Neato Lloyde!
I have been considering a swap for some time and this sure sounds like a neat idea. There are so many custom shops around that specialize in tuners and the Cobalt, Ion, etc. that there is unlimited potential as far as motor/tranny upgrades, and the market is getting bigger by the day. Putting an Ecotec in my fiero would certainly be more cost effective than buying a Cobalt. Did I mention it is also a neat idea?

The weight ratio alone makes this a 'killer app' as we say in the computer world. What is the difference between the stock V6 in the Fiero and the Eco-Tec? I have friends in Austin and wouldn't mind making a trip back to TX to get this done...after I finish paying off the CC for the other things I have already done to make my Fiero run. FastFiero, you say you're already about $4500 down, so would $6,000 sound off base for the turn-key install by you? Could you do an auto to manual conversion while you're at it and at what price?

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'87 Fiero GT Fastback Auto.

quote Originally posted by JaxDomino: The weight ratio alone makes this a 'killer app' as we say in the computer world. What is the difference between the stock V6 in the Fiero and the Eco-Tec?

Here's weight data on a stock 88 GT vs an '84 base coupe with a Quad 4. '84 has the battery in the front.

88GT with spare tire, jack and lug wrench:
Front - 1205 lbs
Rear - 1604 lbs
Total - 2809 lbs

88GT w/o spare tire etc.
Front - 1169 lbs
Rear - 1599 lbs
Total - 2768 lbs

84 Quad 4 w/o spare tire etc.
Front - 1122 lbs
Rear - 1500 lbs
Total - 2622 lbs

Not sure how the all aluminum Ecotec with supercharger compares to an aluminum headed, cast iron block, N/A Quad 4. However I doubt it's much more than 50 lbs lighter. I think it's near impossible to make a Fiero 50/50 unless you add weight to the front - and who wants to add weight.

[This message has been edited by sanderson (edited 11-04-2005).]

thank you for the replies. I am currently out of town delivering that Ttop coupe..

Loyde

Loyde

There's an unsubstantiated story in another thread that says that the Ecotec engine/transmission is a drop in replacement for the 2.2L OHV and the MK7 Izuzu in a '97 Cavalier. And I believe that the MK7 Izuzu is dimensionally the same as the Fiero Izuzu. If this is all true ( and it's probably too much to expect that it is), then the Fiero axles should plug right in and be the right length. Have you looked real close at the dimensions and splines of the Ecoctec trans you've got?

quote Originally posted by sanderson: Loyde There's an unsubstantiated story in another thread that says that the Ecotec engine/transmission is a drop in replacement for the 2.2L OHV and the MK7 Izuzu in a '97 Cavalier. And I believe that the MK7 Izuzu is dimensionally the same as the Fiero Izuzu. If this is all true ( and it's probably too much to expect that it is), then the Fiero axles should plug right in and be the right length. Have you looked real close at the dimensions and splines of the Ecoctec trans you've got?

I already have the axles worked out..

I purchased 2 brand new GETRAG 5 speeds ( F35 ) .. Just need more time to work on this, but I have some wiring harness that have to come first when I finish Will's car.

Loyde

So on the advice of several forum members to start from scratch for my first fiero, I've contacted Fast Fiero's to be the guinea pig for this project because it's extremely intriguing to me and I think Ecotec is the future at GM. Gotta put my thinking cap on...

[This message has been edited by Scurvy (edited 11-15-2005).]

really nice trannies ..umm where did u get them im' looking for a getrag lol ..anyways ..umm what did u use to paint that one ..it looks good ..just some spray cans or waht??

thanks
matt

quote Originally posted by Carswell...Wellscar: really nice trannies ..umm where did u get them im' looking for a getrag lol ..anyways ..umm what did u use to paint that one ..it looks good ..just some spray cans or waht?? thanks matt

Its not painted... It is brand new and never installed. I have 2 that are brand new now. The used one above in the picture is already sold and gone.

Loyde

So, how much do those trannys sell for? If they're a lot stronger than the 282, that might be a good option. Besides, if you're doing a V8 you have to have an adapter plate made anyway.

