OK.... Well its time for me to finalize the plans for my current Fiero build (SmoothGT-w8nc). One of the things that has me delayed is deciding on a stretch or not... I am 70% doing it right now. The question I am looking at now is ENGINE PLACEMENT.... What I dont want to happen is messing up the cornering, etc. When I do the stretch, whats better.... CENTER engine in bay..?? Move the engine BACK off the front firewall towards the rear..?? I have a 95 4.9 w/ 32k on it so torque isnt lacking. Thanks to everyone that would like to join this conversation. Thanks SmoothGT

------------------
Steve
aka. SmoothGT
- NotAFieroAnyLonger
CURRENT BUILD:
" SmoothGT-'w8nc' "
1987 Fiero V8/hybrid
1999 Lexus SC-400

Not sure on the handleing but i think it would make it more like a rear wheel drive car without working powersteering. that is depending on the length of the stretch ofcourse and if you will stretch it i am definatly saving the thread to my favs. I love stretched Fieros but i cant afford to do one myself

You ARE going to turbo it and longitudinally mount it if you stretch it, right? Otherwise I feel like there isn't much point.

I would just be happy seeing a running/driving car this time........

If you are keeping the 4.9 transverse, then there really isn't much ability to change the front/rear engine placement w/o running a significant angle at the axles. You are probably looking at +/- 2" of total movement and the strech has little impact on this.

Now if you are going longitudinal with you can push the engine as far forward as the transmission allows and this will put more weight on the front, which isn't a bad think in my book.

Stretch and go long, or not at all.

I agree with Fieroguru. My F355 kit has a 3" stretched wheelbase done at the firewall, but it doesn't impact the placement of the engine relative to the rear wheels, only to the cabin. I gained some extra room between the firewall and the front bank of the engine, but my engine will still be up against the strut towers in order to have the axles at the right location in relation to the struts.

Of course if you're going longitudinal, then that changes everything.

Thanks for the replies... I kinda asked the engine placement question wrong (figured out answer although). IF I do this stretch it will be a 8" stretch. I dont want to go with the normal stretch, mine will be different. ALL mods are being tweaked to be unlike anyone elses Fiero.. As far as going longitudinal... That is in the plans LATER (turbo DOHC). Thanks again for everyones (except Revin) input...

SmthGt
If you are later going with longitudinal stretch you ought to look into Dave Held`s tubular cradle.
It bolts up to the stock mounting points and does away with a stretched stock cradle.
You just have to stretch the upper and lower rails.

http://team321.com/MidEngin...rutEngineCradle.html

[This message has been edited by TXGOOD (edited 11-15-2010).]

Thanks for the link.. I plan on building my own cradle once I start with the DOHC swap later... Thanks again though. Smooth