After watching all the 4.9 threads posted here lately it seems that we are the laughing stock of the forum ,constantly bickering and fussing with others as to who is fastest or which swap is best.The SBC owners and the 3800 SC owners are hardly in this kind of fussing and I ask my self why is this happening ......maybe some one can answer this for me.

That's a very good question Keith.--But I have seen a big change in the personality of this forum over the past three years. It has progressively gotten more abusive and hostile. It used to be my go to place where friends chatted about these fun little cars. Lately, I am disheartened and discouraged with this forum. I suspect it will fold from within.
Jeff

i see otherwise i think cliff has done alot of work weeding out the excuse the term "crap" from the fourm and the loyal people will keep this place running... note cliff could always use donations, i havent given any yet but its cause im in a really hard place right now but cliff is going to get some change from me after the holiday.

Not me. I think the 4.9's are a great motor swap! The person with the 4.9 turbo....... (women) no one trys to argue with her or on the track except that Corvette guy? Hehehehe.

[This message has been edited by madcurl (edited 11-29-2004).]

I think it has a lot to do with the no-proof 4.9 champion Mastermind and the problems he started. He's banned now, so maybe it will get better. I almost went with the 4.9, till I found out that in CA that means I have to convert to an Auto trans also.

Personally, I think the 4.9 is a great swap, for what it its.
Ed Parks even said that it wasn't a dragstrip motor. (Of course Pete and Becky and a couple of others have laid that notion to rest, but it cost a bunch of money to do so.)
What Ed said is that it is a great, reliable, daily-driver street motor. Compared to all the SBCs that I've seen, I would have to agree. Before you let that statement "set you off", what I mean is that the SBCs seem to be a bit more "high strung". Most of them are tuned to a fine edge (probably because they can be, with readily available parts) and coupled to a Getrag, whereas the 4.9s are usually installed with the tranny that came in the original Caddy donor.

What I personally don't like about the 4.9 is the way the block is constructed. (This reflects my skill level, or lack thereof, as much as anything.) I wouldn't be afraid to dive into a SBC and have at it. The 4.9s separate cylinder sleeves look like a huge PITA to deal with. This, in addition to the lack of bolt-on performance parts.
Thoughts?

Vamper---I see you have been here a long long time and certainly must know Cliff personally with your 125 posts. Good for you!

Master Tuner Akimoto-(Keith) I appreciate your concern. We have been watching this trend for a long long time now. But after driving Ed Parks red 4.9 and then meeting you I knew the 4.9 was right for me. I love the way it sounds, I like that it's not overly heavy, I even like the "cheesy" fact that it's a Cadillac--makes peoples ears perk up. I like that it fits well in my Fiero, I like that it doesn't drink gas! I like that I updated to a 4t60e to perfectly compliment this wonderful engine. If I ever get it roadworthy I will always take very good care of it. The 4.9 is a wonderful swap that I would recomend to anyone wanting a little more performance with a great sound and good gas mileage. I wish the people who do not like the 4.9 swap would leave us alone and chat about whatever engine it is that they choose to like.
I started reading about this swap on Bubba Joe's site over three yrs ago and it has been my dream ever since.
The 4.9 swap is a wonderful upgrade to the Fiero.
Jeff

and the answer is... cause it sucks.
ha ha.
you all know i plan one for Julia once the 2.8 dies

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_{Buddy Craigg - there are two "G"s in my last name
Ling = 84SE-Modified
Julia C = 85GT stock (kinda)
Ivy = 67 Pontiac Catalina
KCFOG}

I have never driven in a 4.9 but if I got my hands on one that was in great shape and very cheap I would swap it in. But it is not a race engine. The VERRY low HP of the 4.9 is the killer. I have seen some great cars with 4.9's but you have to admit that 200HP aint much to brag about with a V8. The torque is cool and all but they need at least 100 more hp

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And people are doing just that. PBJ built up his turbo edition. Rockcrawl has done some nice work with reground cams and electronic engine management, Master Tuner has done some interesting work with air gapping the intake----port and polish and throwing nitrous down it's throat.
Way to go guys! But my coupe 2.5 was pathetically slow--my 2.8 was ? ok, but, caught fire and needed replaced. The 3.4 was plenty fast enough but I had too much in the car and at the time I needed to sell it--and by the way Blackazzgt decided that the 3.4 wasn't enough for him so he is also going 4.9. Personally, going from 140hp to 200 is a wonderful and most welcome addition!!!!!
Go 4.9 Go 4.9 Go 4.9
WHAHOO!!

