I'm considering a Quad 4 swap into my '84. I see from Web that remanufactured long blocks can be purchased for the Vin "A" Quad 4 which is apparently the desired high output version.

If I were to find a Vin "D" parts car what could I swap over to the new long block and what would be left to find?

Or better yet does anyone know where to source a HO Quad 4 for the needed parts and to turn-in for core to the engine remanufacturer?

I would think long and hard about the quad 4. I have heard people talk about how great they are, however, between 88 and 92 the engine had an 11% head gasket failure rate (4% is considered excessive). If you are a mechanic and can replace it, go for it, otherwise, I would go for the V6....Paul

Ouch that kinda sucks.. What about finding a copper gasket?

The main difference between the LO and HO are cams, computer, and the pistons. The LO has a cr of 9:1 (IIRC) and the HO is 10:1. In some cases they had different intake and exhaust manifolds, also.

If you get an LO, you can just swap the cams and computer to HO spec and get a good increase in power. I'd just spend some time looking at the junkyards, LO's are a dime a dozen, but HO's are a little tougher to get. 90-92 were the best years.

The majority of head gasket failures was due to a run of improperly stamped head gaskets that GM got. It's tough to find a quad that hasn't already had a new head gasket put on, but if you have any doubts you can get a fel-pro head gasket kit for about 110 bucks.

You can also get brand new HO crate engines from www.mantapart.com for 2-3,000..

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1988 Quad 4 Coupe 5 speed
More pics of the coupe
1986 GT 5 speed, 1984 SC Auto
AOL: LastMinuteBastrd AIM: SavedbyJebus

I talked to Grooms Engines (highly recommended by Fiero factory) and they will do a rebuilt HO quad 4 long block for a reasonable price with an 18 month unlimited mileage warranty. So I need to come up with an engine to scavenge manifolds, TB, sensors, ECM, wiring harness, accessories etc. I'll work the junkyard angle to see what I find.

The Manta site looks interesting but I didn't see that they did long blocks

If you're looking to get a long block, you might want to try Pep Boys for one of their "ProBuilt" motors. I understand they have a 36 month, unlimited mileage warranty. Remember though, unless you have a core, you'll have to pay the core price also.

You might want to check with Greg Duncan in the Tucson area. He was offering the Quad 4 that he has used for AutoX (built by Manta) for the last 2-3 years. I saw the car run at San Diego last year... very impressive. Price seemed to be reasonable. I believe Greg is on the Fiero Racing List, or perhaps George Ryan (Cadero) can provide contact information.

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FierOmar

My brother owned a 1992 Grand Am with a QUAD 4 SOHC and the head gasket failed around 110,000. He took it in for an estimate at a local auto shop and they said $1000 ! but luckily we found some guy to do it for $500 and then sold the car shortly after because the same problem can occur in another 30,000 miles or less.
You can check my favorite site www.carsurvey.com and see what they have to say about cars. More specifically check 92 grand am's.

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-Kyle
Aim: Littlechugger
1987 Fiero Notchback 4cyl.
1990 POS Cavalier