So I'm looking to see if I can find someone that has done a GM Crate ZZ4 swap into a Fiero. This is what I am planning for later this year. If so, which v8 swap kit, if any, did you use? Any problems to make note of ahead of time?
I did a ZZ3 swap into my '86 this winter/spring. A zz3 is basically the same as a ZZ4. I used archies kit. I also got his 4 core radiator and the Centerforce clutch. I will tell you the swap isn't as straightforward as it may seem. There really isn't any great flaws with it, but every once and a while you'll get somewhere that doesn't seem to work quite right. I know when I put in the 4 core radiator and went to bolt the stock electric fan onto it, I had to space it out away from the rad. about an inch with fender washers to keep it from contacting. Nothing major, but still an inconvenience. The centerforce is still in the box on a shelf in the garage as I've heard people having a lot of problems with them so I went with a Spec Stage 3+. Expensive, but she'll hold. Be aware that notching the passenger side frame rail may be necessary, I had to do it but I was prepared and have the tools and skills for it not to be a problem for me. Also, the waterpump situation is a little touchy. I'm not very fond of Archies belt drive so I went with a CSR electric. Unfortunately, mine won't fit mounted to the block with out some serious surgery to the shock tower which I am not willing to do on a uni body car. Therefore, I moved my battery and remotely mounted my waterpump where the stock battery used to be. I've never used or even seen any other V8 kits but I'm sure Archies is the best. He is always there for his customers and will do whatever he can to help you out. Basically what it comes down to, is how much money do you want to spend? You can do a swap pretty cheap actually and it can be of satisfactory quality. I decided my swap was going to be clean and done the way it should be. I spent a lot of money, and I'm still spending. But, it looks great and is bulletproof. I can give you more details on my swap if you are interested. I'll throw a pic in too so you can see how mine looks. Good luck,
What strut tower brace is that on your car?. I've heard opinions that vary or that they don't do "much" because of the design of the car. But I like the looks of them anyway. I'm doing my V8 Swap now.
Thanks Brian
IP: Logged
02:15 PM
PFF
System Bot
Alex4mula Member
Posts: 7405 From: Canton, MI US Registered: Dec 1999
Look here my install. Not a ZZ4 but all SBCs are similar. I tried to document the good and mainly the bad that nobody talks about it (when they do it themself). Still the satisfaction is awesome and the attention on the road incredible
3084me, Darrel Morse used to make them. I bought mine when he was clearing out his last batch. As far as I know he has a few for 88's left but I could be wrong. I've heard the same thing about the space frame being rigid enough that a strut tower brace doesn't do much of anything. But I agree with you, I bought it for looks. Here is his SN, morse86@aol.com, send him a PM and see if hes got a few sitting around. I will tell you they are of the highest quality. They are powder coated and very beefily built. You don't use those little oval thingys for the shock tower and his brackets look a ton better. Good luck.
Alex4mula, I remember reading you're thread top to bottom as I started digging into my swap and it is very informative. Very good job of showing the dirty little secrets. Just like you said, no one talks about. Great job!
-Tim
IP: Logged
06:37 PM
$Rich$ Member
Posts: 14575 From: Sioux Falls SD Registered: Dec 2002