Actually, Since a few were weeded out (via banned) It has gotten a ton better.... There were actually 2 ppl that ended up turning a 4.9 thread ugly.

Punisher and mastermind comes to mind. Everyone as a community has helped weed out the ignorant... And about why other swaps never turn ugly, Is because there are more smart mature ppl on this forum that if they don't like a swap... They simply stay out the thread. actually these guys have turned not just 4.9 threads ugly but a number of others.

Personally I like all fiero engine swaps....There's still some ppl that take pokes but it's all in good fun.

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Maybe I missed something, But I feel we have greatly improved in our ability to talk about the 4.9 around here

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100% USDA Certified
1988 GT Black W/Beechwood Interior & 17" ADR Battle Exe's
Want a 4.9 Installed into your Fiero? PBJ can do it!
My ¼ mile time.
The Cadero Registry.

The 4.9 is a great engine. I think the flames start for the same reason they start everywhere else. People, meaning no harm, tend to make it out to be more than it is. We call this type of misinformation "talking **** ". Well, sooner or later a person with more pride than patience comes along, and notices the "**** ". I don't think they are trying to attack anyone just for the sake of making them look stupid, wrong, etc. I think they are offended by the "**** " and feel it is their duty to rub the offending puppy's nose in said **** to demonstrate to others that it is in fact **** .

People will always try to make the numbers look better than they are, and it happens with a lot of different swaps. The 4.9 crowd just gets flamed more, and I don't know why. I'd like to do a 4.5 or 4.9 someday. It'd make a really nice daily driver for me. It's a well proven swap, and there is a lot of information out there.

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[This message has been edited by Azriel (edited 11-29-2004).]

Things have gotten a whole lot better recently.

The flame wars fell off when P&M got the boot and their wars moved on to other websites.

In fact, things have been a little dull.......

Anyway, I think any swap, and any build is fair ball and fun. We are talkjng about hotrodding. It is also fair ball to restore, plain stock restore. In a few years a totally stock Fiero in showroom condition will become more rare and the rest of us crazies mod them.

I'm having more fun since the flame wars stopped. Happy days!

Arn

I've noticed that the downtalking to the 4.9 crowd has tapered off quite a bit since the recent purge of troublemakers. At least we don't have a few people stalking 4.9 threads like we used to. I tend to take a longer view of things like this in general and don't concern myself with a few trouble makers. I know eventually, sometimes painfully slow, that they will be gone and I will still be here.

I have always wanted to do a 4.9 swap but appenrently, I haven't had enough pain with the 2.8's yet. I would probably have to give up my 4.10 tranny to do so but that's ok too.

Jeff, get that dang car on the road so I'll have a reason to get off my lazy arse and have a reason to do it.

I never understood it. With as many people working hard on their cars even if you don't like the 4.9 or other ideas, fine, keep it to yourself. Follow the old addage, if you can't say something nice don't say it.

Personally I'm amazed at what great ideas come out of this forum. I've perssonally done things I NEVER would have thought I would ever do. Many here posted great articles with pictures and tips to do everything from seat covers, installing T-Tops to different engine swaps and upgrades.

I've been on the forum from time to time over the last 5 months but never posted because of the BS and so many personal issues. We got away from the cars more, or maybe it was me wanting to get to know more of you, I'm not sure really. Anyway I am glad to see a few people gone that had nothing but negitive things to say always starting flames no matter what the topic.

