quote Originally posted by Alex4mula:

I think this looks so neat.

quote Originally posted by Adam1988: Would it be possible to destroke the L31 into a 302 or 327? I'm still new to engine dynamics so pardon the ignorance

Yes, entirely possible, and a good choice (destroked L31). I don't know about the availability of 3.25" stroke cranks (the 327) that are for a 1-piece rear main seal block (all SBC's after 1986 were this, and so the L31 also), but the aforementioned L99 3" stroke crank will drop right in (making the 302), along with its 5.94" rods. One thing I forgot to mention was that doing this would drop the stock compression if using the stock L31 pistons, so ideally you'd want aftermarket pistons to bump it back up. Nothing special, and cast pistons would work fine for this app. Cast SBC pistons are dirt cheap, really.

So to recap: L31engine, L99 crank and rods, inexpensive cast pistons. Put it all together properly and have fun!

Owned a 69 Z28 with the 302. IMO, It was a front engined Fiero. The engine would rev up to 8k with my cross ram dual four barrel carb set up. I had a close ratio m22 rock crusher with 4.11 gears in the rear. I could trounce other muscle cars. It was an American Ferrari much like the Fiero is. The sound was amazing. I would set up a 302 like other have mentioned with the newer parts, use some AFR 220s with a lt1 style manifold if using a FI or use a Victor Jr and at least a 750 double pumper, custom pistons with at least 10.5 compression. No sandersons but some custom built 180 degree headers like FieroGuru is building and get a 84 4.10 trans put the final drive into a 85-86 v6 Fiero 4 speed muncie and create a new z28 Fiero

quote Originally posted by Erik: Owned a 69 Z28 with the 302. IMO, It was a front engined Fiero. The engine would rev up to 8k with my cross ram dual four barrel carb set up. I had a close ratio m22 rock crusher with 4.11 gears in the rear. I could trounce other muscle cars. It was an American Ferrari much like the Fiero is. The sound was amazing. I would set up a 302 like other have mentioned with the newer parts, use some AFR 220s with a lt1 style manifold if using a FI or use a Victor Jr and at least a 750 double pumper, custom pistons with at least 10.5 compression. No sandersons but some custom built 180 degree headers like FieroGuru is building and get a 84 4.10 trans put the final drive into a 85-86 v6 Fiero 4 speed muncie and create a new z28 Fiero

Sold but on my budget it will take 10 years.

Adam,
I'm the guy that bought your gray carpet set when you were laid up with the bad leg. I have a 350 pre 86 with a carb. in my car. I figured with all the work involved, it would be easier than fuel injection since the wiring would be simpler. I bought a rebuilt motor from Motor Crate Sales/Cylinder Head Specialties in Portland. They asked me what I wanted- I had a set of Vortec heads already, and I said I wanted it to idle like my 350 hp Corvette. They said ok, put in what they called a hot rod cam and it is perfect. Probably not the fastest Fiero, but all I want. Feels as quick as my wife's '66 427/425 Corvette. With an exchange used block and my heads, the motor was $800 delivered to my garage near Astoria. Do you have the Archie install video? It will answer a lot of questions. Let me know if I can be of any help. Bryan