Thanks to a few of the El Paso members on the forum, I have secured a new project for my 88 GT, "The Stray" for now until I find a suitable name.
This is a 4.9 that has been in an 88 GT for a few years. The car now has a 3800SC engine, so I took the hand-me-down. (See katatak's thread on the build. Jeff's 88GT)
I drove down with the family to El Paso yesterday, and after getting lost several times, we ended up at Pat's. I finally got to put some faces to names, and names to Usernames. We did alot of talking, some part swapping, and a lot more talking. I ended up back in Albuquerque around 1AM.
This morning I got up and did a little tinkering and by early evening, I just decided to do it. Here is the GT backing into the garage for the last time on 6 cylinders. 170,000 miles is enough for this one. Took off a few parts to clean them up Ready for surgery. Helpers are wonderful Almooooost Getting there! TADA! Wife is taking all the credit. It's official. If I had fuel lines made up already. It would have fired tonight. I'll button up everything tomorrow and wait for my brake calipers to get here. I'm still looking for a throttle cable, but I think I have everything else handled. From backing in the car, to cradle bolted up was around 4 to 5 hours. I can't remember exactly when I started. Having the engine already on a cradle and wiring done makes is a tad easier! This was just as easy as a stock swap. Hopefully have it all finished up by this weekend!
------------------ 86 SE ChopTop 4 Speed 3.4 "The Short Bus" SOLD!
88 GT "The Stray" 4.9 (in progress..) 07 Solstice GXP 2.0L turbo 08 GMC Sierra 3500 Duramax Dually. 05 Tahoe on 20's (Kid hauler)
IP: Logged
05:35 AM
PFF
System Bot
donnie072003 Member
Posts: 1956 From: LaSalle, IL. Registered: Feb 2010
Good show! Its amazing how quickly a 4.9 swap can go. I spent more time doing the brake rebuild then swapping the engine. Having done it before I know I could complete one, with proper prep work, from start to finish in a weekend. Almost boringly easy. Your going to love "the NEW stray".
[This message has been edited by Fieroseverywhere (edited 08-09-2010).]
IP: Logged
10:51 AM
fierosound Member
Posts: 15190 From: Calgary, Canada Registered: Nov 1999
I'm not sure of the plans for this one yet. I may keep it, or sell it and start all over again. The stock motor runs fine, but the tranny is leaking. Still shifts fine. No plans for it yet. Most likey part it out. I WILL chop another. Next time will be with glass though. I want to do another notchie, so this one will stay a bubble top for now. I got the fuel lines made up today. A few more bolts, blood and cussing, I'll be on the road!
IP: Logged
05:10 PM
Raydar Member
Posts: 40936 From: Carrollton GA. Out in the... country. Registered: Oct 1999
It's chugging along now! I have a few questions that have me stumpt. The coolant hoses are giving me fits. This 4.9 was in another GT before I got it, so it should be close to the same setup. The hoses left on the engine don't match up to mine. Anybody got a diagram or pics of the coolant setup? I need to cut in a fill point, but I wanna get everything routed first. Also, on the alternator, the harness doesn't have an eyelet for the alt. feed. The 2.8 had it as part of the harness. There is also one connector that I cannot find a home for. The red one sticking up in the pic.
The harness inside the cab has a cut wire. I thought it was just pinched during removal or install, but it looks to be cut intentionally. It's the brown one, second from the end. (In the C port) Once I get these issues and the suspension back on, I should be rolling.
The red plug by the alt is not used. The smaller coolant hose on top is a heater hose and the vac hose from the TB is for the power brakes. I'm traveling between Boise ID and SLC today but I'll try and get you some pics this afternoon.
Pat
IP: Logged
09:55 AM
Carver1 Member
Posts: 2843 From: Edgewood, New Mexico Registered: Nov 2000
Thanks Pat. I didn't think it was plugged into anything when I removed it, but wasn't positive.
Last night, I got the trans linkage and throttle hooked up. The oil cooler lines are looped until I get a cooler. All the wiring is done except for the alternator feed. Fuel lines are good to go. Getting close!
After I get the correct heater and coolant lines routed out, I should fire it up. I'll try it first with the cut wire on the harness, then splice it back if needed.
BTW, Pat, I scored another one right near my house. I'll let you know what turns out from it.
IP: Logged
11:24 AM
katatak Member
Posts: 7136 From: Omaha, NE USA Registered: Apr 2008
Thanks Pat. I didn't think it was plugged into anything when I removed it, but wasn't positive.
Last night, I got the trans linkage and throttle hooked up. The oil cooler lines are looped until I get a cooler. All the wiring is done except for the alternator feed. Fuel lines are good to go. Getting close!
After I get the correct heater and coolant lines routed out, I should fire it up. I'll try it first with the cut wire on the harness, then splice it back if needed.
BTW, Pat, I scored another one right near my house. I'll let you know what turns out from it.
When it rains Fiero's, it pours! Not sure about the "cut" wire. I'll ask Jeff tomorrow when I get home.
Pat
IP: Logged
09:54 PM
Aug 13th, 2010
Carver1 Member
Posts: 2843 From: Edgewood, New Mexico Registered: Nov 2000
Thanks Pat. I didn't think it was plugged into anything when I removed it, but wasn't positive.
Last night, I got the trans linkage and throttle hooked up. The oil cooler lines are looped until I get a cooler. All the wiring is done except for the alternator feed. Fuel lines are good to go. Getting close!
After I get the correct heater and coolant lines routed out, I should fire it up. I'll try it first with the cut wire on the harness, then splice it back if needed.
