Im thinking about getting putting a v8 into my Fiero. I have noticed on archies site he has 3 kits listed for auto. Fieros, (Economy, Deluxe and The Master Build kit) Who here went with which kit, the economy seems to be what i would go with because it costs the less. Is there any advice on which kit to get? However the master kit seems to have other things i may want to use like a radiator. I dont know, i need help picking. any advice?
Automatic Economy Kit Includes:
* Engine/Trans. Adapter Plate * Front Engine Mount * A/C Mount * Alternator Mount * Torque Strut Rod * Harmonic Balancer Pulley * Custom Flex Plate Adapter * Fasteners as Required * Printed & Video Instructions
Economy Kit Price $ 950.00
Deluxe Kit Includes (In Addition to the Economy Kit Parts):
* Remote Oil Filter Kit * Remote Oil Filter Adapter * Special High Torque Starter * High Performance Water Pump Drive System
(This Is Optional with the Economy Kit)
Automatic Deluxe Kit Price $ 1550.00
The Master Build Kit Includes All of These Parts And Options:
*Engine/Transmission Adapter Plate *Front Engine Mount *A/C Mount *Alternator Mount *Torque Strut Rod *Starter Mount Block *Harmonic Balancer Pulley *Billet Flywheel/Flex Plate Adapter *Fasteners Required *Printed & Video Instructions *Remote Oil Filter Kit *Oil Filter Adapter *Performance Starter *High Performance Clutch *4-core Radiator *Custom Exhaust System with Manifolds *High Performance Water Pump Drive System or Electric Water Pump
Also Included Are All of the Correct Small Parts to Do the Conversion......
All I got was the adapter plate and flexplate adapter. You dont really need anything else. It makes things much easier, but you can save alot buy fabbing your owns mounts. It all depends on how handy you are.
------------------ 1986 GT, LT1/4T60E http://hometown.aol.com/ptfiero/index.html On the forum https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/045554.html more in depth look http://dtcc.cz28.com/LT1build/index.htm
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07:58 PM
ThaFieroMunk Member
Posts: 945 From: Whitby, Ontario, Canada Registered: Dec 2002
the master kit is good because then you don't have to worry about getting extra parts, its just assembling it all together. The adapter plate is what you can't do without. If it was me, I would make sure I get quality mounts from somewhere, I wouldn't try to make them on my own, but thats because I don't have any machining skill
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09:10 PM
GKDINC Member
Posts: 1813 From: East Tawas MI Registered: Dec 2001
unless you are on good guy list you will not get any help from him I wasted a year on him trying to buy go with street dreams they are very pro customer help
just say no to archie like you would to a mopar powered fiero say yes to a real co. that cares street dreams bookster2771@aol.com
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09:30 PM
donk316 Member
Posts: 1952 From: Red Deer, Alberta, Canada Registered: Mar 2003
Aluminum Bell Housing Adaptor for GM Small Block $169
DUDE!!! now thats what i call a good deal. Never knew Street Dreams sold these!
------------------ Calgary - August 1, 2004 Fiero Fiesta 1984 Indy Fiero 3.4/3100 Hybrid NA and... *ALL THROTTLE AND NO BOTTLE* http://www.gmpcm.com/ Killer ECM/ PCM tuning software and information
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09:40 PM
bookster Member
Posts: 124 From: littleton colo usa Registered: Jun 2002
Well lets compare kits Archie adtap plate not avail flywheel not avail engine mount not avail alt ac mount not avail crank pulley not avail torque rod not avail and all the lies he will not sell except in a kit and if he knows you, you mite get a kit of some sort dare you break lose or wear out a part like a starter water pump or his torque rod fails and you tear a mount
STREET DREAMS lets see you can buy them all for less and better quality and you only buy what you need like an adapt plate for $169 a flywheel for $199 mount kit for ac and cradle $49 engine mount kit and you don't need a torque rod $99 alt mount $95 crank pulley at any performance shop $15 oil filter relocate kit one that works correct $79 cable mount any auto store $15 a true tilton mini starter at any performance shop $279 all the other crap he thinks is his idea at any parts store $250 oh and that famous radiator you can get in your own town rad shop $250 well wel thats$1499 not $2950 is that video and a few bolts worth $1451.00 This is bull **** and he will take you for a ride that's a ride to his bank with your cash
Yes this is me got a problem with it email me perhaps Archie can justify why he will only sell in kits to who he likes bring on the pain Bookster2771@aol.com
Not sure who pissed in your Cheerios, but you're certainly looking for a challenge with your attitude-ridden posts (especially for someone who has yet to complete his V8 install).
