im sure this is asked plenty.
which swap is cheaper and easyer to do.
4.9 V8 or 3.8 V6?

im debating on which one i should do.
I love the V8 sound. but the 3.8 has pretty good MPG and has alot of aftermarket support unlike the 4.9.
so im in a bit of a pickle.... i cant decide which one.
need your oppions.

An NA 3.8 and a 4.9 make similar power levels and will get you similar mileage. Both require about the same amount of work and have pre-made mounts available. Between the two, if I wanted a nice daily driver and NOT a "race" car, I'd do the 4.9.
If you want a cruiser that you'd like to be able to upgrade cheaply, do the 3.8.

Just my $.02

quote Originally posted by joshh44: which swap is cheaper and easyer to do. 4.9 V8 or 3.8 V6?

The 4.9 V8.

It depends. If you're just going to yank a motor out of a donor and plop into the Fiero without getting too fancy, probably the 4.9. But if you plan to rebuild and modify the motor at all, the 3.8 could ultimately end up being cheaper, as the 4.9 is kinda spendy to rebuild, and even moreso to upgrade/build up. Not to mention it's not an "easy" rebuild. Definitely not for first timers.

If you want a cheap swap go with the 4.9 there a dime of a dozen and cheap unless you find a very good deal on a 3.8 sc


I think both require the same amount of work, if its stick shift then you will need a custom flywheel for both swaps if its a auto you will need the engine and tranny that goes for a 3.8 or 4.9


they both need custom axles (if there autos)
They both need a wireharness made
They both need to have a mounts fabricated
Both needs to have the fuel pump replaced

as you can see they both require the same amount of work (I know I have done both swaps)
Now if you find a 3800 sc engine and tranny for a good deal Jump on it.


As far as gas mileage I would say the 3.8 gets better, My friends caddy only get 14mpg in city and 18 highway if hes lucky, his car is in good condition with no engine codes either, A caddy wieghts more but not by much compaired to a fiero, So the winner would be 3.8


sound goes to the 4.9 over a 3.8

speed goes to the 3.8 over a 4.9

Torc is a tie in this department as far as takeoff, I noticed no diffence in the two.

and many ppl say there not looking for a 1/4 mile screamer But its human nature and even tho everyone says speed is no issue, speed eventally gets the best of you and then you look into modding for more speed, and a 3.8 is perfect when it comes to aftermarket

If your into having a pretty looking engine compartment then the 3.8 wins on this one too.

drivetrain weight goes to the 4.9 it defaintly wieghts less than a 3.8sc, The stories you hear about the little bit of weight difference affecting the handling of the fiero is false the fiero is built with the wieght over the axles and the wieght is centered.


Now heres the deal breaker if the 4.9 breaks and needs a rebuild then your cheap swap goes right out the window because that is one expensive engine to have rebuilt, and its not like many engines when removing heads, because if you rotate that engine for any reason when the heads are off and a liner moves out of position then have fun taking it fully apart because if you dont it will leak coolant pass the liner oring and ruin your day, And a cyl holding tool if used is not going to make a difference, So a common headgasket fix might = a entire teardown nightmare


Yes you can go to a yard and pick up another cheap one but now your doing twice the work and installing another high mileage engine, I been in this boat and ended up rebuilding the 4.9 (cost me alot)


Now if the 3.8 breaks it is like the run of the mill engines this engine don't have floating cyl sleeves and can be rebuilt or repaired alot easier than a 4.9 (alot cheaper too)


So in the long run I would say you would be happy with a 3.8 sc,
This is from a person that has owned both swaps and done both swaps

[This message has been edited by 86fieroEarl (edited 07-22-2009).]

The question was settled for me when I heard the 4.9 on the video at http://www.thefierofactory.com/

I don’t have it yet, but smiles per miles are the most important numbers in my book.

There have been discussions here about the acoustic virtues of flat crank V8s and that is a tempting fantasy. Still it is hard (for me anyway) to be unmoved by that lumpy sound that you get from an old fashioned 90 degree crank V8.

hmmm.
i could go with the 4.9 for now and if i need more speed.
i could buy and build up a 3.8. i havnt found any 3.8 around where i live that are cheap just yet.

