Yes, i have a 1986 2.8l v6 and i was wonder what all performance can i do with my car. I already have an MSD ignition Coil performance and performance Cap and Rotor. What are some other things i can change to performance? thanks fiero forum

The best and cheapest upgrade would be pouring concrete into it and getting a better motor.

quote Originally posted by Ton0219: Yes, i have a 1986 2.8l v6 and i was wonder what all performance can i do with my car. I already have an MSD ignition Coil performance and performance Cap and Rotor. What are some other things i can change to performance? thanks fiero forum

First and foremost, before you spend any real money... (like $500+), consider what it is you would ultimatley like to get out of the Fiero. You CAN spend like... $3,000 bucks on the motor, and only get 10 horsepower if you don't make the right decisions.

On the other hand, you can easily make another 10-15 horsepower from your Fiero for under $300-400 bucks.

First and foremost, before you start upgrading or modifying, I would recommend that you make sure your car is well tuned. Consider the following:

1 - Replace fuel filter
2 - Dump a can of seafoam into a full gas tank, and drive around for a couple of days (feel free to floor it on occasion)
3 - Check the plug wires, make sure they're in good condition.
4 - Get some new quality AC DELCO spark plugs, none of that silly platinum stuff.
5 - Use synthetic motor oil. I prefer 4 quarts of Redline 5W-30 Fully Synthetic, with 1/2 a quart of Shell 40W Rotella thrown in.
6 - Replace your stock air filter (I personally like the K&N drop-in filter).
7 - Have your transmission serviced... change the tranny fluid if automatic, or have the gear oil changed if it's a manual.
8 - Make sure you don't have any vacuum leaks and that the car doesn't display any error codes.
9 - Add some ground strapts from the body to the frame and from the negative terminal on the battery to the body.

Once you've accomplished that... the car is ready for modifying... and I'm sure you'll be impressed with how well it drives too.

Now... there are some "FREE MODS" that you can do with your Fiero which, while they do require some dissasembly, they don't require you to tear into the motor:

1 - Exhaust logs. Do a search on here first before you do anything, but if you grind out the restrictions INSIDE the exhaust manifolds (where they weld together) you can gain anywhere from 6 to 8 horsepower on an otherwise totally stock motor. (seriously). These are dynoed results from a magazine, car craft I believe... that was done in the 90s. This is free, minus the tools needed to do the job.

2 - Intake manifold & Runners. On the V6, there is a major port-matching issue between the intake manifold that sits on the block and the intake runners that goes between the manifold and the plenum. Between on average, you can expect a mismatch of up to 2-3 eigths of an inch in every single port. Not only is it a disturbance in the intake air flow, but it's something like a 8% loss in overall volume. Since both sides are mismatched, they're literally blocking eachother at each point. Best way to take care of this is to remove them and grind down where you see the stained black metal. (Works best this way). This requires you to remove the intake manifolds and remove all the vacuum lines (remove and reinstall). But... it's free, and you can expect a noticeable improvement in the mid to upper rpm range. I don't have any numbers for you, but I would say you pick up 2-3 peak horsepower from this.

3 - Catalytic converter. If you still have the stock catalytic converter, you can swap it out with a larger, higher flowing one from the Fiero Store. This costs about $125 bucks with the 2" header pipe, but you can expect better fuel economy, a nicer more deeper sound, and about ~3-4 horsepower overall. FYI, the most restrictive piece in the exhaust after the manifolds to the tips, is the catalytic converter. Don't bother replacing your exhaust unless it's totally rusted out, because you won't gain ANY power from replacing it.

4 - High Energy ingition coil. It looks like you've already got this... doesn't improve power, but helps maintain proper power levels in the upper rpms, which in turn result in improved or restored acceleration. ($40-$50 bucks)

5 - Rodney Dickman sells an air intake kit which replaces the air baffle / water separator in the air intake passage. It's something like $35-40 bucks, but definitely improves the air flow in the upper rpms. I can't say that it adds more horsepower on a totally stock motor, but if you do everything else I've mentioned, I would bet a couple of paychecks you would see some improvement on a dyno. http://www.RodneyDickman.com

6 - Underdrive Pulleys. Several companies sell these... but they definitely help in the lower rpms. It uses less parasitic drag on the engine. They require a puller, but otherwise you should be able to get them for ~$80 bucks. Expect a couple of horsepower.