I've rambled long enough, Thanks to everyone for your help and support for helping me turn my GT into something I never thought possible.

Earl

[This message has been edited by FieroGT87 (edited 11-29-2004).]

In person I don't get a hassle from people about the 4.9. Even when I met up with JM in Toronto at a show he was polite and easy to talk with and even said he was considering a 4.9 swap himself. Our 4.9 turbo never gets disrespected at shows and at the drag strip I hear strangers chearing Beck on.

I think there is alot of misunderstanding: IMO

A 14 sec car is not a slow car, People seam to think every sports car should crack the 12's to be fast when in reality the average modified streetlegal car with street tires is no where near that time.

"200 hp is not much" can you just imagine how many old SBC are in fieros with the owners just loving them with less than 200 hp at the crank. For example, we were at a dyno day with a bunch of F bodies a month or so ago and this 350 Z28 carb, was running 137 hp at the rear wheels and he was all excited because last year before his modes he was 89 hp and he thought the car had all kinds of power.

"4.9 is cheap" whatever, if the 4.9 was cheap than you did all the work yourself, meaning you could have done any swap, but picked the 4.9. imo if you can swap a 4.9 you can certainly do a "kit" swap or anyother swap. I have found the 3800 s/c easier and less involved than the 4.9.

"4.9 can't rev" the engine was designed to pull low end and does what it designs, if you redesign it it can rev without any bottem end changes. Our stock bottem end with factory bearings and 175000kms turns 6400 rpm and has close to 400 1/4 passes and upto 8 hotlaps in a row, Becks car gets faster the more she drives the crap out of it. (isn't 6500 the factory redline of the rev happy DOHC?)

Ok I could go on but I am suppose to be working. To sum it up I am not slamming any motor mentioned above. I could never have imagined our 4.9 to go as fast or as long as it has.

Sorry about spelling and grammar, back to work

Pete

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Earl, I have to agree; because of this forum I have either planned or attempted things I never would have otherwise, and it's because of the wealth of experience and expertise available here. If you can think of it, it's probably already been attempted by someone here; if you don't know how to do something, even if it's never been done, someone here will have an idea of how to approach the thing, maybe something you haven't thought of yet.
I even find myself entertained by some of the online antics I see posted, like the recent thread about the massage practitioner offering to trade a "sexy touch" for work on a Fiero. That thread showed promise of high entertainment, until someone kinda let the air out everyone's tires by pointing out that the person posting the ad didn't necessarily have to be a woman...
The 4.9 threads have cooled considerably since the departure of a couple of aforementioned troublemakers, and constructive information has begun to flow once again. The 4.9 is not the optimum engine for the dragstrip, but it's pretty damned hard to beat for a daily driver, even in bone stock form. It has lots of torque, and for us auto jockeys, we get something the Fiero autos never had: an overdrive trans, which makes the swap even more practical.
I just know I'm enjoying the heck out of mine...

------------------
'88 Formula - 4.9 conversion by The Fiero Factory
Shifter surround resto by Fierotech
SUPPORT YOUR FIERO MERCHANTS
Proud member of the Lightbar Fraternity
PFF Supporting Member
"He who does not oppose evil, commands that it be done!" ----Leonardo da Vinci

quote Originally posted by Vonov: I even find myself entertained by some of the online antics I see posted, like the recent thread about the massage practitioner offering to trade a "sexy touch" for work on a Fiero. That thread showed promise of high entertainment, until someone kinda let the air out everyone's tires by pointing out that the person posting the ad didn't necessarily have to be a woman...

Well, your follow-up post of "Squeal, boy! Squeeeal!!!" certainly contributed to killing off the thread! Link.

Back on topic - I enjoy all the engine build-up threads, even the ones covering the lowly Duke.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 11-29-2004).]

quote Originally posted by Patrick: Well, your follow-up post of "Squeal, boy! Squeeeal!!!" certainly contributed to killing off the thread! Link. Back on topic - I enjoy all the engine build-up threads, even the ones covering the lowly Duke.

