I recently got back into the Fiero world, and im looking to do a motor swap. I have an opportunity at getting an LQ1 for a steal of a deal, but I seem to recall reading about some reliabilty issues with the engine, but I cant for the life of me remember what is was, or where I read it. Anyone have any info on the subject?
The LQ1 is not necessarily a unreliable engine, but it is a high maintenance one. Spark plug changes require removal of the upper intake, and the engine uses a timing chain as well as two timing belts. The belts have a fixed change interval and the replacement procedure is complicated.
If you can get one cheap in good shape, do the maintenance before you install it and you will be fine for a long time. I doubt a timing belt change is difficult with the engine out of the car. It was a very highly engineered engine for its time and makes impressive power. GM really went all out on it, performance wise. IIRC, they had to neuter it from the factory so it wouldn't destroy the transmission because it put out too much power - you can get this power back by changing the cam timing.
Originally posted by kawana: 1 more question, is the LQ1 an interference engine?
Yes... many engines out there with bent valves due to not replacing the belt before it broke.
I had an opportunity to drive a 3.4TDC/getrag car and shifting at 7K was quite addictive. I was used to driving Fieros with more power, but really liked the powerband. It was probably the main reason I gave my LS4 swap a 7K power band.
Yes... many engines out there with bent valves due to not replacing the belt before it broke.
I had an opportunity to drive a 3.4TDC/getrag car and shifting at 7K was quite addictive. I was used to driving Fieros with more power, but really liked the powerband. It was probably the main reason I gave my LS4 swap a 7K power band.
I can agree with Guru on this one. I am used to driving higher HP 3800SC swapped Fieros but the powerband coupled with the 7k shifts make this motor a blast to drive. I drive the car ever chance I get and plan on swapping a DOHC into an 88 GT I have in the future once I sell the current one.
Glad to hear your guys opinions! I have a chance at getting one for $50, but its 3 hours away, and stripped down. But for that price, Itd be worth it. Plus I can use this as an opportunity to get the motor freshened up before it gets put back together.
The 91-95 engines are NOT inference engines, the belt on mine broke at 4500 rpm getting on the freeway under the previous owner's care. No damage to anything at all. An old friend of mine's dohc Fiero did the same thing and it was fine as well. I have read that the 96-97 engines may be interference, but I have not seen evidence to confirm this.
When you change the belt, do the idler pulleys as well. I changed mine in the car, it was pretty easy to do, but I always seem to have less trouble when working in tight spaces than most people.
The spark plugs on the 91-95 motors can be changed without removing any intake parts. The 96-97 motors require removal of the upper intake plenum to access the rear bank.
[This message has been edited by Silicoan86 (edited 09-14-2013).]
Just put iridium spark plugs in it and "never" worry about changing them. Around 60k on mine and they're still perfect. Change them along with the timing belt and pulleys when the motor is out for clutch replacement, or do it before you put the motor in and leave them forever. They last over 100k miles.
[This message has been edited by Steven Snyder (edited 09-09-2014).]
So you feel that I should go with the LQ1 vs the 4.9? Do tell. I have been leaning that way, but figured the 4.9 would be a better engine for driving in the mountains.
I do have an NVG-T550 (internal Hydraulic TOB) and several v6 4 speeds to chose from. I just need to replace/fix the oil pan. The drain plug mount was damaged when the hoist tipped forward. I could probably braze it and be good.
[This message has been edited by chetw77cruiser (edited 09-14-2013).]
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On the two LQ1 motors that I own (91-95 style), the intake need not be removed to change plugs.
