I bought my Fiero less than a month ago. I am absolutely going to do an engine swap in about a year. But I am intentionally avoiding all the research in that rabbit hole until I get the car looking good and running properly. However I have came across an issue with my engine cradle. It does not appear to be cracked or broken, but it is pretty jacked up.

I don't want to start up a discussion about which engine I should swap. I just need to know if the I will be able to use the stock engine cradle with any (or all) of the most popular options. I doubt that I will go to the trouble to replace the cradle now. But if I know I will be using the stock cradle I will definitely start shopping for one immediately.

Nearly every engine swap completed in a Fiero can use the stock (or slightly modified stock) Fiero cradle. Those of us with tubular or truly custom cradles have them for various reasons, but not because we had to for the engine we swapped in.

Buy a cradle and fix your car.

What exactly is wrong with your cradle? Unless there is something really bad with it, it could probably be repaired. Maybe post some pics of it.

quote Originally posted by Neils88: What exactly is wrong with your cradle? Unless there is something really bad with it, it could probably be repaired. Maybe post some pics of it.

Bent and banged. Pretty sure it is safe for now, but I am going to start shopping for a new one. I would not trust one that has been bent out of shape and then back into shape unless it was getting braced or reenforced. But I will post some picks to get your opinions.

[This message has been edited by fredtoast (edited 06-29-2023).]

quote Originally posted by fredtoast: Bent and banged. Pretty sure it is safe for now, but I am going to start shopping for a new one. I would not trust one that has been bent out of shape and then back into shape unless it was getting braced or reenforced. But I will post some picks to get your opinions.

It has some bends in the frame that are factory, though sometimes it might not be obvious. But concern I would have is that if it's exceptionally damaged, it may have damaged your space frame as well.

quote Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]: It has some bends in the frame that are factory, though sometimes it might not be obvious. But concern I would have is that if it's exceptionally damaged, it may have damaged your space frame as well.

I am going to a garage to get some other things checked out and I will do a thorough exam when it is up on the racks. Even when I have it up on my jack stands it is tough for me to move around easily under there.

I know there are some factory bends, but from looking at the diagram in Chiltons it looks like mine has some extras.

I'll post pictures.

[This message has been edited by fredtoast (edited 06-30-2023).]