Having completed a 3800SC series III swap about a year ago; I would say that the 4.9L is an easier and less costly swap to do.
Here is how I rate them:
1/8 mile: 4.9L wins
1/4 mile: 3800SC wins
Ease of hotrodding and cost of adding modifications: 3800SC wins
Cost of a rebuild: 3800SC probably wins
Ease of rebuild: 3800SC wins
Cost of performance parts: 3800SC wins as there is not much available for the 4.9L.
Ease of swap: 4.9L wins
Cost of swap: 4.9L wins
Gas mileage: probably a draw as FDR's figure heavily into this.
Smooth highway cruising: 4.9L wins. That engine is really in its element here and most 4T60E autos that come with it are geared for highway driving.
Sound: A very subjective judgement. Some like the roar and the deep throaty sound of the 4.9L V8 while others like to hear the supercharger winding up.
Weight: 4.9L wins big. The 4.9L is no heavier than the stock 2.8L engine as it has an aluminum block. 3800SC comes in around 550 lbs. as it has a cast iron block.
Torque to dollar ratio: 4.9L wins
Reliability: Draw
King of the street from stoplight to stoplight: 4.9L wins
Driving excitement: pick one.

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, 3.4" Pulley, N* TB, LS1 MAF, Flotech Exhaust Autolite 104's Custom CAI 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

I agree with most of what 86fieroEarl says here but want to put my 2 cents in since I am in the middle of a 4.9L swap and a 3800sc swap...

quote Originally posted by 86fieroEarl: As far as gas mileage I would say the 3.8 gets better, My friends caddy only get 14mpg in city and 18 highway if hes lucky, his car is in good condition with no engine codes either, A caddy wieghts more but not by much compaired to a fiero, So the winner would be 3.8

The 1993 Cadillac DeVille that I bought for the motor weighs 4700+lbs, the Fiero weighs in around 2800lbs. That weight difference is like putting 8 more of ME on top of the Fiero (yes to the math wizards, I'm a big guy)... Also, I believe that putting the 4.9 with 4t60e in a Fiero only adds about 70lbs to the car if you use the automatic (because of the overdrive that helps the fuel efficiency). People report getting 28-30mpg on the highway with the 4.9 and 4t60e in the Fiero.

quote Originally posted by 86fieroEarl: sound goes to the 4.9 over a 3.8

Absolutely. I love the lub-lub of a V8.

quote Originally posted by 86fieroEarl: Now heres the deal breaker if the 4.9 breaks and needs a rebuild then your cheap swap goes right out the window

I have a different spin on this. If the 200hp in the 4.9 is enough for you and this is a daily driver and you are only going to hammer it once and a while, then I think it's tough enough. Remember that you are cutting the weight down and punching it to the floor once in awhile is fine on the motor. I guess you could always add a turbo to the 4.9L...

quote Originally posted by 86fieroEarl: and many ppl say there not looking for a 1/4 mile screamer But its human nature and even tho everyone says speed is no issue, speed eventally gets the best of you and then you look into modding for more speed, and a 3.8 is perfect when it comes to aftermarket Now if the 3.8 breaks it is like the run of the mill engines this engine don't have floating cyl sleeves and can be rebuilt or repaired alot easier than a 4.9 (alot cheaper too)

Now, I combined 2 statements above that I agree/disagree with. The 3800sc has WAY more mods for it, but they eat up the cash pretty fast. Every upgrade builds on the other parts in the swap as you start stacking them. Stack some of the hard power mods in the wrong order and you could need that cheaper rebuild, LOL. I'm looking at pushing my 3800sc Series 2 from the stock 240hp to 300hp and the mods alone are going to run me about $1,000-$1,200. I could regret that but we will see. My final thought about doing the mods is tuning, tuning, tuning. I could very well regret listing my 4.9 stuff for sale if I break the 3800sc... =)

Do the 4.9L if 200hp is enough, you don't care about tinkering, and you want a sweet lub-lub sounding daily driver that can blow away the Neon's with a super-wing and coffee can muffler.

Do the 3800sc (series 2) if 240hp isn't going to make you happy, you like tinkering, have money to fuel your craving for upgrades, and like to jam that accelerator to the floor...

