what makes the 87-88 V6 squeeze another 10hp and 10ftlbs of torque? are the parts interchangeable?

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What makes you think that is true? Actually, the 88 was rated 5 hp lower than the 85-87 V6

I thought i heard a long time ago that the 85 was actualy the more powerful engine by like 5-10 hp. Something to do with the computer. Well thats what i've heard so who knows if it's true. The parts are all interchangeable except for the 88 2.8. It was internally balanced so the flywheel and damper have to stay with the rotating assembly. Someone more edjumakated must chime in here.

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HARDCORE SBC CRONIE AND PROUD OF IT ! GOT TQ ?

[This message has been edited by FIEROPHREK (edited 06-18-2006).]

The wing adds 5 hp and 5 lb trq. The power windows and mirrors add another 5 and 5. There you have your extra 10. Additional window stickers add 2 or 3 horsepower depending on colors. I know this to be all true because I read it on ricer.com ;-)

I believe that any "changes" in the ratings were actually changes in the measurement criteria.
The engines are essentially identical except for the internal balancing of the 88.
I've got most of the V6 EPROM images for the 86-88 model years. I'll look to see if any of the parameters are different.

I thought the difference had to do with the RPM range at which the engines were tested

quote Originally posted by Hank is Here: I thought the difference had to do with the RPM range at which the engines were tested

Exactly.
And I have heard that the test was made at a lower RPM so that the engine would squeak by the noise regs.

Actually the 87-88 were rated at lower RPM's for emission/MPG ratings. (1987 was the change over year) But as stated above, aside from the internally balanced crank in the 88's, The 85-88 V-6's are nearly identical mechanically. There is differences in the ECM's like the 85 ECM has a knock sensor input and there may be some changes to the fuel curve between years but I doubt they have any effect on the horsepower.

quote Originally posted by FIEROPHREK: I thought i heard a long time ago that the 85 was actualy the more powerful engine by like 5-10 hp. Something to do with the computer. Well thats what i've heard so who knows if it's true. The parts are all interchangeable except for the 88 2.8. It was internally balanced so the flywheel and damper have to stay with the rotating assembly. Someone more edjumakated must chime in here.

I thought the 85 SE was the fastest because it was the lightest & had the 4 speed muncie

I would guess the Formula would be the fastest as it has the lighter notch body and normally didn't come equipped with most of the options that the SE models tended to have.

But yes, the cam and other specs were identical for all the Fiero V6 motors, the power ratings took place at different RPMs across the years for reasons that had nothing to do with performance.

JazzMan

quote Originally posted by JazzMan: I would guess the Formula would be the fastest as it has the lighter notch body and normally didn't come equipped with most of the options that the SE models tended to have. JazzMan

The 85 SE was on the lighter notchback body. They were built on a base coupe with the V-6 and WS4 suspension. You might be thinking of the 86/87 SE's which were the same as the 85 GT's. (aero-coupe)
The 84-87 chassis' were lighter than 88's because of the 88 brakes and suspensions.

in my chiltons book it states:
84-86 173(2.8) mpi 130hp@5400 160 tq @3600
87-88 173(2.8) mpi 140hp@5200 170 tq @3600
i have found mistakes in here before so it wouldnt shock me if this was wrong especially since peak power dyno tested at the wheels is closer to 4500rpm

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quote Originally posted by Pyrthian: I thought the 85 SE was the fastest because it was the lightest & had the 4 speed muncie

That is correct. I saw it in black & white once upon a time in a sheet listing performance specs for all Fieros produced. 85 2.8 SE was fastest of all. Not by a sizeable margin, but still fastest. Wish I'd done a printout of those specs at the time "cuz" now I have no clue where to find them.

quote Originally posted by hatchetrider84: in my chiltons book it states: 84-86 173(2.8) mpi 130hp@5400 160 tq @3600 87-88 173(2.8) mpi 140hp@5200 170 tq @3600 i have found mistakes in here before so it wouldnt shock me if this was wrong especially since peak power dyno tested at the wheels is closer to 4500rpm

The 130hp/160 tq is the Firebird HO V-6 spec.
The 140hp/170 tq is the Fiero 1985/1986 spec
The Fiero 1987/1988 is 135 @ 4200 and 165 at 3400 rpm

All I know is.. my 85 SE Auto pushed me back into my seat on acceleration... ( No wonder my wife loved driving it... she smoked a few kids takin' off at the lights a cpl times... )

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'86 Fastback SE 5 spd -'00 HD 1200XL Sportster -'99 Chevy K-1500 Z-71

[This message has been edited by kyote (edited 06-20-2006).]

Another vote for the '85 se, had an '86 se not the same, and '85 GT not the same. Although the GT is better than the 86. Of course the 88 duke was LOUSY!