Ok i have been talking with my dad about doing either a 3800 or chevy small block engine into my 87 fiero. He is saying that if we do this project that we shouldnt do it in my 87, he thinks we need to go with an 88 because he says the suspension from 84-87 were not that great and wouldnt be able to handle an ngine like the 3800.

Do you all think hes right? And
What type do you all prefer the V8 or 3800?

You need to remember that the engine bay in the '88s is narrower than the '87 one. You could always adapt the rear '88 suspension to your '87.

quote Originally posted by that_fiero_guy: he says the suspension from 84-87 were not that great and wouldnt be able to handle an ngine like the 3800.

My 87 does fine with a 580 hp 650 tq turbo 3800, with stock suspension i might add. Just throw some poly in, new balljoints, and call it a day.

Car is lowered 2" on each corner btw.

quote Originally posted by fieroX: My 87 does fine with a 580 hp 650 tq turbo 3800, with stock suspension i might add. Just throw some poly in, new balljoints, and call it a day. Car is lowered 2" on each corner btw.

What he said; but I'd upgrade brakes. Which would be a wise thing to do an an 88 as well I might add.

quote Originally posted by fieroX: My 87 does fine with a 580 hp 650 tq turbo 3800, with stock suspension i might add. Just throw some poly in, new balljoints, and call it a day. Car is lowered 2" on each corner btw.

Where's the Dyno on this run ??? ( without blowing a headgasket or trans )

i posted the dyno graph in the other thread. I was speaking crank hp not wheel in this thread.

quote Originally posted by fieroX: you know, this got me thinking. How many engines and transmissions have you blown up in the last 3 years? :P

Irrelevant, considering the cause.

Many people have installed 3800's, 3800SC's, SBC V-8's, and a variety of other engines producing more power into 84-87 Fiero's with out any problems.

Yes the suspension in the 88's have a better geometry, But the 84-87's are not that bad.
Of course when you pull it apart you should check the suspension for wear. A worn suspension (regardless of what year Fiero) can cause problems when an engine of more power is swapped in. If you decide to mod the suspension (poly bushings, performance shocks and struts, lowering springs, etc.) it will make the car handle better than stock.

As for what engine to swap, It is up to you. I would recommend locating some members near you that have different swaps and take a ride in their car.
Each engine swap makes the car act and feel differently. Hence how you want the car to act and feel is a personal preference, so only you can decide what is right for you.

I have an 86 SE with a ZZ4 V-8 and the suspension is modified. I modified the suspension prior to the V-8 swap and there was no difference in handling before and after the swap.
Your car should handle the same way as it does now with any swap.

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Happiness isn't around the corner...
Happiness IS the corner.
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[This message has been edited by Oreif (edited 12-10-2007).]