------------------
-Brian

My 87 GT Poly Suspension Upgrade (all pics) thread https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/094633.html

The fiero I have now is a 86' I4, 5 speed SE.
Im rebuilding the duke engine. All I need is a new set of bearings for the engine and all the gaskets and I will be putting it back togeather.
Im only keeping the duke because its great on gas. It will be my daily driver once I get it all put back togeather.
So far im sold on the 4.9. I dont hammer on the gas. I do once in awhile. But not eveyday.
Only problem im concern is MPG with the 4.9 compaired to the 3.8. Im sure it gets better MPG with the 5 speed then with an auto.
If it gets almost as good as the duke then I think im going to scrap the duke engine rebuild, sell it. and find a low milage (km for us canadians) 4.9 engine at the wrecker.
Iv heard people getting up to 38 - 45 MPG high way with the duke. Which is why im still hanging onto er.
If the 4.9 gets up to 30+ ill be pretty happy and pretty much sold.
I think the only thing I would replace would be the head gaskets and intake and exhast gaskets. Maybe clean up the heads and the tops of the pistions. Kind of "freshin' er up" kinda thing. Maybe rod bearings while its out. Just tighen it up just alittle bit. Oh, cant forget about fluid change, new plugs and wires and air filter :P

Im wondering about my transmission tho.... I dont want it exploding on me driving on the highway. Im sure it will last me if i dont dump the clutch or power shift.
I dont know. What you think?

I have to get a new flywheel anyways. The dukes flywheel is shot.

If someone can give me a price range of the 4.9 swap. That would be loverly. Not encluding the engine.
Im mostly talking about. flywheel. fuel pump. coolent hoses, engine mounts. wiring harness. ecm.
Ill have to take a trip to the auto wreckers sometime!


here some info i found about the 4.9. (4.9, debuted in 1991. 200 hp (149 kW) and 275 lb·ft (373 N·m). production ended in 1995.

Is this a list of all the car that had the 4.9 that i could find within 1991 - 1995
Cadillac DeVille
Cadillac Fleetwood
Cadillac Eldorado
Cadillac Seville
Cadillac Sixty Special

Got the info from this site. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cadillac

Estimated price list for 4.9 manual swap.... (your prices may vary but should be close)

Flywheel - $250 + shipping from LSC performance
Clutch - $300+ SPEC, Clutchnet, Fierostore, ect. (I'm useing clutchnet and love it. Was $435 shipped)
Engine mount bracket - $60+ fieroaddiction.com. Make your own for very little.
Second mount bracket = 3/8" angle iron (~4"x6") cost varies but not much
Poly engine mounts - GM poly trans mounts $21 each (2 needed for engine mount, other options available) from summitracing.com
Oil cooler - ~$50 (some go without, but why remove what the factory put in IMO)
Wiring harness - Practically free if you do yourself. Not that difficult to do. May or may not still be available from Injectiontechnologies.com (~$700 for premade)
Inline coolant filler - $30 from summit (or modify fiero one for much less to nothing)
Chip or VATS bypass - $50-$80 (chip is much better IMO)
92 cavalier 3 wire temp sender - $15 from rockauto
88 fiero oil pressure sender - $21 rockauto
Exhaust - $150-$600 depends on design and self made/shop made
________________________________________________________________________
Figure on $1000-$1500 for mostly premade parts without engine (not including harness). Inventive/creative people can do for under $1000 total. You need to be able to make mounts, exhaust, flywheel and do own wiring to get the best total price.


Almost exactly the same weight of the 2.8 so no need to upgrade the suspension or brakes (its a good idea on both though). Both must be is good condition is not upgraded. Especially the suspension bushings and trans mounts. As for the weight I actually lost 60lbs out of the back once all bracketry, tubing, trunk blower, ect were removed and battery relocated to front. Best gas mileage is with caddy 4T60e (~30-32mpg HWY). Isuzu should get ~28-29mpg HWY on good engine tune. Other fiero trans will vary from 21-28mpg. Everything stated above is to the best of my experiance. Actual cost will vary greatly.

[This message has been edited by Fieroseverywhere (edited 07-23-2009).]

I purchased a VATS bypass for $25.00. ya gotta know what year Caddie your ECM is from. The 91-93 uses a different one from the 94-95's .Bakerelectronics.com. 1/4 way down the page:
http://mysite.verizon.net/v...rz1/id1.html#vatsmod
Joe

[This message has been edited by josef644 (edited 07-23-2009).]

3500 all the way!!!!!!!!!

quote Originally posted by joshh44: Iv heard people getting up to 38 - 45 MPG high way with the duke. Which is why im still hanging onto er. If the 4.9 gets up to 30+ ill be pretty happy and pretty much sold. Im wondering about my transmission tho.... I dont want it exploding on me driving on the highway. Im sure it will last me if i dont dump the clutch or power shift. I dont know. What you think?

