Will the engine bolt up to the transmission and can the wiring swap over easy for the harness? It's been a while since I've been on this site due to my Fiero being broken and no funds to do anything, however I am buying a 1985 Fiero, 2.8V6 (missing top end stuff) with a 5speed manual. I have a 1984 Fiero with a 1985 2.5 I4 and a 3speed auto. I want to put the 2.5 in the manual if possible, but I need it to be simple, and under a week's worth of work.

On another note, if I were to rebuild the 2.8 V6, could I use any of the parts off a 1991 3.1 MPFI engine?

Thanks.

Why would you upgrade to a 2.8L. At least do the Camaro motor or a Grand Prix motor. you are throwing good money at a motor that just does the basic functions. For the cost of the mods you have to do to the 2.5L auto car, You should just drop in a 3800.

quote Originally posted by FieroAK: On another note, if I were to rebuild the 2.8 V6, could I use any of the parts off a 1991 3.1 MPFI engine? Thanks.

Yup. use the bottom end. It will bolt right in, and look the same. Your 2.8 heads and up will bolt right on the 3.1 and look like a 2.8 when done.

Thats the path I would take given the parts you have on hand.

You will need an 85 or 86 2.5 engine harness.

The 84 wires quite a bit different and has C500 in a different physical location.

Is just me? Isn't going from a 2.8 manual to a 2.5 automatic going backwards?

It is "backwards" in a way. However I have a working 2.5 auto, and a non working 2.8 manual on the way. For now I want to take the 2.5 off the auto and put it on the stick in the new car, until I get a V6 to go back in it. For me, the 3800SC is a dream I may never achieve, as I am unemployed, and need to get on the road asap. I live in Alaska and there are more miles than businesses.

So currently I have as my primary: A 1984 Fiero with a 1985 model 2.5 and a 3speed auto. It also has the harness from the 1985 model. It's a mutt.

I will be taking just the 2.5 out, as well as some body parts and wiring, to install in the car I'm getting tomorrow which has a 2.8(non-working) and a 5speed stick. So not really a step backwards, as I will be sticking with my original engine, but essentially upgrading to a better transmission. Easier than trying to put the stick into an auto car setup. Both cars have a title so eventually I will have tow Fieros in working condition.

[This message has been edited by FieroAK (edited 10-15-2011).]

I can't answer your question about the clutch and fly wheel but I have another question about the wiring on the 2.5. Does your duke have the distributor and coil from 84 or from 85. The reason I ask is because the 85s used different wiring connectors from the 84s. It's hard to get a handle on what everything is with all the variations.

Also you say the 85 has a 2.8 with a "5 speed" ! 4 speed was the only manual trans that came with the 2.8 in 85. The 5 speed only came with the duke. I take it that either the trans or the engine were swapped in it previously.

quote Originally posted by 2farnorth: Does your duke have the distributor and coil from 84 or from 85. The reason I ask is because the 85s used different wiring connectors from the 84s. It's hard to get a handle on what everything is with all the variations.

When I did the swap from the dead 2.5 to the 2.5 I have currently, I believe I took the '84 Distributor out and used it on the '85 motor. That being said I guess the wiring is from the 84 still. I think I still have the 85 Duke wiring in storage however.

quote Originally posted by 2farnorth: Also you say the 85 has a 2.8 with a "5 speed" ! 4 speed was the only manual trans that came with the 2.8 in 85.

When I sat in the car I do believe it was a 5speed stick, though if the 2.8 is original I have no idea. I only know that the current owner says that it's got a racing clutch and such.

I mainly purchased the car as a parts car for my current car, which needs a radiator and a few odd's and ends. It is mostly complete though and comes with a clear title, so fixing it up and using it (I prefer stick over auto) was my secondary goal. Funding is short as I have $500 to buy the car, and...about $0.91 after that. Either way my intention was to eventually have both drive-able. Ever since I got my first Fiero it has been a ***** to keep on the road, but every second of it is worth it. I backed it up my driveway earlier today and fell in love with it all over again.

The only problem would be that the 85 wiring for the dist, coil, and OPS will not fit the 84 components. You could either swap connectors or get 85 components. Your oil pressure gauge would not work if you just swapped connectors. Also the V6 tach is different and won't read correctly with the duke.

I got the car today. It's in my driveway. You were correct, 2farnorth, it's a 4speed. I think... Though, is there a 3 speed manual? I only found 4 gears and have no idea if one was reverse. For now I'll just be taking parts off the 2.8 car (Radiator, coolant hoses that hook to radiator, and some interior) and put the 2.5 auto on the road. Though I would eventually like to have both in running condition.