I have a 1983 duke out of a firebird I am going to swap into an Opel GT. I want to use a webber carb and have no computer at all. What is the latest Duke out of a Fiero that I could use. The 1985 and 86 look interesting. Since the water pump is relocated on them they may fit better. I don't need a fan since I will use an electric fan. Need to know if I can ditch the computer and run with a carb and if a TH 200 transmission will bolt up to the later model Duke. I have a lot of experience with the 87 and 88 but none with the earlier years.

Also a guy is selling rebuilt heads that he says will fit an 82 to 87 duke. I don't think this is correct. What is the latest head I can use on an 83 Duke. Not sure if it is an R or a U.

DZ

Well in theory you can use Any engine without a computer so long as you're willing to run with a carb and a different ignition system.

But why on earth would you swap a 'duke Into a car? And why run a carb on it?

The duke have a provision for a distributor? You may have to run ignition off the crank sensor if not.

up to and including 86.. and only the "R" block.. i beleive... The "U" block has better oil flow but a different bolt patern.. ist out of Grand Ams and the such.. The "R" is the same out of the S10 I think.. could be backward on the "R" - "U" thing though..

87 and up were DIS ignition(?) no distributor...

Josh

Why a Duke? Would a 2.8, 3.1 etc. fit in the engine bay? Wouldn't be any more money (and if it fit) or work to put a V6 in, and an extra 30 or 40 ponies (and a faster reving motor) would sure be nice.

Hmmmm! Wonder if a 4.9 would fit in that engine compartment?

if using the th200 you need to use a RWD duke, possibly from a 82-85 S10? those may be carbed already, also if your running a TH200 try to find a 3.4L camaro/firebird block/heads, you can use a 82-85 S10 carb setup and just use a slightly better carb., all distributor and what nots from the s10 should swap right onto the 3.4L block/heads, it would be a 160HP 200ft/lbs opel, much better than the 100HP 140ft/lbs iron duke.

matthew

Can I have some of what you're smoking?

Seriously though, some late 70's/early 80's dukes had carburators. Fiero dukes had distributors up through the 86 model year.

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1984 Fiero SE

[This message has been edited by RWDPLZ (edited 12-14-2006).]

I've always wanted to put a v6 into one of those wanabe-mini-vetts. A duke would be my last choice even it were free. So many better 4 bangers out there and little V6s.

The duke fits well. For the V-6 you have to cut sheet metal. Also want the transmission shifter to fit the hole that is in the transmission hump. This combination accomplishes all that. Using a carb because I don't want to have to do much wiring, as would be required for a computer.

quote Originally posted by DZ: The duke fits well. For the V-6 you have to cut sheet metal. Also want the transmission shifter to fit the hole that is in the transmission hump. This combination accomplishes all that. Using a carb because I don't want to have to do much wiring, as would be required for a computer.

I'd like to add what I can on this...


The 85.5-86 model year will work with all of the "performance" parts offered by Holley and Hooker during the early 80s that were originally meant specifically for the 84 model year. THat said, I'm mentioning the 85.5-86 model years because HALF WAY through the 1985 production, they started to put roller-lifters in the Iron Duke / Tech-4. I highly recommend you consider building one of these as they run MUCH smoother. I have an 84, and have had a few 85s and an 86 with 4 cyls. While the 84 is my favorite (reason why I still have it), the improved engine is considerably better in my opinion. It ran smoother, and didn't sound like diesel truck engine when at idle.

Hope that helps!!!

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Todd,
2006 Pontiac Solstice
2004 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible (Wife's Car)
2002 Ford Crown Victoria LX
1987 Pontiac Fiero SE / V6 (3.2) 5-Speed
1984 Pontiac Fiero 2m4 SE
1984 Porsche 944 5-Speed
1981 Pontiac TransAm (Olds 455BB)
1973 Volkswagen Type-2 Transporter

quote Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]: I'd like to add what I can on this... The 85.5-86 model year will work with all of the "performance" parts offered by Holley and Hooker during the early 80s that were originally meant specifically for the 84 model year. THat said, I'm mentioning the 85.5-86 model years because HALF WAY through the 1985 production, they started to put roller-lifters in the Iron Duke / Tech-4. I highly recommend you consider building one of these as they run MUCH smoother. I have an 84, and have had a few 85s and an 86 with 4 cyls. While the 84 is my favorite (reason why I still have it), the improved engine is considerably better in my opinion. It ran smoother, and didn't sound like diesel truck engine when at idle. Hope that helps!!!

Why do you like the 84 more?

And I like the sound of it.

EDIT: Darn UBB tags.

[This message has been edited by AP2k (edited 12-15-2006).]

i had a opel gt that had a 3.8 v6 it was a beast, really quick. it used a 350 th tranny. also i would have rather had a 4 cyl. in that car rather than the v6. a lot of sheet metal was cut to make it fit and it wasn't the best fit either. i do miss that car, suprized alot of mustangs.

quote Originally posted by RWDPLZ: Can I have some of what you're smoking? Seriously though, some late 70's/early 80's dukes had carburators. Fiero dukes had distributors up through the 86 model year.

whats the deal with carbs?? I bought a performance intake from GM Performance in 2000, the one that fits stock 2.5s It was setup for a 4brl carb. ran a 650cfm on an 86 duke. it ran great.. had the hooker header on it too...

quote Originally posted by NSAN1T: whats the deal with carbs?? I bought a performance intake from GM Performance in 2000, the one that fits stock 2.5s It was setup for a 4brl carb. ran a 650cfm on an 86 duke. it ran great.. had the hooker header on it too...

I wasn't making fun of carbs, I was making fun of the duke. But if that's what fits best...

[This message has been edited by RWDPLZ (edited 12-17-2006).]

There's an opel GT site with lots of awsume cars and engine combos. Dont recall the name of the forum but you should be able to find it. Worth taking a look at.

quote Originally posted by AP2k: Why do you like the 84 more? And I like the sound of it. EDIT: Darn UBB tags.

Well, I like the 1984 model year the best, in my opinion, because it seems to me that, even though the 84 only came with a 4 cyl, they seemed to put more attention to detail in the overall vehicle.

There were a LOT of little things that existed in the 84, that slowly went away either immediately, or over the next couple of years.

Just a few of these examples are, the threshold FIERO / FISCHER logos, the seat-back elastic pockets, the headrest speakers, the GLASS sail-panels, WS6 suspension was very common, etc...


I mean, don't get me wrong, the other Fieros were equally as good, and they continued to improve the car in many ways, (headlights, motors, etc..).

But, the classic style of a notchback 84 SE with a stick and luggage rack just looks kind of cool to me.


This is a picture of my 84 Fiero 2m4 SE:



And actually... I'm bummed to admit it, but... I sold my 1984 Fiero 2m4 SE for a bottle of Rum on Saturday...

Truth be told, I have way too many projects, and since that nice picture was taken, the car has done nothing but rot at my parents house. The paint doesn't look anywhere near that good anymore, and the engine needs help. So my friend is going to completely re-do the entire car with all the parts I gave him, and that will be his new "fun" daily driver.

(He also has 2 Chevy Citations, one with a SuperCharged 3800, and the other with a 4.9 V8 in it)

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Todd,
2006 Pontiac Solstice
2004 Volkswagen Beetle Convertible (Wife's Car)
2002 Ford Crown Victoria LX
1987 Pontiac Fiero SE / V6 (3.2) 5-Speed
1984 Porsche 944 5-Speed
1981 Pontiac TransAm (Olds 455BB)
1973 Volkswagen Type-2 Transporter

what are the odds that you can get ahold of a cosworth motor from a vega?