Well, the automatic is really geared for the motor. I don't know that your throwing a 5 speed against the 4.9 is going to gain you much... The 4.9 is not a high rev motor, it makes it's power around 4,000 rpm from what I understand...

For parts price, that depends. You want to buy something like a kit? That costs more... Premade wiring harness alone can run you from $500-$700. I went at the top end because I wanted to make sure that it would start the first time but that's me. You will need a fuel pump that runs about $115 or use an 88 fuel pump. Hoses I consider a wash because you might have to replace them if they are old... The other thing is if you price it out now and start buying parts they will be on sale when you do the install. If you don't buy them now the price will go up when you need it...

------------------
-Brian

My 87 GT Poly Suspension Upgrade (all pics) thread https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/094633.html

hmmm.
thanks for the infomation.
couldnt you take everything from the donor car? ecm, wiring harness and engine+tranns?
would that be the best route to go? i do like having a 5 speed. i could upgrade to the 6speed sometime in the future if i needed to..
or maybe get a low gearing getrag tranmission.

Let me solve this argument for once and for all. Buy two Fieros, and have one of each

Drive the 4.9 on the odd days.
Drive the 3800SC on the even days.


See? Now everyone is happy.

Seriously, your best bet is to find someone who owns one of each swap and will let you drive their car. Ask yourself what you will use the car for most, and base your decision on that. Dennis gave a pretty good breakdown on the pros and cons of each.

As for the cheaper and easier part, that all depends on your individual level of skill and if you have contacts that can help out when you need it. How much will you be able to fabricate yourself, and how much will you have to buy or farm out? No swap is "easy" really....you're putting something in the car that wasn't engineered to be there from the getgo. I've done 2 4.9 / 4T60E swaps, and I didn't find them particularly difficult, but I've done a lot of wrenching over the years. Your own experience level may be higher than mine or lower. How creative you are can dictate the expense and relative simplicity to a great degree.

But hey...whichever swap you settle on, we're here to help. Either swap is going to be a heck of a lot more fun than a base V6.

[This message has been edited by Frizlefrak (edited 07-24-2009).]

ok here is my dumb question.
what about the 3.4 tdc (dohc) 215 hp and can be turbo charged if one desired. i have an 87 5 speed and although i am not ready to do the swap.....
i know i will have to do one once i am done with the body. i don't want to cut up my cradle (a little cutting for clearing the deck lid ect is ok). or cut holes in the rear firewall to change the plugs (but that was a great idea someone did)
i am torn between that and the 3.8 na or sc. i want something fairly simple but wuth a little more power than the basic 3.4 pushrod motor.
hope its ok that i asked this here!
al

A 3.4DOHC engine is somewhat involved to swap and a different animal in terms of power.

A 3.4DOHC is a good engine if you like to rev the engine and "sing" through the gears. The 4.9 is better for lower rpm drives, lazy but almost voilent acceleration, nothing above 4500rpms though.

that is what i want to avoid, but i figured it was a relative of the 2.8 / 3.4 family it might not be that hard of a swap. i don't mind the revs and the 3.8 n/a or s/c would probably be my next choice. i would most likely ask BMWGuru to do it or at least help me do it (iwould rather pay for someone who knows how to do it than take a chance messing it up). don't get me wrong, i love a v-8 but i do not know much about the 4.9. now if i could get another aluminum gm v8 cheap i would be all over that.

quote Originally posted by joshh44: hmmm. i could go with the 4.9 for now and if i need more speed. i could buy and build up a 3.8. i havnt found any 3.8 around where i live that are cheap just yet.

I think everyone on this thread is assuming you are talking about a supercharged 3800, but to me it sounds liek you mean the N/A 3800. if you are talking the N/A 3800, then i say go 4.9L all the way, since the 3800 Normally aspirated engine isnt as beefy internally as a 3800SC. the 4.9L gets decent gas mileage (26-30mpg) depending on your choice of transmission...so gas mileage isnt really a concern between the two. the 4.9L has the same TQ output of a 3800SC.

quote Originally posted by stickpony:...since the 3800 Normally aspirated engine isnt as beefy internally as a 3800SC.

