305 build
http://www.hioutput.com/tech/400hp/400hp.html

[This message has been edited by Joseph Upson (edited 09-10-2005).]

the argument with any die hard chevy moter head is that the money is better spent on a 350. dollar for dollar the 350 will make more power. i personally wouldnt waste the time and money swapping a low compresison 305 into my fiero.

quote Originally posted by kwagner: wow, checking classifieds over at thirdgen.org, people just give away 305's!

Kind of like Fiero engines.