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| Performance parts on the L44 (Page 1/2) |
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sillyvain
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MAY 17, 02:29 AM
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Hey guys
I am trying to get the maximum HP on my L44. I know that I could swap to a 34000 but I rather keep everything as original as possible.
I know that I will be limited for Horsepower since the Fiero Plenum is not that efficient and I bet that getting performance parts for an old 2.8 V6 will be such a pain.
if I can can at least 180 - 200HP out of the L44 I would be happier than a pig in **** ..
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RayOtton
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MAY 17, 06:09 AM
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Plenty you can do to the 2.8 for more HP. Maybe not 200, maybe not even 180 but certainly more than the stock 140.
I did all the recommended mods and documented it here ( scroll about 1/2 way down the page past the usual naysayer BS to get to the meat of the conversation ):
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/139779.html
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ron768
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MAY 19, 01:27 PM
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There is more power to be had. Back when our cars were new, there was a magazine article where the stated purpose was to get rated hp at the rear wheels. I really do wish I had kept that magazine as I do not remember all that was done. The end result was that they got rated hp at the rear wheels which made a big difference in the car. Remember that the Fiero with the V6 when dyoned had 110 hp at the wheels. By building the 2.8 and using 7730 with larger injectors, cam, roller rockers, porting the heads and exhaust, you should do better than that.
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qwikgta
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MAY 20, 11:09 AM
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but for the same money you spend to try to get 180hp you can drop in a N/A 3800 and start with 205hp. If you add the S/C you get 50 more.
Rob
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Skybax
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MAY 20, 11:18 AM
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Best way to increase power with the stock V6 is to do all the basic maintenance first, make sure the ignition and fuel systems and filters are 100%, also make sure engine management is optimum and consider a new O2 sensor because many are original with very slow cross counts (buy Denso and avoid Bosch and ACdelco, because Denso used to supply ACdelco but now Bosch supplies ACdelco so both are junk).
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Toddster
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MAY 21, 02:05 PM
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The easiest, and cheapest way to get 180 to 200hp is NOS or Turbo. The stock 3.4 liter 60 degree V-6 is the biggest naturally aspirated version they made and it had 160bhp at 4600 rpm and roughly 200 ft/lbs torque at around 3600 rpm. So trying to get there with your 2.8 without NOS or positive pressure is impossible. I've seen expensive 2.8 builds that netted just 165bhp.
There was a turbo version of the 3.1 60 degree v6 (very rare) VIN Code V, it only came in the 1989 and 1990 Grand Prix Turbo (just under 4500 made). The engine developed 205HP and 225lb ft of torque. This may not seem like much today as many four cylinder engines far exceed that but for 1989 this was a marvel of modern engineering. Keep in mind for example the top of the line 1990 GTA Trans Am with a 5.7L V8 only made 225HP. Differences over the normally aspirated 3.1L engine do not stop with the factory Garrett T-25 turbo. The iron block iron was added with 20% nickel content to improve strength, very small amount of tin for same. The compression ratio was also lowered to 8.78:1, forged rods were used, strengthened crank, special oil pump, unique intakes, and heads, stainless steel exhaust (unfortunately) and of course factory intercooled. These are hard to find and command a great price because the T-25 is often replaced and other minor upgrades will get yo 250bhp for what amounts to a STOCK installation. Other than some wiring and plumbing mods the engine will bolt right up to the stock mounts and under hood clearance.
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Dennis LaGrua
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MAY 21, 08:53 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by qwikgta:
but for the same money you spend to try to get 180hp you can drop in a N/A 3800 and start with 205hp. If you add the S/C you get 50 more.
Rob |
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Agree with this. IMO, the 3800 N/A L26 engine provides a good value of cost vs power. The engines were/are plentiful and inexpensive and will a bit of work 215-220 HP is easily achieved. You can probably do this engine swap for less money than you will spend building the L44 to end up with less power.
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" 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, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, 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 "
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Toddster
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MAY 22, 08:09 AM
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| quote | Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:
Agree with this. IMO, the 3800 N/A L26 engine provides a good value of cost vs power. The engines were/are plentiful and inexpensive and will a bit of work 215-220 HP is easily achieved. You can probably do this engine swap for less money than you will spend building the L44 to end up with less power.
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Agreed, for more power the 3800/3800SC are the best options. Engineers and mechanics call it "the best engine GM ever made". It is easy to work on, tough, plentiful, an easy fit for the Fiero, and conversion kits are available to make it easier to do the swap if you have some basic skill in mechanics and auto electrics.
But the 3.1 Turbo wins cool points for sure. 
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Honest Don
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MAY 22, 06:32 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by sillyvain:
Hey guys
I am trying to get the maximum HP on my L44. I know that I could swap to a 34000 but I rather keep everything as original as possible.
I know that I will be limited for Horsepower since the Fiero Plenum is not that efficient and I bet that getting performance parts for an old 2.8 V6 will be such a pain.
if I can can at least 180 - 200HP out of the L44 I would be happier than a pig in **** ..
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I suggest a welding class at the local CC and proper engine management.
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sillyvain
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MAY 24, 01:51 AM
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