(Although that does raise the question if all you'd need to do is change the adapter plate to match the new tranny vs. the 282.)

oh ok my mistake ..yes ..how easy would that tranny fit onto a 3.4dohc or would i have to make an adaptor plate stated above ?? or am i way off ??

matt

[This message has been edited by Carswell...Wellscar (edited 11-15-2005).]

PM sent

bump

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Soon to be custom port fuel injected with Megasquirt! 4.5l and th-440 And Im only 18. think about when Im 30!!

I e-mailed you yesterday wrt this thread, Did you get it?

quote Originally posted by hnthomps: I e-mailed you yesterday wrt this thread, Did you get it?

I responded to your email now.

I purchased a whole running car to speed the process of installing this to the Fiero. There are 2 BCM's, the instrument cluster is said to be needed to get the PCM to release the passlock, and the ignition switch has passlock 3 in it. I now see how they are setting up the passlock since I have a column with the electric steering. These are all easy issues to overcome with a running car to start with to take apart.

Loyde

bump for reference.

Well, since you bumped this.. I will update what a 2005 Chevrolet Cobalt SS with 1652 miles looks like very wrecked.

As soon as I finish this 3800SC install to the Ferrari 355 I am working on today, I will try to do a little work on this 2.0L SC install.

The whole interior wiring, and engine harness are going into the Fiero. I love the dash in this Cobalt. 160 MPH speedo..

Now that I see how the electric steering is installed to the cobalt with the manual petals, I think I can get it all in the Fiero as well. I cranked up this Cobalt and steered left and right. It feels real nice with the electric power assist. With the engine off, and the steering unlocked, it steers left and right about like a Fiero sitting still.

Loyde

Nice work Loyde. I'm glad to see some new options out there for power steering and supercharged engines. Would you be offering the whole dash/column/engine/transmission swap as a turnkey deal?

Hey that car looks....... well I think I have.........No, I know I have seen it before. That car is killed. When I picked it up I was scratching my head thinking this car is killed. The cool thing was the motor was not even damaged. It was nice meeting you Loyde. Hope this swap goes good

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88GT 3.4SC
88GT T-TOP
87GT VERT (build in progress)
www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/053203.html

Loyde
pm sent

Where is this project? Just looking to see the staus of it Lloyd.

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'87 Fiero GT Fastback Auto.
http://www.myspace.com/jaxdomino

Bump for info??

Jon

Guys, there is just nothing I can do right now on development. I have 4 3800 installs, and 7 more wiring harness to do... I get several calls on the EcoTec possibilites, but no one seems to want to have the install done. I dont develope my work for kits. I like to do the work for people that dont have time, tools, or maybe the talant to do the work themselves.

Can the EcoTec SC and 5 speed be installed to the Fiero and work? Yes, it can. It will require alot of items however, and is more expensive on paper than a 3800sc install. Because of that, most have indicated that they would rather have the 3800SC.

HP Tuners has cracked the displacement on demand DoD PCM's and ordering is available only with the new USB interface. The Cobalt SS is going to be supported, but the Saturn Ion Redline is not going to be included it seems even when that happens. This is bad really, because the RedLine was released in 04 and there are more of them showing up in the salvage yards.

So, if you want a EcoTec with a 5 speed in your Fiero for gas mileage, I think this is a good option. GM is really dragging out the release of the stage 1 and 2 kits that makes everyone want to wait also.

Thats the best I do for updates...

Loyde

quote Originally posted by FastFieros: Guys, there is just nothing I can do right now on development. I have 4 3800 installs, and 7 more wiring harness to do... I get several calls on the EcoTec possibilites, but no one seems to want to have the install done. I dont develope my work for kits. I like to do the work for people that dont have time, tools, or maybe the talant to do the work themselves. Can the EcoTec SC and 5 speed be installed to the Fiero and work? Yes, it can. It will require alot of items however, and is more expensive on paper than a 3800sc install. Because of that, most have indicated that they would rather have the 3800SC. HP Tuners has cracked the displacement on demand DoD PCM's and ordering is available only with the new USB interface. The Cobalt SS is going to be supported, but the Saturn Ion Redline is not going to be included it seems even when that happens. This is bad really, because the RedLine was released in 04 and there are more of them showing up in the salvage yards. So, if you want a EcoTec with a 5 speed in your Fiero for gas mileage, I think this is a good option. GM is really dragging out the release of the stage 1 and 2 kits that makes everyone want to wait also. Thats the best I do for updates... Loyde

Loyde; does this mean that we won't be seeing that cool dash going into a car any time soon? Joe

Loyde,

I am gathering the money to have you do this swap this summer/fall.
I was thinking of using the engine from this site http://www.turnkeyenginesupply.com/Street/22170.htm
Do you think that using the above engine would make the swap harder, easier? How would it effect the cost?
The car is an 88 coupe stock so far.
Once I get a little closer I will contact you directly to make more arrangements.