Nothing against Ross @ Street Dreams (I've worked with him - even met him in person last summer - he's a great guy), but how many people have bought installed & completed the swap using his stuff? (wow... 13 responses to a post - and no one actually stated they had used it) https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/043872.html
Now how many people have Archie's kit, or an Archie-built car? He's got the history, he's got the customer service to back up the product (I spoke to him a few weeks ago, on his cell phone, on a Saturday morning about some V8-related things), he's even got the step-by-step video to show you exactly how it all goes together. And when it comes down to it - he's the one that helps people get V8s done and on the road. If nothing else, the numbers prove it.
I also don't know what all that "not avail" crap is? I bought an adaptor and a few pieces 2nd hand... then stopped by and purchased the remaining individual pieces (harm. balancer pulley, A/C Mount, and Alt bracket) that I needed - and spent very little. Everything is available!
As for you pissing and moaning about him selling to whomever he likes - that's right. It's commonly known as "the right to refuse service to anyone". And it's generally better not to sell to certain "types" of people.
Now, the question asked was "which kit" to buy? If you're feeling resourceful and like shopping for bit's and pieces - the basic kit is for you. If you want a little more than the basics - go with the "deluxe" kit. If you want everything shipped to your doorstep so you're not running down to the local parts store every day for the little stuff... then the Master Build kit is definitely for you!
This is bull **** and he will take you for a ride..
Oh give me a break, yah he took me for a ride alright... In my freshly converted '87 GT, and taking me for a "test RIDE" after he personaly trailered it to my house in Milwaukee at no cost to me.,, hmmm what rotten service.
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12:00 AM
v8fiero400 Member
Posts: 963 From: Houston,TX,USA Registered: Jan 2004
Hmmm... I wonder if the Nissan starter that has to be used with the street dreams adaptor plate is strong enough to start a big v8 with high compression.
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12:04 AM
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buddycraigg Member
Posts: 13620 From: kansas city, mo Registered: Jul 2002
Hmmm... I wonder if the Nissan starter that has to be used with the street dreams adaptor plate is strong enough to start a big v8 with high compression.
yes it would be.
but since i have an Archie kit, i have to say you wont go wrong there.
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01:25 AM
buddycraigg Member
Posts: 13620 From: kansas city, mo Registered: Jul 2002
Originally posted by bookster: oh and that famous radiator you can get in your own town rad shop $250
and before i bought and paid for a radiator from an on-line company i talked to 2 radiator men that i respect and have seen their custom work. they both declined. so i paid around 280 on-line. 6 months later i still bought the archie 4 core.
Hmmm... I wonder if the Nissan starter that has to be used with the street dreams adaptor plate is strong enough to start a big v8 with high compression.
I don't see why it wouldn't be at all. Depending on the year (as with anything), nissans have quite high compression.. I'd trust a Nissan part over a GM part anyday..
OK MinngreenGT.. if archie is a great person way is that i opened a new topic and he never answered it and i left 4 messages and no call back. what just because some of us are new to the board he cant answer us, or is it because you have a different color money than us new people to the forum. i see you answered the topic and thank you/.But its funny that he opened a topic 5 mins after i did and cant give someone an anwser. so dont act like archie walks on water with his V-8 kit.
