So I'm saving up for my next car as my saturn is going the way of the dinosaurs.
However the car before the saturn was a regal gs with some mods but I scraped it when the sub frame rotted and broke.
So I'm looking and the fiero with the intention of a 3800sc swap with the automatic trans.
So what I was looking for was some info of what model fiero is better for the swap.
I've looked on my local cl and seen the 4cyl and v6 car's.
The 4cyl cars go alot cheaper then the v6 and since I'm gonna swap it I figure I'd go with the 4cycl but if its more work the v6 I'm willing to spend the money for the v6 car.
I assume the main thing is manual or auto since I'm gonna use the auto trans I will try to find a car with the auto trans,
Go with the automatic and go with the V6 if you can (if you go with the four banger you will have to adjust the tach to read a six cylinder). If you have no preference in body style, the 88's came with a much better suspension, brakes and steering (steering feel/effort is much better in the 88's IMHO). You will pay a premium for an 88 over the other model years, but if you see how much it costs to upgrade the suspension and brakes of an 84-87 MY to a comparable level you will come to realize quickly that the up front premium of the 88 is worth it. Now, the con of going with the 88 is that because it was produced for only one year and did not share many of its new parts with any other GM cars some of those parts are a lot more expensive than the 84-87 MY's.
That's my take on it. I'm sure the veterans on here will chime in with more pro's and con's that should help you make a wise decision. Also, check out the mall as there are a few cars for sale there right now...
Look hard for rust though too, Fieros can hide it well.
Here is an example of rust you cannot see easily when the plastic panels are on: (This one includes bend damage)
CLICK FOR FULL SIZE
What it should look like:
CLICK FOR FULL SIZE
Pulling the trunk carpet back and looking in the corners is quick and easy and can be an indicator of how bad rust is elseware. Also reaching in above the rear wheel past the plastic liner for metal. Also of course getting under the car with a flash light.
[This message has been edited by 2.5 (edited 06-11-2014).]
Look hard for rust though too, Fieros can hide it well.
Here is an example of rust you cannot see easily when the plastic panels are on:
CLICK FOR FULL SIZE
What it should look like:
CLICK FOR FULL SIZE
Pulling the trunk carpet back and looking in the corners is quick and easy and can be an indicator of how bad rust is elseware. Also reaching in above the rear wheel past the plastic liner for metal. Also of course getting under the car with a flash light.
Hello, all you need to do is drill the starter location bolts and put the engine in the car it will run as if it were a 2.8 with a bit more power.
also i live less than 20 miles from ypsi. let me know if you need any assistance pm me. i could show you what to look for on mine and what you should leave alone if you desire.
Hello, all you need to do is drill the starter location bolts and put the engine in the car it will run as if it were a 2.8 with a bit more power.
also i live less than 20 miles from ypsi. let me know if you need any assistance pm me. i could show you what to look for on mine and what you should leave alone if you desire.
Ryan
Sounds good! I think the biggest challenge is most likely I will end up with a 4cyl car.
I know I want the man peddle and I have one in the saturn but I had a spill on a bike and my knees just can not handle the traffic with the clutch.
Ha ha! Man pedal . I've never heard that one before. I totally understand about knees and clutch pedals. Actually, my next Fiero will have to be an automatic so my wife can drive it.
I'll keep my eyes open up here in Lansing for a good project car for you. I check craigslist everyday. You may have good luck on the west side of the state. There seem to be a bunch over there.
So doing some reading around here and find that the 3400 is a direct swap ?
Would I need to change out any wiring or the ecu ?
Guys,
The push rod 3.4 engine (93-95 Firebird/Camero) is a direct swap after you relocate the starter and add a few Fiero bits. I am not certain about the 3400 but do not believe that it is a direct swap as is the 3.4 engine. Check this info out before you commit to a specific engine.
Try to avoid buying an 84 and get a 85 n up. Also if your going 3.8sc don't use the auto tranny from the fiero it will blow take the tranny from the 3.8 donor car