Guilty as charged, lol...back to topic...

quote Originally posted by PBJ: (isn't 6500 the factory redline of the rev happy DOHC?)

My rev happy 3.4tdc with a 13* exhaust cam retard pulls hard to the 7200rpm cut off. This is a stock motor, stock heads. If I ported my heads, got different cams and an intake I could be close to 300hp with my rev happy motor. All with 1.5L less displacement. Lets keep this thread on track, because modding other motors also turns out great results.

[This message has been edited by crzyone (edited 11-29-2004).]

I for one have never understood what all of the fighting was about, I would probably take the least expensive engine swap avaliable to me, and would want to know everything I could about my choices. I dont want to read through pages of two people arguing about the specific hp of a certain engine when the page was started about how to do the swap.
I am one of the many that fell in love with the Fiero at first sight and was delighted when I was told about this site, however I started to lose interest when in just about every post there was at least one person trying to start a flame war. I stayed away for a few months until the sickness took control again. I am fairly new, but do have the same power as someone that has been here for years. I can rate members until my fingertips are blue, and it doesnt bother me to give someone a neg rating, the opposite is also true, I dont mind giving pos ratings either. The bottom line for me is that one day I might get to be the member that posts pics of his ride, and mabey I will do a build thread, I dont want people burning me for my choices, but I do want the help.
Brad

Pete said it better than I could...

A 200 hp V8 running 14 seconds is anything but slow. A lot of stock V8s are running numbers like that, yes even SBCs. I bought and drove a 1988 Trans AM with a 305 SBC V8 and it was only making 200 hp at the crank and that was a fast car. Put that same hp in a fiero and it goes even faster.

The 4.9 is a great swap, especially if you are swapping from a duke. Hopefully not all 4.9 threads will go down in flames anymore.

No need to worry the 4.9 is in good company the first #are 0-60 and the last is the 1/4mile .

Cadillac

1987 Cadillac Allante 9.3 17.1
1988 Cadillac Allante 9.5 17.2
1990 Cadillac Allante 7.9 16.1
1992 Cadillac Allante 6.7 14.9
1991 Cadillac Brougham 9.4 17.1
2002 Cadillac CTS 7.2 15.4
2003 Cadillac CTS 7.0 15.5
2004 Cadillac CTS-V 5.1 13.4
2004 Cadillac CTS 3.6l 6.6 15.0
1997 Cadillac Catera 8.5 16.5
1982 Cadillac Cimarron 15.9 20.3
1985 Cadillac Cimarron V-6 9.8 17.2
1986 Cadillac Cimarron V-6 10.5 17.9
1975 Cadillac Coupe DeVille 500ci 11.9 18.1
1994 Cadillac DeVille Concours 7.8 15.8
1995 Cadillac DeVille Concours 6.9 15.2
1996 Cadillac DeVille Concours 7.2 15.4
1998 Cadillac DeVille Concours 6.9 15.1
1979 Cadillac Eldorado (Gas) 9.8 17.9
1979 Cadillac Eldorado (Diesel) 16.9 20.7
1979 Cadillac Eldorado (Turbo Diesel) 15.2 20.1
1992 Cadillac Eldorado TC 8.2 16.5
1993 Cadillac ETC 6.7 15.0
1995 Cadillac ETC 6.6 14.8
2002 Cadillac Escalade EXT 7.9 15.8
1973 Cadillac Fleetwood 472ci 10.2 17.6
1985 Cadillac Fleetwood 11.7 18.2
1993 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham 9.2 16.9
1993 Cadillac Fleetwood 10.0 17.5
1990 Cadillac Sedan de Ville 8.8 16.6
1976 Cadillac Seville 350ci 12.9 18.8
1977 Cadillac Seville 350ci 13.7 18.2
1980 Cadillac Seville Elegante 10.6 17.9
1981 Cadillac Seville Diesel 21.0 N/A
1986 Cadillac Seville 11.7 18.2
1991 Cadillac STS 8.6 16.6
1992 Cadillac STS 8.1 16.2
1993 Cadillac STS 7.2 15.4
1995 Cadillac STS 6.4 14.7
1996 Cadillac STS 6.4 14.7
1998 Cadillac STS 6.8 15.1
2001 Cadillac Seville STS 6.5 14.8
1986 Cadillac Touring Sedan 12.0 18.6
2004 Cadillac XLR 5.9 14.4

