So, I'm relatively new to MAJOR mechanical work but I'm looking to either build an engine or do a swap for my 87 Fiero GT. I don't know much about what goes into a swap other than mounting, wiring, transmission, basically replacing everything... but I'm rather clueless as knowing if it'll work or not. Hopefully someone can help me here, but I'm considering a 2005 Ferrari 136S engine (4.2L V8). Couldn't really find the exact dimensions, but I'm assuming it may be possible given that Archie fit an LS3? If anyone is familiar with this engine or can shed some light on some factors, that would be great.
This sort of chutzpah is both the reason why we love Fieros and the forum, and at the same time have nothing to say. If you can train yourself with a couple of successful swaps with engines that have been proven to work, you then may consider yourself competent enough to try a completely new effort. The work required is staggering, but we never want to say 'never'.
Ferrari engines are cheap and easy to maintain. Not! If you have a running Ferrari engine sell it. That will pay for someone else to put a V8 in your car.
[This message has been edited by dratts (edited 08-26-2017).]
If you have a dream, pursue it, but consider practicality of the project. Cost to achieve your goal can quickly outstrip the ultimate value of a knock off car. There are threads on this and other sites where people go off the edge fabricating and building a replicar when often times they could've bought the real thing with a second job and have the experience of the real thing.
Since it's a DOHC V8 and not a V12, it really comes down to that practicality. Looks like the engine was owned by Fiat-Chrysler (not so flattering) and used in Alpha and Maserati too. The engine maintenance must be about the worst thing regarding Ferrari, so investigate that. If you're doing a clone/replicar it can take one approach, but making the more typical (which doesn't mean common) mock of a car, then reconsider using another more common engine and mocking it to look like a Ferrari with a milled aluminum FERRARI logo to mount on the intake; same approach as we do with the car body. There are plenty of DOHC engines with great sound and similar 136S performance.
You can get more power and torque from a 2.0 Ecotec turbo that will actually fit. Pretty impractical choice for an engine swap (unless you are 16 years old, in which case you are forgiven).
I think you should start by taking a step back and evaluating exactly what you are trying to achieve. What are you looking for? Performance? Reliability? Putting in a Ferrari engine because likely most people have never done that?
I suspect you are most interested in an engine with good performance, reliability, readily available parts and support, minimal cost, ease of installation... Do a little research on the more common swaps into Fieros, such as 3800 NA or SC, 3.4, 4.9L V8, etc and pick one of those for your first install. If nothing else, doing one of these swaps first will get you some experience. There are lots of thread to use for guidance and many people on PFF who can help you when problems arise. Taking on the Ferrari engine swap should really be left for someone who has in depth knowledge of swaps and is capable of solving installation problems completely on their own. You won't gain anything by having a badly installed Ferrari engine in your Fiero.
[This message has been edited by Neils88 (edited 08-27-2017).]
@Dratts - I asked for theories and ideas, not terrible opinions. For the record, from what I've looked into, the F136S isn't that expensive to maintain or purchase (It's the engine used in the Maseratti Quattroporte and can be purchased for $3-$4000 with only 35-50k on them).
@Sourmash - Why does it being Fiat-Chrysler owned a not so flattering thing? (curious on this). But yes, it was installed in the Quattroporte. Reason I was looking at the engine was it had relatively the same BHP and provides a close and comparable sound to what the Testarossa originally had. I know there's threads detailing changing the firing order of a Northstar to achieve something similar, but I was curious about pursuing this option as an alternative. The pic you posted is unflattering, sure, and this pic doesn't do it much better http://www.moibbk.com/image...ttroporte-engine.jpg but I'm going more for performance and sound than engine bay looks.
@BillS - Not sure where you're getting your figures, but no Ecotec Turbo comes close to 300BHP, nevermind the 395BHP of the F136S. Torque wise...maybe, but I don't have the figures on the torque for the F136S.
@Neils88 - I'm looking for performance and sound replication. I'm not necessarily looking for minimal cost or ease of installation, but reliability and availability of parts are a second thought to performance and sound. I had researched the Northstar swaps and the changing of the firing order, but I'm not sure that's the route I want to go either. I was looking at newer options or potentially unorthodox swaps that are also relatively newer to eliminate the scarcity of parts.
Do you have a transmission in mind? It will dictate how much of the Fiero needs to be cut up or extended to fit the engine, mounts, axles, etc. Re-wring and re-programming a computer will be a big challenge. A few people have started projects like this. The only one I know of that ended with an operating car.....EngineMan's Audi V8. Maybe someone else can add an example that I don't know about.
@BillS - Not sure where you're getting your figures, but no Ecotec Turbo comes close to 300BHP, nevermind the 395BHP of the F136S. Torque wise...maybe, but I don't have the figures on the torque for the F136S.
Actually, the dead stock LNF engine as used in the HHR, Cobalt SS and Solstice/Sky has 290 bhp with the GMPP factory tune. I'd call that 'close to 300. It also yields 340 ft-lbs.
The one in my Solstice has 375 bhp/375 ft-lbs with a retune and larger impeller in the turbo. Change the turbo and get up to 500 bhp.
[This message has been edited by BillS (edited 08-28-2017).]
I say let the dreamer try to put the Ferrari engine in. It will be a great experience for the man and a learning experience. IMO, the risk and cost is not worth the reward but if that's what he is dead set on doing I'm all for it.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
Although the chances of him actually doing it are small, I hate to see people headed off into expensive dead ends - like spending several times what needs to be spent to accomplish something. But like you, I will watch until the money runs out if he does get around to anything.
