I guess the subject says it all. What is the lightest V6 that we can swap into a Fiero. I was going to do a performance 2.8L but I don't think I am going to get any where near the performance I want/need. So which engine will be lighter, therefore improving my weight distribution? Thanks for the help.
They made an aluminum 3.1 block? What cars were they produced in? I learn something new everyday.
I don't know what would be the lightest, but the 3.1 with aluminum heads are lighter than the standard 2.8, make a little more power, are a dime a dozen, and will bolt up to the Fiero tranny. Of course you'll need to swap all the electronics and engine compartment wiring from the donor car, then use the Fiero accessories (pulleys, alternator, etc) which probably means some modification and fabricating.
If I were to go to all that trouble, I'd buy a wrecked late model Grand Am GT with a high tech 3400 motor and swap over the whole drivetrain. Always thought that would be a great daily driver swap. Those GA GT cars are very zippy.
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12:07 PM
Blacktree Member
Posts: 20770 From: Central Florida Registered: Dec 2001
batboy, GM performance sells an all aluminum v6 that can be setup for both front and rear wheel drive. Last time I checked they were big $$ though. I believe shaun on the forum has one of the beasts in his possesion.
There were no 60 degree Aluminum block v6's installed in regular production vehicles. However GM performance parts sells a nice 60 degree v6 that is all aluminum with 4 bolt mains , splayed caps , the whole 9.
Be prepared to pay for it though , I believe they run near 3 grand. 1 forum member is building this particular engine for a 88 formula
JM
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03:10 PM
PFF
System Bot
Doug Chase Member
Posts: 1487 From: Seattle area, Washington State, USA Registered: Sep 2001
Originally posted by Slammed Fiero: However GM performance parts sells a nice 60 degree v6 that is all aluminum with 4 bolt mains , splayed caps , the whole 9.
This block weighs about 45 lbs less than the stock cast iron block.
will the "shortstar" bolt up to our tranny's? has anyone done the conversion before? Does anyone know what kinda HP it puts out? It would be nice to get the Fiero closer to a 50/50 weight ratio.
Originally posted by JMunilla87GT: will the "shortstar" bolt up to our tranny's? has anyone done the conversion before? Does anyone know what kinda HP it puts out? It would be nice to get the Fiero closer to a 50/50 weight ratio.
ACE offers the conversion (w/new engine and warranty) for about $8500. It will not bolt right up, and puts out about 215-220 HP stock.
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09:07 PM
artherd Member
Posts: 4159 From: Petaluma, CA. USA Registered: Apr 2001
lightest would prolly be Quad4, but it actually is TOO light (makes like a 65/35% bias!)
The shortstar, if it's like the N*, WILL bolt up to out trannies with minimal mods (getrags need 10minuites with a grinding wheel and no whitnesses )
Best! Ben.
------------------ Ben Cannon 88 Formula, T-top, Metalic Red. (2:13.138 at Sears Point) "Every Man Dies, not every man really Lives" 88 Formula, Northstar, Silver, In-Progreess. -Mel Gibson, "Braveheart"
If I were going to do the 3.5 "shortstar" swap, I'd use the 4 speed auto overdrive tranny that goes with it too, along with all the wiring and ECM, etc. You'd mainly have to figure out motor mounts and probably fool around with the axles.
Wanted: 1988 Fiero Formula 5sp! 
"Raced That, Wrecked Better" 