Justify this rationale, please. What is it about the L36 that isn't as "beefy" as the L67? I'm quite interested in finding out.

quote Originally posted by ace5514: that is what i want to avoid, but i figured it was a relative of the 2.8 / 3.4 family it might not be that hard of a swap. i don't mind the revs and the 3.8 n/a or s/c would probably be my next choice. i would most likely ask BMWGuru to do it or at least help me do it (iwould rather pay for someone who knows how to do it than take a chance messing it up). don't get me wrong, i love a v-8 but i do not know much about the 4.9. now if i could get another aluminum gm v8 cheap i would be all over that.

Call Dave. I am almost certain that he would take on a 4.9L swap as he's done engine swaps far harder than this one. I would consider keeping the auto with this engine. As pointed out it was geared for it

------------------
" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, 3.4" Pulley, N* TB, LS1 MAF, Flotech Exhaust Autolite 104's Custom CAI 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

The 4.9 swap is a good choice. The car feels like it was made at a GM plant. The power is smooth and continuous. The sound of the V-8 turns heads at every car show. If done carefully, the install can be made to look like it came off of a GM assembly line.

Oh, and you can really tick off the guys who just laid out big bucks for their new Mustang, Challenger or Camaro.

thanks dennis,
i have to start the wide body assembly this fall, once that and the larger brake kit are done it will be motor and interior time. it's really about money and budget right now. as for the auto i am kind of addicted to sticks, would there be that much of a power loss with the five speed and the 4.9?

btw you seem to be a bit of a fiero master yourself, you have given lots of great info here!! thanks!
al

quote Originally posted by ace5514: as for the auto i am kind of addicted to sticks, would there be that much of a power loss with the five speed and the 4.9?

If you like sticks then go with the stick...

When I first did my 4.9 I stuck with the auto because it was designed for the auto, and reliability, blah, blah, blah. But there was seriously something missing...FUN. It was no fun to just push the pedal and go.

So I had the 6 speed put in and the fun factor went up 100%. The car "feels" twice as fast. I don't know if it is any faster, but being able to jerk the car around makes it feel sportier and a lot more fun.

quote Originally posted by jscott1: If you like sticks then go with the stick... When I first did my 4.9 I stuck with the auto because it was designed for the auto, and reliability, blah, blah, blah. But there was seriously something missing...FUN. It was no fun to just push the pedal and go. So I had the 6 speed put in and the fun factor went up 100%. The car "feels" twice as fast. I don't know if it is any faster, but being able to jerk the car around makes it feel sportier and a lot more fun.

agreed. all thinsg aside, the manual shift is more fun, but the auto on a 4.9L has better gearing for that engine.

quote Originally posted by ace5514: as for the auto i am kind of addicted to sticks, would there be that much of a power loss with the five speed and the 4.9?

I can't think of a good mechanical reason you'd experience a noticeable "power loss" by coupling a 4.9L engine to a five-speed transmission, versus to a transmission that is an automatic.

I would think the more likely issue could be if you like often to rev the bejesus out of an engine, a manual transmission typically allows you to try that more readily than would an automatic transmission, but the 4.9L Cadillac engine never was designed for ultra-high revs in the first place.

Consider, after all, who its initial customers were, buyers of Cadillac vehicles weighing over two tons who hoped to cross an intersection smartly --- as opposed to those fantasizing about their prowess at repeatedly winning quarter-mile-long drag races.

Nonetheless, I still can't think of a good mechanical reason why you'd experience a noticeable "power loss" by coupling a 4.9L engine to a five-speed transmission, versus to a transmission that is an automatic.

so if you use the 4.9 tranny. will you have to swap out new axles? and or does it make the swap more difficult?

project,
i would hope the motor would be able to withstand a little reving, although i do not have a lot of knowledge of the 4.9, i do understand it was made with roller lifters so i would believe you could treat it like a typical gm v8? having having had a newer vett a z-28 and a T/A while not a high reving motor it should be fairly strong... just develops it power at a lower rpm when compared to say a 3.8 or other v-6.......no?

quote Originally posted by project34: I can't think of a good mechanical reason you'd experience a noticeable "power loss" by coupling a 4.9L engine to a five-speed transmission, versus to a transmission that is an automatic. I would think the more likely issue could be if you like often to rev the bejesus out of an engine, a manual transmission typically allows you to try that more readily than would an automatic transmission, but the 4.9L Cadillac engine never was designed for ultra-high revs in the first place. Consider, after all, who its initial customers were, buyers of Cadillac vehicles weighing over two tons who hoped to cross an intersection smartly --- as opposed to those fantasizing about their prowess at repeatedly winning quarter-mile-long drag races. Nonetheless, I still can't think of a good mechanical reason why you'd experience a noticeable "power loss" by coupling a 4.9L engine to a five-speed transmission, versus to a transmission that is an automatic.