BTW, Pat, I scored another one right near my house. I'll let you know what turns out from it.
See what happens when you get more space........you buy more Fiero's I can't wait to start on my swap. Thanks Phil!
IP: Logged
01:55 PM
Aug 14th, 2010
Carver1 Member
Posts: 2843 From: Edgewood, New Mexico Registered: Nov 2000
Wow, I don't only take longer to clean my engine bay, I take longer to figure out how I'm going to clean my engine bay! Seriously, I hit very very bad OCD mental blocks because I feel that everything has to be *perfect*. I'd accomplish a lot more if my mind wouldn't go into freeze mode all the time.
As much as I don't feel that a 4.9 is *perfect* (heh), I really like the idea of a quick and dirty, but reliable swap. You're making it look too easy! I look forward to seeing it run!
I always want everything to be perfectly clean and installed looking its best, but then I get antsie, and wanna drive it! After I know it runs and everything is correct, I will most likely tear it all down and clean it up. There are a few leaks and small things I could fix, but the important things are there. Maybe if the car was in better shape, it would be a whole different swap. This is my only Fiero at the moment, so I gotta get it on the road. I will be picking up another project soon, and hopefully it will get the attention to detail from a nice clean build. This car will be 100% functional. No trailer queens in my garage. Wear em out, buy another one, rebuild the old one while wearing out the next. It's a continuous cylce.
IP: Logged
01:14 AM
Rick 88 Member
Posts: 3914 From: El Paso, TX. Registered: Aug 2001
Originally posted by Carver1: No problem. Let me know if you need anything.
Pat mentioned something about you having the Fiero parts market cornered. Do yo know if I will have to modify the front 88 engine U mount to clear the block or pan on my car with the 3.4?
IP: Logged
07:11 PM
Carver1 Member
Posts: 2843 From: Edgewood, New Mexico Registered: Nov 2000
I don't think so, but if you do, I have the whole 2.8 setup from this 88GT that you can use to modify anything you need. It is still on the cradle and I bet it would run right there on the floor if I shot some fuel to it.
THe 3.4 was in an 85, then my old 86. I don't think it ever sat in an 88.....yet!
IP: Logged
09:10 PM
katatak Member
Posts: 7136 From: Omaha, NE USA Registered: Apr 2008
Just installed a 3.4 in Jan's 88 Fomula - we used his original 2.8 - 88 front mount bracket. It may require some modification for the 88 AC brackets to work with RD's mount bracket. We had to cut Jan's to get everything to fit but it came out great.
Pat
IP: Logged
10:40 PM
Aug 15th, 2010
Carver1 Member
Posts: 2843 From: Edgewood, New Mexico Registered: Nov 2000
I have the video on my phone. I just have to transfer it over today. I still have alot of small things to adjust. The stock battery won't fit, so I gotta replace it. I also have to check the injectors. It is blowing the injector fuse when I rev it up quickly. It idles perfect though and on easy revs. I'll finish burping the coolant and find out why the SES light is on. Also, the car will not start with the key. I'm putting in a puch button start until I figure out why.
IP: Logged
01:28 PM
Rick 88 Member
Posts: 3914 From: El Paso, TX. Registered: Aug 2001
I don't think so, but if you do, I have the whole 2.8 setup from this 88GT that you can use to modify anything you need. It is still on the cradle and I bet it would run right there on the floor if I shot some fuel to it.
THe 3.4 was in an 85, then my old 86. I don't think it ever sat in an 88.....yet!
If everything works out, the 88 will be it's permanent home! "Project Merrari" is gathering steam.....and parts. Now if someone will just finish up their 3.8 SC swap.
IP: Logged
02:42 PM
Carver1 Member
Posts: 2843 From: Edgewood, New Mexico Registered: Nov 2000
Well, got it running great now. I am putting the rear suspension back on. This sucker roars. I was burping the coolant today and the damn water temp gauge needle fell off. It's always something....
Still have the SES light on, and need to get a smaller battery to be able to drive it.
IP: Logged
08:38 PM
katatak Member
Posts: 7136 From: Omaha, NE USA Registered: Apr 2008
Did you connect the broken wire? Check all the connectors for the SES. Jeff says no SES light when it was in his car. Could just be a dirty connection. Glad to hear it's running. Double check all those connections and wires.
Pat
IP: Logged
08:56 PM
Rick 88 Member
Posts: 3914 From: El Paso, TX. Registered: Aug 2001
Well, got it running great now. I am putting the rear suspension back on. This sucker roars. I was burping the coolant today and the damn water temp gauge needle fell off. It's always something....
Still have the SES light on, and need to get a smaller battery to be able to drive it.
That motor did sound very good. Time to do the temp gauge fix so it doesn't peg every time you start it. One "puch" button coming up! Hey do you have an 87 on back V6 front (passenger side) motor mount bracket?
IP: Logged
10:44 PM
Carver1 Member
Posts: 2843 From: Edgewood, New Mexico Registered: Nov 2000
That motor did sound very good. Time to do the temp gauge fix so it doesn't peg every time you start it. One "puch" button coming up! Hey do you have an 87 on back V6 front (passenger side) motor mount bracket?
I believe I do! They are all in a bucket from my 86GT I parted out. I'll have to see what kind of shape it is in.
Video is loading shortly....... Had to roast them brand new rears a little.
IP: Logged
11:41 PM
Aug 16th, 2010
Khw Member
Posts: 11139 From: South Weber, UT. U.S.A. Registered: Jun 2008
(See katatak's thread on the build. Jeff's 88GT)