7 - CompCams sells a "roller rocker". They sell them in 1.52:1 and 1.6:1 ratios. Stock, your Fiero uses something along the lines of 1.48 to 1.50. They're supposed to be 1.50, but it's usualy not that accurate. Installing the 1.52:1 roller rockers will reduce parasitic drag on the motor (allowing for quicker revs) and produce a little bit more power due to the increased ratio. The 1.6 will do the same, but will increase the ratio significantly more to the point of it being like you installed a mild performance camshaft. Won't improve duration, but will improve lift. These were like $100 bucks last I checked.

With all of that, you would have something that would be quicker than a totally stock 1994+ (non type-R) Acura Integra, or a naturally aspirated 2.5 liter SOHC Porsche 944. So... high/mid 15s basically... which is still quick.


You can always take it to the next level... by installing a performance cam, or boring the motor to a 3.1, or boring and stroking it to a 3.4... but that all requires significantly more money.


A turbo would also be a good way to go... there's a couple of people on here too who can give advice on that (Denis Lagrua).


An engine swap is also an option... but expect to pay several thousand dollars.


Hope that helps some.

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Todd,
2006 Pontiac Solstice
2004 Volkswagen Beetle Convt. (Wife's)
2002 Ford Crown Victoria LX
1987 Pontiac Fiero SE / V6
1981 EZ-GO Xi875-A "Miami Dolphins" Medical Cart
1973 Volkswagen Type-2 Transporter
1973 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 350

Pretty much what 82-T/A had suggested. Without doing a major swap, there are not many performance upgrades that you will notice. I have done just about everything that he mentioned. 3.1 stroker, heads and intake ported and matched, exaust manifolds ground down, 1.6 roller rockers, .388 cam, removed cat, and really just a bunch of quality parts installed. I am totally happy with my setup. But it is definately not one of my old 5.0 Fox Mustangs. But she runs strong, sounds great, and I most definately can tell that she isn't stock. If you want balls to the wall power, the 2.8 ain't gonna cut it. Some guys can get theirs to really scream......for a minute or two.

And don't listen to bleakhorizon. He likes to be a crybaby sometimes. He is a junk producer. Likes to rag on others rides, while he enjoys the good living up in Flint, MI. Sense the sarcasm?

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ok, reality check.
for a very reasonable cost, put the 3.4 block in under your heads.(don;t try to bor and stroke the 2.8 to 3.4, get he one form the mid 8's f body I think. search for the exact years) just a starter relocation with a drill kit. better oiling. larger displacement. as close as you will get to a bolt in. should cost you under 1000$ if you do it yourself and do some minor mods along the way, like the exhaust logs, and y pipe.
the exhaust needs alot of work, if you don;t then you are wasting your money on the cat as it won;t flow anything more. the y pipes seem to also vary on how bad the restriction is.
the cat itself, well I straight pipe it, and put the cat in for inspection. this is a high flow unit, and I can feel the difference.
Don;t waste your money on the pulley crap. for a regular driver, it will hurt more than help. it will kill the alternator idle output as well as cooling flow at idle, which can be a bigger issue in stop and go traffic than the .5 hp you realistically get form the pulley change.
while swapping out the block, do the port match on the heads and clean out the casting crap in the heads, polish the shark fin, but never ever remove them! you can cam it or do the rocker arm ratio change. A little of both is a nice compromise, but if you dont; want to re-cam, then the higher ratio rocker arms are definately the way to go. be sure you have valve springs that cna handle the extra compression.
But if you really want an all 2.8, don;t buy that they scream and die. my dd will almost alwyas hit 1 or 2 6k+rpm runs a day, but it is a precision balanced motor, with many other mods, and essentially almost blue printed motor. the machien work alone cost over 1200$ not counting the parts involved. the 3.4 would be a cheaper and overall better perfoming option IMHO, with no where near the amount of work as I put into tweaking the 2.8. (tho the heads I have would definatley help a 3.4 too)

The engine will produce about 25 more hp with some modest investment, however, it will take some grinding.

As mentioned above, a hot coil and good wires and plugs is a must.

Porting the exhaust logs and Y pipe also a must.

The 1.6 roller tip rockers with the stock cam do wonders. However, to get the benefit of this all you need to port.

I did a thread on porting for carb, however, it is for the Edelbrock intake and you won't do as much cutting for the Fiero intake

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...060811-2-060677.html

These basic things will get good results but, the Fiero intake will hold you back, even port matched. The next step is the Trueleo intake or Holley/Edelbrock carb conversion.