A misunderstanding? I doubt "power loss" is the issue. But gearing does have quite an effect on the efficient use of available power, and the ratios and spread of the auto may be more suitable than that of another tranny.

quote Originally posted by joshh44: so if you use the 4.9 tranny. will you have to swap out new axles? and or does it make the swap more difficult?

You will need new axels. These can be bought at your local auto parts store off the shelf though.

You will also need the brackets to mount the transmission. Normally you could find them at Fieroaddiction.com. Unfortunately they site is down at the moment.

As I said earlier. Its probably still less expensive to do a 4.9 auto then it is to do a manual. The Clutch and flywheel for a manual are more expensive then the axels and mount brackets for an auto.

while I cannot comment on either in a fiero, you can easily have a 3800 sound as good as any 8, just do a proper exhaust.
as far as any other comparison, the 4.9 is a junkyard motor. easy quick and dirty swap, and probably almost as fast as a worked 2.8 motor (maybe). after that, you'll be swapping it out. it really is that simple. as far as mpg, you will do much better with a 3800. simple math there. easily 35 mpg capable with decent performance.

quote Originally posted by Fieroseverywhere: You will need new axels. These can be bought at your local auto parts store off the shelf though. You will also need the brackets to mount the transmission. Normally you could find them at Fieroaddiction.com. Unfortunately they site is down at the moment. As I said earlier. Its probably still less expensive to do a 4.9 auto then it is to do a manual. The Clutch and flywheel for a manual are more expensive then the axels and mount brackets for an auto.

There is no need to purchase mount brackets for the 4.9's Transmission. Fieroaddiction even tells you which ones to get. The front and rear off of a 87-90's 4T60 ,early GM automatic overdrive. I went to a local yard and found two, paid $15.00 for the pair. I sat the engine on the cradle for the first time this morning. Looking good.

I didnt want to deal with the clutch issues again, so I am going the automatic route this time.

quote Originally posted by tjm4fun: while I cannot comment on either in a fiero, you can easily have a 3800 sound as good as any 8, just do a proper exhaust. .

The 3800 is a great motor and I probably will do one someday, I have heard some that sound great at idle, but I wish someone could demonstrate an exhaust that sounds good when you rev it.

most likely as good as you can make a 3800 sound.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5HxnJXzYCE

THe issue with the 4.9 and the 5 speed is the powerband vs. the trans gearing. THe 4.9 makes big torque from idle, and the Getrag is geared low to help the V-6 get the car moving. Staying caught up with the gearbox keeps you busy off of the line. THis is also an issue when using the 6 speed with the 4.9. The Izuzu 5 speed is geared better for the 4.9, but can be broken easily by the 4.9's torque.

The 4 speed auto that Cadillac put with the 4.9 is a great choice in the Fiero because it is geared to take advantage of the torque band of the 4.9.

A 4.9/4T60E combo in a Fiero is nearly unbeatable in the stoplight to stoplight Grand Prix. They put the power to the ground right now - lots of acceleration. But, as mentioned earlier in the post, they don't (and won't) make a lot of top end HP - hence the need for proper gearing.

As far as the 4.9 being a junkyard motor, so is the 3.8 - they are both out of production. Both motors, if gotten from clean cars that suffered accident damage, will provide long (200,000 miles plus) service and produce lots of useable power. As to the comment of a worked 2.8 - you would have to do a LOT of work to the 2.8 to get even close to the 4.9 in terms of any performance, as the 4.9 pulls hard from 60 up to 130+ due to the proper use of the torque. And 30 MPG highway is easy at 80 MPH.

My choice for now is the 4.9/4T60E - but my next swap will most likely be a Northstar/Getrag or 6 speed.

quote Originally posted by olejoedad: My choice for now is the 4.9/4T60E - but my next swap will most likely be a Northstar/Getrag or 6 speed.

The 4.9/6 speed is a great combo as well. I know the gearing doesn't look good on paper, but fortunately we don't drive paper.

hmmm. sounds like an auto is better then the 5speed. its ment to take the TQ anyways.
i might go that rout. im not a big. 2 pedal fan. i like having 3 its a hard debate on which one i want more.