Ferrari

1967 Ferrari 275 GTS/4 NART 6.7 14.7
1977 Ferrari 308 GTB 8.2 17.0
1980 Ferrari 308 GTS 6.9 14.9
1981 Ferrari 308 - Dino GT4 7.8 N/A
1981 Ferrari 308 GTSi 7.9 N/A
1983 Ferrari 308 GTBi Quattrovalvole 6.8 15.2
1988 Ferrari 328 GTS 6.7 15.0
1968 Ferrari 330 GTS 6.9 14.9
1970 Ferrari 330 GTS 6.9 14.9
1995 Ferrari 333 SP 3.6 11.3
1990 Ferrari 348 tb 6.0 14.3
1993 Ferrari 348 tb Serie Speciale 5.6 14.0
1993 Ferrari 348 Spider 5.6 14.1
1998 Ferrari 355 F1 4.6 13.0
2001 Ferrari 360 Spider F1 4.6 13.2
1986 Ferrari 412 6.7 15.0
1994 Ferrari 456 GT 4.8 13.3
1995 Ferrari 456 GT 5.1 13.4
1997 Ferrari 456 GTA 4.9 13.3
1998 Ferrari 456M 5.2 13.5
1978 Ferrari 512 Berlinetta Boxer 5.5 N/A
1982 Ferrari 512 Berlinetta Boxer 5.1 13.5
1992 Ferrari 512 TR 4.7 12.9
2000 Ferrari 550 Maranello 4.2 12.7
2001 Ferrari 550 Barchetta Pininfarina 4.9 13.3
2003 Ferrari 575M Maranello F1 4.2 12.6
1973 Ferrari Dino Spyder 8.8 15.3
1974 Ferrari Dino 7.1 15.5
1995 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta 4.7 12.8
1996 Ferrari F355 Spider 4.9 13.4
1997 Ferrari F355 Berlinetta 4.8 13.2
1992 Ferrari F40 3.8 11.8
1986 Ferrari GTO 5.0 14.1
1982 Ferrari Mondial 8 9.4 17.1
1984 Ferrari Mondial Cabriolet 7.6 16.0
1986 Ferrari Mondial 3.2 7.1 15.3
1991 Ferrari Mondial t Cabrio 6.6 15.0
1985 Ferrari Testarossa 5.3 13.6
1986 Ferrari Testarossa 5.3 13.4
1989 Ferrari Testarossa 6.2 14.2

[This message has been edited by Master Tuner Akimoto (edited 11-29-2004).]

oh well i want to chime in here and ask "Why?" Why would you or did you choose a 4.9? I admit i've thought of this swap as a waste of effort when you could've gone with a SBC, couldn't you? . ( don't roast me yet, i'm not done ) As most of you know I'm a Turbo 3.4 DOHC now but. . ... for those that have yet to make up their mind on a swap..can you give your positive reasons for the 4.9 instead of say a 5.0 chevy motor that has more aftermarket than the Caddy..

I know there are quite a few of the 4.9's here and i've really never talked to anyone that has gone these route, so what are they please? Why are there so many loyal 4.9's. I just want to understand why you like this one so..