Thanks
Jon

bump

Well, I am glad to see the interest in this 2.0L SC application is alive.. Considering I purchasd one complete 05 Cobalt SS, and one complete LSJ engine, then 3 brand new transmissions, I am very serious about this install.

The GM stage 1 and 2 kits are in the final release stages. Here are some prices based on a crate engine website

17801947 Stage 1 Performance Upgrade Kit,
Cobalt SS/ION Redline.
For 05-06 Saturn ION Redline and Cheverolet Cobalt SS only.
This kit enhances engine performance to 230 hp (up from stock 205 hp).
MSRP: $500.00 Your Price: $425.00

17803229 Stage 2 Performance Upgrade Kit,
Cobalt SS/Saturn ION Redline
For 05-06 Saturn ION Redline And Chevrolet Cobalt SS only.
This Kit enhances engine performance to 245 hp (up from stock 205 hp).
MSRP: $750.00 Your Price: $637.00

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Its getting warmer here now. I have the 355 Ferrari completely done also. Got to get the LS1 Grand Prix back on the lift this week, then the Ferrari 308 gets a nice 3800NA upgrade. Then it is yet another 3800SC with stage 2 IC. Get my problem here guys... Alot of work ..

Loyde

Nice, can't wait to see some more progress.

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2006 Cobalt SS Supercharged

I'm interested in this swap (not nessicarily for me, but for my dads fiero). I hope that everything works out well with it and that we can see this swap get developed!

Any word further on this or should I just say bump?

bump for mid year 06

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Low Original Miles at 37,575!!!
19x8.5(f) and 19x9.5(r) Drifz 520b's
235/35 & 245/35 Nitto NT555s
Otherwise stock for now ;)

Hello Loyde,
You've stated that you've gotten the axle issue worked out? I'm working with the 88 fiero rear hubs and the stock transmission from a 2005 cobalt. Any details you could give would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

John

i put an ecotec in my 86 fierogt.the fiero manual transmision axles fit right in to the 5 speed cavalier tranny.right lengths and everything.you have to weld up your own mounts to adapt the cavalier stock trans and motor mounts.donor car was 2004 2.2 L 5 speed cavalier.

Thanks for the info, I'm going to have to try test fitting that later. I'm using a 5spd F23 from a 2005 cobalt mated to a 2.2l from a 2005 malibu. It just picked it up today and I must say, it looks beautiful.

I would really like to get an update on this project, I have a fiero, a Redline, and possibly will have a spare LSJ - F35 - ECM - Wiring harness combo cradle pretty soon

I talked with Loyde about an Eco install which I would love to do but it is pricey.
I reduction in wieght and the fact the ecotec can maintaint 300hp with out issue
is very alluring.
One question I have is why not use the transmission out of the Cobalt with the
SS Ecotec?

quote Originally posted by carbonfiber_kid: IOne question I have is why not use the transmission out of the Cobalt with the SS Ecotec?

The F23 that comes with the base Ecotecs is weaker than the F35 or F40. WFTB has proven that the Fiero axles fit the F23. It would be nice to know if they also fit the F35 and F40.

Bump

quote Originally posted by sanderson: The F23 that comes with the base Ecotecs is weaker than the F35 or F40. WFTB has proven that the Fiero axles fit the F23. It would be nice to know if they also fit the F35 and F40.

To answer this in a better way... the F35 axles fit the Fiero wheel bearing hubs.. I have laid the Cobalt F35 axles next to Fiero manual axles and they appear the same lenght. The F35 requires you use those axles because of the half shaft design on the passenger side. NO matter, they are 'about' the same lenght, the same hub bearing spline, those are the ones to design around.

Loyde