If you decide to go carb, this thread has the info you need to make the 8007 Holley 4 barrel work on the 2.8

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...070315-2-074542.html

Hope this all helps. Past what has been mentioned you'll get into some real money, and you'll be considering a swap as an affordable alternative.

Have fun

Arn

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The V6 is a good motor,,yes there are problems ,,nothing big,, it is reliable
The most desirable modification is to port the exhaust manifold.,,Unfortunately you are liable to break some bolts in the process and it is a pain in every concievable part of the body to remove a broken exhaust bolt
port exhaust manifolds = 5 horse power
excellent exhaust manifold port job = 8 HP
Port Y pipe 1 to 3 HP
remove cat and muffler,, install cherry bomb,thrush,or less restrictive muffler = 4 to 6 Horse power/..
This is a lot more work than you would imagine it to be.
Try to loosen the manifold bolts first being careful not to break one.. chances are you have an exheust leak some where .
there is a lot of info on porting the Exhaust manifold on this forum use search feature
read jetmans post on ""V6 distributor replacement with pictures"" and time engine correctly..
Use single electrode spark plugs.(least expensive) and top quality wires,,avoid fancy dude spark plugs with multiple electrodes & new york city prices
the intake manifold is much easier to port than the exhaust, week end job
porting the exhaust manifold increases efficientcy,,redeuces heat,, increases horsepower ,,increases Gas milage it is win, win, win,,very time consuming you should ceramic coat the inside and outside, with ceramic spray paint you should do one heat cure before install,,dupli color or V H T..
If you doubt ?? you have only to look inside the exhaust manifold to see why this must be done,,1/3 of the flow is blocked ,,Im serious !!
after you have engine running correctly,,check to see if you have new style GM MAP sensor..only replace if your idle is not correct
the distributor in jetmans post is a worth while addition ,,may the gods smile upon Jetman.and ladies bring him flowers.
No roller rockers untill ported both manifold,and modified air cleaner intake
Various dyno test over the years have shown a 5 to 8 hp increase with ported manifolds..you can queezey another horse but it is difficult to clean up the inner edges.. Wish I had photos

[This message has been edited by uhlanstan (edited 02-24-2009).]

The best upgrade you can possibly do is to change the ECM with one from an 88 beretta. The difference will be night and day, almost as if you have a new engine.

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1986 GT Fiero Owner & Enthusiast
For Fiero updates, visit my site and don't forget visit our google ad sponsors
http://educatorstop15.com/fieropage.htm

3.4 OHV V6 motor. Dont waste your time with bolt ons on the 2.8. Try racing the 2.8 and as soon as you get the rev's up there, you'll love the sound of the motor as it has a spun bearing. Ive seen it happen more than a few times!

I did my first 3.4 swap in to my '87 for under $800.00 - that included the price of the $500.00 junkyard motor.

While the motor is out and being prepped to go back in, there are a handful of things that you can do for cheap, or free to add horsepower... port exhaust manifold (logs), port heads / intake(s), sbc high ratio rocker arms (way cheaper than 2.8 rockers), exhaust work, etc etc etc

If you actually really plan to replace the 2.8 with a 3.4 and need info, feel free to pm me. I have done 3.4 swaps almost a half dozen times, and can answer just about any question you throw at me about the installation.
-Chris

quote Originally posted by chrishahn87: 3.4 OHV V6 motor. Dont waste your time with bolt ons on the 2.8. Try racing the 2.8 and as soon as you get the rev's up there, you'll love the sound of the motor as it has a spun bearing. Ive seen it happen more than a few times! I did my first 3.4 swap in to my '87 for under $800.00 - that included the price of the $500.00 junkyard motor. While the motor is out and being prepped to go back in, there are a handful of things that you can do for cheap, or free to add horsepower... port exhaust manifold (logs), port heads / intake(s), sbc high ratio rocker arms (way cheaper than 2.8 rockers), exhaust work, etc etc etc If you actually really plan to replace the 2.8 with a 3.4 and need info, feel free to pm me. I have done 3.4 swaps almost a half dozen times, and can answer just about any question you throw at me about the installation. -Chris

Not to steal your thread, but I'm curious, what does a motor with a spun bearing sound like?

quote Originally posted by hye_4_life: Not to steal your thread, but I'm curious, what does a motor with a spun bearing sound like?

tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.
tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.
tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap. tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.
tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.tap.
increasing with rpms

repeat over and over. doesnt sound nice. The longer you drive the motor the louder it gets.
It is not fixable (easily or cheaply) unless you remove the motor and have some machining done to the rod journals
and rod ends then replace the old bearings with oversized bearings.....