I for one will have to say I dislike the motor but that's just me due to my experience in installing one and the lack of aftermarket parts. But mainly the lack of aftermarket. I wish that motor could be built up with out spending an arm and a leg cause as far as installation goes it's a snap. That I do like. Other than a Carbed 350 I think the 4.9 is probibly the easiest fuel injected V-8 to install... What's it take... 20 wires to connect? a few hoses? a couple fabbed mounts??? Oh yeah the dreaded axles! I hate them too. WAIT WAIT WAIT What am I talking about I'm going with the 4T80E tranny bolted to a V-6 that comes TBI and I'm converting it to TPI! Ohhhhhh What a nightmare this is going to be! catch me after my conversion and ask what engine I hate then!

The 4.9 is cool. but then again so is any Non stock conversion.
I guess I wouldn't make a good flamer... lol.

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www.texasfieros.com

Not everyone here has plans to modify their engines. Some of us just want to drive it with the same reliability as the factory setup. A 200+ hp engine is plenty fast right out of the box for 99.99% of normal street driving.

No stock Fiero tranny is designed to hold up to a 300+ hp engine. If you are a mechanic and can change trannys the way most of us change shoes, then no problem. But for those that just want to drive it then the transmission that was designed for the engine is the most reliable setup.

The 4.9 (and it's big brother the Nothrstar) are the only General Motors V8 that was designed to be transverse mounted. No adapter plates needed. Again, increasing reliability and lowering cost. Evertything else being equal, (junkyard SBC versus junkyard 4.9) you can install a 4.9 for less than an equivalent SBC.

So if you want maximum horsepower and bolt on aftermarket parts the 4.9 is not for you. But if you want a V8 that is mounted to the transmission it was designed for and producing decent power bone stock, is realitvely inexpensive and sounds 100% american V8 then the 4.9 is ideal.

just my $0.02

[This message has been edited by jscott1 (edited 11-30-2004).]

Kameo you chimed in while I was typing. I know why they like them. Heck it's the same reason I like them but no longer have one.
#1 they are so simple to install
#2 added tranny choices.
#3 Torque
#4 Stop light to Stop light monsters.
#5 AWESOME MPG around 25MPG
#6 It's a V8
#7 It's a CHEAP V8
#8 it's lighter than the 350
#9 There's plenty in the junk yards that no one wants.
#10 With the quality of the motor they could last forever.

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www.texasfieros.com

Kameo,

I'll answer that one for you on why WE did the 4.9.

First off, it's a really simple and straightforward swap, both mechanically and electrically. It can be done in a couple of weekends if you're well-prepared. Second, the engine/trans can be made to look like it was shipped in the car from the factory with attention to detail. Third, an instant 70% increase in HP and 100% increase in torque is nothing to sneeze at. Fourth, it's relatively inexpensive as far as swaps go. I can assure you that I spent a WHOLE lot less for the 4.9L swap than I did the crate 3.4L that we put in. I'd say that it's not a lot more (if any) expensive than the popular 3.4L camaro engine swap that gives you less power and torque. Fifth, if you stay with the Caddy, trans, you have an instant OD transmission. Sixth, they're stone reliable once you get them in.

Those are the ones off the top of my head. If you're looking for blazing speed and performance, this ain't it. If you want a car that can run reliably, day after day, run mid 14's in the quarter, 140+ mph top end, and still get 30 mpg, then you should look at it.

No doubt there are faster, higher hp swaps. The 3.4L might even be easier (but not much, having done both). 3.4 might also be cheaper, but again, not much. I don't think any of them will get the mileage, even driven moderately, as a group.

You pays your money and makes your choices.

John Stricker

PS: If you have any doubt of the performance increase of the 4.9, just ask rrunner. He drove our Finale at the track day at Wheatstock for several sessions. Ask him how it pulls down the straights and out of the corners.

quote Originally posted by Kameo Kid: oh well i want to chime in here and ask "Why?" Why would you or did you choose a 4.9? I admit i've thought of this swap as a waste of effort when you could've gone with a SBC, couldn't you? . ( don't roast me yet, i'm not done ) As most of you know I'm a Turbo 3.4 DOHC now but. . ... for those that have yet to make up their mind on a swap..can you give your positive reasons for the 4.9 instead of say a 5.0 chevy motor that has more aftermarket than the Caddy.. I know there are quite a few of the 4.9's here and i've really never talked to anyone that has gone these route, so what are they please? Why are there so many loyal 4.9's. I just want to understand why you like this one so..

thanks for the views on the 4.9 choice. I'm seeing it in a different light now.. sounds like a good choice for the Fiero..