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06:14 AM
Archie Member
Posts: 9436 From: Las Vegas, NV Registered: Dec 1999
OK MinngreenGT.. if archie is a great person way is that i opened a new topic and he never answered it and i left 4 messages and no call back. what just because some of us are new to the board he cant answer us, or is it because you have a different color money than us new people to the forum. i see you answered the topic and thank you/.But its funny that he opened a topic 5 mins after i did and cant give someone an anwser. so dont act like archie walks on water with his V-8 kit.
Sorry, I didn't mean to offend you. I'm not perfect & no one claimed I was. I saw your topic at some point over the weekend & I ment to answer it. However, I don't have the info you asked for formatted to where I can cut & paste it for a quick answer for you. So I put it off & forgot to answer you.
I'll try to get that info put together for you and EMail it to you later today.
It all depends on how you are going to do your V8 swap. If you want no headaches and just want everything in front of you down to the nuts and bolts get the Master kit or the one that has everything needed.
If you want to mix and match and say you want to use something different than what Archie offers - different fuel pump or starter or want to use your own filter locator etc, etc, etc......get one of the other kits.
All three of his kits are good, it just depends on you as the buyer and how much work and time you want to put into it. That's why there are three kits.
Me, didn't have the time BUT wanted the V8 so I went with the Master kit that had everything.
[This message has been edited by YellowRooster (edited 07-28-2004).]
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08:16 AM
jron Member
Posts: 298 From: South Lyon, Michigan USA Registered: Dec 2001
I got the Deluxe kit and it worked for me. If you have some of the parts needed for the swap,or want to change things around do your own thing. The kits are to get it done,but I bet most people, that do the swap, make some changes of there own,I know I did. Archie's has been tested for years,you get what you pay for.
Jim
I did call him a couple of times and did get answers to questions I had. Was very nice to chat with,all I can add is " Thank You Archie "
[This message has been edited by jron (edited 07-28-2004).]
I just don't get the anti-Archie flames. Despite some people's lame attempts, everyone should know that Archie is no crook and doesn't rip people off. Lose the chip.
I bought an economy stick-shift kit from Archie. Everything was readily available and shipped in a timely fashion. Everything fit as advertised. I would have had no qualms about ordering a more complete kit but I wanted to do my own oil filter relocation, plumbing and remote electric water pump. That's why I like the different stages of kits.
I also ordered and installed Archie's exhaust kit. Had I any previous experience with exhaust, I might have made it myself but since I didn't I bought Archie's and was able to install it with my minimal experience. I will also be purchasing Archie's 4-core radiator in a couple weeks. I have no reservations about sending Archie my cash for his products.
I am not a mechanic. I like to service my own vehicles but I have NEVER attempted something like an engine swap before. Like most everybody else, I had to decide between a SBC, a 4.9 or a 3800SC. I chose the SBC for 2 reasons: Aftermarket parts and Archie. If you are going to nit-pick $100 here and $100 there, this is not the swap for you.
Wow all these Archie haters. Its not that your new to the forum (bookster)or any thing like that . I registered in march of 2004 contacted Archie on the phone a couple of times (Spoke directly to him ) and set up an arangement to pick up my kit at carlisle this year . Archie was there waiting with kit in hand. he didn't seem high on himself or any of that crap either. Everyone does understand he is only one person ,and that he probably has a life . Also from what i understand is that he travels to alot of differant shows through out the year. Bookster I can understand you agrevation with waiting a year but from what i've read it seems your trying to start a fight or something . Why? I come to this forum to enjoy myself and the fiero not start fights. Oh well guess i have the patience and understanding of a monk.
Anyway back to the subject. I purchased the economy kit becase it lets me gather my parts up (due to limited funds) rather than getting everything at once. I plan on using an electric water pump so i don't need the water pump drive in the other kits.
[This message has been edited by FIEROPHREK (edited 07-28-2004).]
Geeesh, I guess I cannot relate to some of the "customer service" comments. Always answered my calls, returned my emails, (before and after money exhanged hands) heck, I won't go into details but Archie has traveled over 1400 miles to accomodate ME, and make sure I was happy! Didn't want re-imbursed for a penny of it.
