I have a chance to get a brand new 2.8L crate engine for an 86 firebird and i would like to but it in my 87 Fiero GT. Does anyone know if they are the same or what mod I would have to make to make it fit?

Looks like they are different but I'm not an expert

Firebird 173 (2.8L, VIN "S")
Fiero 173 (2.8L, VIN "9")

[This message has been edited by CC Rider (edited 05-09-2008).]

Probably different intake, although I think both have the same design, just one has Fiero on it. And probably the starter location, so you would have to drill for the different starter location like people do on the 3.4L. Since that is a Firebird engine also.

I believe the intake points the wrong way. I had an 88 Firebird 2.8, the intake pointed torwards the front of the car. In a Fiero that would end up with the intake pointing to the right. I don't think it would clear the distributor flipped around.

The starter holes would probably be on the wrong side as well I believe.

[This message has been edited by Xanth (edited 05-09-2008).]

The swap issues are the same for the 2.8 and 3.4 F-body motors for the most part. The biggest is the starter relocation, though there's a possibility that the 2.8 will have the holes drilled and tapped on both sides since the 2.8 was used in both transverse and longitudinal applications. Also, the Firebird motor very likely has the small valve heads since the L44 large valve was only offered in the Fiero during those years AFAIK.

JazzMan

[This message has been edited by JazzMan (edited 05-09-2008).]

Well I just bought the engine and based on your inputs it should work with some minor modifications. I was planning on using the intake off of my Fiero anyway and moving the starter doesn’t sound that difficult. I’m getting it for a pretty good price, a brand new engine still in the GM crate for only $500.00 so it’s worth a little extra work. I’ll let you know how I make out. Thanks for your help.