Kameo Kid feel free to ask we will try to keep this one civilized but I would like to put in my little piece here ......one of the factor is the cost in doing this and the improvement of extra horsepower plus the wow factor and sound how ever the cost of the swap is cheap compared to the SBC but can get expensive depending on the level of performance you wish to achieve eg: PBJ and myself have decided to take our 4.9's beyond stock but at extra cost and have invaded the 11 and 12 sec 1/4 mile and that is comparable to any motor bar none but most are satisfied with a daily driver that is much faster than the stock 2.8 and reliable .The average SBC swap runs about $7000 plus which is beyond the reach of many of us who are not that fortunate with extra cash like wise the 3800sc and the 3.4TDC which I am sure your did cost more than the 4.9 did .

It also tends to be one of the best choices emissions-wise, even in California, you can get a 4.9 (auto) past the smog nazis...

------------------
'88 Formula - 4.9 conversion by The Fiero Factory
Shifter surround resto by Fierotech
SUPPORT YOUR FIERO MERCHANTS
Proud member of the Lightbar Fraternity
PFF Supporting Member
"He who does not oppose evil, commands that it be done!" ----Leonardo da Vinci

quote Originally posted by Kameo Kid: oh well i want to chime in here and ask "Why?" Why would you or did you choose a 4.9? I know there are quite a few of the 4.9's here and i've really never talked to anyone that has gone these route, so what are they please? Why are there so many loyal 4.9's. I just want to understand why you like this one so..

For me it was cost and ease of install. I also have a few advantages that others may not have.
1. Cost. Since I have been collecting parts for almost a year now, I have been able to wait and getthings real cheap due to desperate sellers. not saying I got cheap parts but good deals cause someone was hard up for cash. I have also done a ton of swapping, trading, and bartering. I won't go into #'s but I will have less into my swap than Archies kit cost.

2. Ease of install. It bolts right up to the tranny, I will reuse my tranny and my axles. Also my speedo/Odom will still work.

3. More Ease of Install. I am switching to Carb. Why, cause I do not believe Computers BELONG IN HOT RODS!!!! and yes I understand FI and computers, I am a Computer Tech. How many times has that Empty Wallet Light come on and it was a true problem with the motor??? 99.9% of the time it is a damn sensor.

4. Additional Ease of install. IF I am driving down the road and it is not running right, I can fix it and adjust it with my swiss army knife!

5. More Power. Since I am doing a little work to the motor externally, I expect about 25 more HP and 30lp Trq than stock and that should zip it along rather well. That will be quite a jump of the stock 2.5 I have now.

6. WOW Factor. a V8 that I installed myself. That is the biggest thing I will get kicks out of.

7. I got the motor for almost free with a Warr so I feel comfortable with it.

Now am I against other swaps hell no, I am thinking about doing a 3800SC or even a 3.4 TDC and then there is the Archie Kit for the SBC. I went with the 4.9 cause I liked the total package, Aluminum V8 weighs same a stock V6, that I can do myself with no mods to the car, Sigh me up. Will I win races with it. Yeah I will, Will cars be faster then mine with other swaps. After the first 1/8 yeah but you will be playing catch up till then But when I stomp some kid in a Honda that spent more on rims and fart cans then I did for my entire car, Im gonna laugh all the way to the bank.

OH yeah. you can make them look pretty.

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4.9 Caddy in Garage! Car in Driveway! ACK!

****************************************
http://home.cfl.rr.com/fierose
Central Florida Fieros
http://www.centralfloridafieros.org

Proud Member and founder of the DOWN SOUTH SUNNY WINTER PICK ON SNOW PEOPLE COALITION!