[This message has been edited by chrishahn87 (edited 02-24-2009).]

Ive done pretty close to what most of these guys have said to my 88 Formula: replaced the exhaust headers with creamic coated headers from the Fiero Store as well as ceramic coated Y-Pipe (the blockage on the stock y-pipe is amazing). Replaced the plugs and wires and cap and rotor, K+N filter, use only 93 Octane gas and synth oil. I know a lot of people say the plenum needs to be ported as well, I have not gotten to that yet. These seem to be the main improvements that one can do on the 2.8L without investing massive amounts of time and money. I think it all depends on where you want to go with the car. If you think you may do the engine swap to the 3.1, the heads and Y-Pipe will match right over as well as the plenum if yo udecide to port that so it is not "sunk money" you'll never see again.

I have head the 88 beretta ECM is a good upgrade though know no one who has done it.

quote Originally posted by chrishahn87: 3.4 OHV V6 motor. Dont waste your time with bolt ons on the 2.8. Try racing the 2.8 and as soon as you get the rev's up there, you'll love the sound of the motor as it has a spun bearing. Ive seen it happen more than a few times! I did my first 3.4 swap in to my '87 for under $800.00 - that included the price of the $500.00 junkyard motor. While the motor is out and being prepped to go back in, there are a handful of things that you can do for cheap, or free to add horsepower... port exhaust manifold (logs), port heads / intake(s), sbc high ratio rocker arms (way cheaper than 2.8 rockers), exhaust work, etc etc etc If you actually really plan to replace the 2.8 with a 3.4 and need info, feel free to pm me. I have done 3.4 swaps almost a half dozen times, and can answer just about any question you throw at me about the installation. -Chris

Not to steal your thread, but I'm curious, what does a motor with a spun bearing sound like?

quote Originally posted by darkhorizon: The best and cheapest upgrade would be pouring concrete into it and getting a better motor.

wow... that was completely uncalled for....

anywho, for a real answer, one of the biggest things you can do is stick with un-modded parts. That is, stay with standard plugs, good wires, keep oil changed regularly, get a K&N filter, inflate your tires properly.

Now, I had a camaro with the same engine, so already you have a step up becuase the Fiero isn't nearly as heavy as a camaro. The problem with 2.8's is kinda like the 2.5. Sure, it's a V6, but it was never truly meant for being built up for performance. The 3.1 is where you can have some fun, but the 2.8 has weak parts and you don't want to overdo it. I have a video of a guy with a built up 94 3.1 cavalier... he did the 1/4 mile in 14 seconds...

I found using synthetic oil helps, especially MAXlife, it helped to plug up a few minor leaks in my camaro.

One thing I did on the cheap was replace the muffler, I went with the $15 "cherry bomb" (that's the brand name) turbo II from autozone and the extra pipe to hook it up, it sounded deeper and seemed to be less restrictive. I also ran Rapid Fire plugs, though some say stick with standard plugs, but certainly stay away from Bosch or any SPECIAL plugs... that's all they are, special.

Bascially, 82-T/A [At Work] gave some really good ideas, but to start off, get the everyday things done first, basically you want to give the engine a pre-mod overhaul. There isn't any sense in adding a supercharger to a car that hasn't had it's plugs changed in 15 years

quote Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]: 2 - Dump a can of seafoam into a full gas tank, and drive around for a couple of days (feel free to floor it on occasion)

What the hell is seafoam and where do I get it?

it's just the name of the product, been around for a long time. Basically it's an engine cleaner/restorer kind of thing, cleans out gunk and sludge, conditions seals, etc. There are different brands that do kind of the same thing, so do some research if local places don't sell it

I don't think you can get SeaFoam in Canada. Its very popular among the 3800 crowd but there's some issues with the chemicals in it that aren't allowed in Canada. You might be able to get some shipped in or you can grab some if you're ever south of the border. The really cool thing about Seafoam is you can suck half or a third of the contents of the fluid into your intake via a vacuum line and the fluid will break up carbon deposits. kill the motor after its sucked up the deisred amount, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, and then fire it up an rev the crap out of your engine. Enjoy the smoke show

For the fuel system, I like using Chevron Techron. It may also not be available in Canada but its worth a shot to look for it. It comes in a black bottle and goes for about $12. Very much worth the coin.