Mike
------------------ Mike TPIs ZZ4 5spd Getrag
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09:48 AM
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System Bot
KissMySSFiero Member
Posts: 5550 From: Tarpon Springs, FL USA Registered: Nov 2000
I have two archie kits. I'd go with the eco kit. But I'm a cheap as.....I mean frugal. Half the fun is shopping around finding deals. Women do it with shoes and clothes. I do it with starters and clutches(among other things) Heck, I didnt buy either one of my kits from archie. I found them second hand. As a matter of fact, I've never bought a thing from archie. Yet, he's always answered my questions, helped me out, etc. Even let me drive one of his rebody's up to the Dells a few years back. I'd say he's a pretty good guy.
I will be buying another alternator mount. I managed to lose one of mine.
I was a dumbass 19 yr old when I started ordering my parts, and he was plenty patient and the phone was always picked up by him himself. I didnt buy a complete kit, I ordered parts as I needed them. I was a little dissapointed with 2 things, but it happens(starter he recomended kept going out on me, and apparently had a special adapter plate that might have saved me some heartache)but Darth got it all to fit(any swap contact him, hes a genius)I feel very comfortable calling him for whatever reason. And im still a dumb-ass, only im 20 now
------------------ 1986 GT, LT1/4T60E http://hometown.aol.com/ptfiero/index.html On the forum https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/045554.html more in depth look http://dtcc.cz28.com/LT1build/index.htm
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11:16 AM
Daniel87GT Member
Posts: 233 From: Saratoga Springs, UT Registered: Nov 2000
Even if you decide to get the Economy kit, you still need to get the parts in the Master kit. You just have to get them yourself. For a lot of people that is a good part of the fun of putting something like this together. For others it is not. When I was pricing things up I made up a spreadsheet, looked online for the best prices I could find, etc. it seemed to me that it was about the same price for the Master as me buying the parts new from various places. For me it made more sense to get the Master kit. Spending time putting the car together seems more fun to me than spending time chasing down parts. But that is just me. Fabbing parts and wheeling and dealing can be fun too.
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03:10 PM
fieroguru Member
Posts: 12482 From: Champaign, IL Registered: Aug 2003
Archie Economy Kit here... I just like to do things my way and the economy kit gives you the specialized parts that you need and nothing more.
Service - nothing but the best... but then again all he got from me was curtesy and the understanding that he is trying to run a business. I won't waste his time and he does not waste mine. On my first call to him I gave him $$$ for the economy kit. My second email 6+ months later - I needed a replacement part and just asked how much, he gave me an amount and I picked it up a few days later.
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05:36 PM
Jim88GT Member
Posts: 714 From: Portsmouth, Virginia Registered: Sep 2002
Count me in the "Satisfied customer" camp. Archie did the chop and V8 install for me and even though we ran into problems with the crate motor I supplied, he was always available as we worked to get it sorted out. He's not perfect, but he does what he says he's going to do and he earned my trust. I would not hesitate to reccomend him and the crew at his shop.
Jim
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09:49 PM
Jul 29th, 2004
CaSSaNoVa Member
Posts: 204 From: Deer Park, NY, USA Registered: Jan 2002
i just want to comment that I must have been archies biggest pain in the ass as being 20 years old with no mechanical ability or fiero knowledge i decided to do this swap by myself in my house using his kit. not the master kit which i would say you should buy because i made 20 trips to home depot and ace hardware every day. but any way i called archie 2-3 times a day and asked what i see now as the stupidest questions ever but never once was he not helpful and cooperative. and needless to say the swap is now complete and I'm a very happy v8 fiero owner. thanks to him. oh and i did my homework on other kits you may find cheaper ones but not as complete. and what i mean by that is a tranny adapter and flywheel is not all your going to need to make this work. archie's been doing this along time and he knows what problems /issues you're going to run into and how to avoid them. besides there are so many success stories on archies costumers cars then anyone elses. thanks
[This message has been edited by CaSSaNoVa (edited 07-29-2004).]