[This message has been edited by Kento (edited 11-29-2004).]

quote Originally posted by Kameo Kid: ..can you give your positive reasons for the 4.9 instead of say a 5.0 chevy motor that has more aftermarket than the Caddy..

...saved me US$1500+ on the adaptor kit needed (now converted to Canadian dollars at the time and it's more like $2000) - and in all honestly the 4.9 does what I wanted the engine to do, maybe I will want more in the future, but not now

I also prefer the V8 sound vs the higher reving engines - BUT that is only MY preference, after all there are some fast 4 cyl out there (SVT4 for example)

Tim

So it sounds good to me for a swap, I can now see why it is so popular with Fiero owners.. Thanks for telling me and anyone else that wants to know more bout the 4.9

So it sounds great for a everyday driver in stock configuration, what are the souped up ones running in quarters and with what mods? I know there are some running turbos like my swap, what are they like?

Theres a new one I didn't know. The 4.9 is a direct bolt up? I never considered the 4.9 because I thought it needed a plate like the 5.7. . I wish someone wouldn't have said that.

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Earl Rice
87 T-Top GT
5 Spd
11.25" Brakes
3400 Gen III Turbo in progress

No adapter needed. the 4.9 will bolt up to any Fiero Transmission. It (and the Northstar) are the only (current) GM V8s designed for transverse mount. Although they are about to come out with the transverse SBC in the Grand Prix, but it will use a modified tranny as I understand it. In other words won't bold up to a Fiero Transmission.

Oh and I took a trip to the boneyard over the weekend and I must have seen a dozen 4.9s in there. Helping to keep the cost down is that they are plentiful.

[This message has been edited by jscott1 (edited 11-30-2004).]

My '86 is going to get a 4.9 someday.

Right now I'm just replacing the 2.8 with another one because I want to learn how to R&R engines before I get fancy. But after going over all my alternatives, I decided that 4.9 is most likely the route I will choose.

1) Reliability.
2) Plenty of horsepower and torque, about the same as a stock Mustang GT of the same year as the Fiero.
3) Ease of installation. Wiring does not scare me and the hard work (ie development) has already been done. Just need a set of motor mounts.
4) Easy AOD.

I don't race, so I don't need a race car. I just want a Fiero that can cruise nicely, get fair-to-middlin' fuel economy (the 18 MPG of my totally stock '85 is NOT it ) and surprise the heck out of a few people once in a while.

OTOH I've not set this plan in stone. I might still decide to go for a 3800 SC...

Ed

When I had my swap done (Yes I didn’t do it my self well save that for another thread ) I made a list of Pro’s / Cons for every swap. I wish I could find it. However for me it came down to;

1. Stop light to stop light performance vs Cost. My 2.8 Auto couldn’t get out of a Tercel’s (Turdcel) way if I needed it to.
2. Reliability.
3. Sound (Everytime I pull in for gas I have people crowd around asking what’s in it.)
4. Handling. 4.9 and 4T60E come in at 60 LBS heavier than the 2.8 and TH125C
5. Gas Mileage, We all know Gas isn’t cheap.
6. The fun of saying I own/Drive a V-8 Fiero (see #4 as one of my cons against the sbc)

After the swapped.

1. I love the way it cruises on the highway, I wasn’t expecting it to be any faster than the 2.8 when passing on the highway, Boy was I wrong.
2. I wouldn’t have been happy with the way any of the other swaps sound (- sbc which was out of my budget, not just swap cost but I know that with how I drive it, Maintenance would be costly).
3. I really love the ¼ Mile, had never taken a pass down it until I got my swap done and wanted to see how it did. Time for some N20
4. If I could go back and do it again. I wouldn’t change a thing.

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100% USDA Certified
1988 GT Black W/Beechwood Interior & 17" ADR Battle Exe's
Want a 4.9 Installed into your Fiero? PBJ can do it!
My ¼ mile time.
The Cadero Registry.

[This message has been edited by linenoise (edited 11-30-2004).]