Lucas also makes a good fuel system cleaner (smaller bottle, white label, green cap, clear plastic, fluid is a light amber color).

As far as mods go, theres not too much to add other than what has already been said (porting, swapping up to a 3.4, etc.). Something that hasn't been mentioned is swapping the old-style SI alternator for the newer style CS130 alternator. I believe 87-88 had these stock, but the earlier cars can benefit from the better power. Also, you could couple the newer alt with a power pulley kit (Rodney Dickman, among others, sells them).

Just a suggestion for spark plug wires... I'm a huge fan of NAPA Pro wires by Belden. Excellent quality and they have a lifetime warranty as long as you keep the reciept and the box (staple them together and then file them away with the rest of your Fiero part reciepts/warranties). My second preference would be AC Delco wires.

I've seen Seafoam at Canadian Tire and NAPA

Cheers

Official site: http://www.seafoamsales.com/motorTuneUpTechGas.htm

I did a little research and apparently it wasn't available in Canada till the early part of '05 (so my info was dated on that at least). So its out there but perhaps just hasn't had enough time to saturate the market and be available at all parts places.

Here is an official list of stores that carry it: http://www.seafoamsales.com/buy.htm

BTW, their Trans Tune is good stuff too

NOTHING wrong with the 2.8 of course if it is no good?? the 3.4 is no good since it is based on the 2.8.
Any swap is a major job never think a swap is the kegger ,playboy mansion party followed by a panty raid MANY SEEM TO SAY..Only do a swap if you have the place to do it ,,the tools and desire,, many many swaps end unfinished,, I did my first swap in the mid 50,s JUST REMOVING A TRANSMISSION FROM A fIERO IS A "job"..

Make the engine run as well as possible ,simple inexpensive modifications like replacing the air cleaner with another more free flowing G M box with a K&N,,excellent top quality tune up parts,,Chevron techron has the best rep to clean injectors,,look for it on sale!!
The best modification for the 2.8 Fiero V6 is to open up the exhaust manifolds nothing else comes close ,,NO FORKED TONQUE,,you will know I speak the truth,, just eyeball one.. the manifold chokes the engine.
also the 2.8 will give better MPG than the 3.4
YES you can change the ecm and the MAP sensor for better performance ,,but check these mods out first
Many 2.8 owners can improve performance by simply changing the map to the new GM map sensor(improves idle and low speed)No hi performance modification will give MAXIMUM results untill you open up the Exhaust manifold. PERIOD !! iTS LIKE THE SOCK JAMMED IN MY PIE HOLE, MANY HERE PRAY FOR.. ENGINE CAN NOT BREATH !!

[This message has been edited by uhlanstan (edited 02-25-2009).]

What is the new GM MAP sensor that has been mentioned a few times? I want to replace my MAP anwyay so I think i'll get it. Is there a part number?

If you have an automatic, get a manual transmission. turbo = best bang for the buck I think.

quote Originally posted by hye_4_life: Not to steal your thread, but I'm curious, what does a motor with a spun bearing sound like?

Did you see my first response to your question the first time?

Do you know what a spun bearing is?
Do you understand what the term means?

[This message has been edited by chrishahn87 (edited 02-25-2009).]

The new GM ac delco MAP sensor is available from many auto parts dealers,, do not use any other map sensor on your fiero 2.8 V 6 probably good for 3.1 and 3.4 I am not sure ,, the original is still being sold ..Get the new one

the part number #12569240 this is the G M number.. the part from Gm dealers is $50 to $75,,auto parts dealers sell it from $38 to $50 this is available from,, rock auto parts ,, online
G M claims this is an improved upgrade for the old style MAP
Im hoping some one will jump in who has done this ,,added the new part when the old was functioning
Im going to try this out if I ever get to drive a Fiero,, before my kids send me to the retirement home and claim my collection of old newspapers and stuff that will surprise them,, ha he he..

Ok i might think about the manifold project what all do i need to do and what does the project include?? Keep in mind im an average joe but do good work with my cars so tell me in words ill understand. Thank you fiero forum and thanks for responding back guys.

I added a new post about the new map sensor,, just check this out already new info is on this post and there may be an upgrade to the new map sensor,,soon fiero owners will just be at a cool idle..