Engine Swaps....Least to Most Difficult (Page 1/2)
labbe001 MAR 05, 01:40 PM
Hi All
I've read a number of posts and info over the years on different engine swaps. I've only ever done a 3.4L pushrod as it's the least difficult of them.....nearly a direct swap with a few differences.
I've always been intimidated to do anything more as I always assumed the other swaps to be difficult. I'd like to get some feedback from you engine swap guys on least to most difficult as it relates to engine swaps. I would assume the 3.4L pushrod being the least. Thanks so much.
Frenchrafe MAR 05, 02:15 PM
3800 S2.
Bolts up directly to the gearbox, so 2 of the 3 lower engine mounts are "reusable" (make new ones with tougher materiels). And helps for positionning the engine while working out the 3rd engine mount.
Doesn't need engine cover notching. (I hate cutting into my Fiero!)
Will need a custom exhaust.

I wouldn't say it was easy, but it wasn't all that hard either...?!

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"Turbo Slug" - '87 Fiero GT. 3800 turbo. - The fastest Fiero in France! @turboslugfiero
https://youtu.be/hUzOAeyWLfM

labbe001 MAR 05, 02:41 PM

quote
Originally posted by Frenchrafe:

3800 S2.
Bolts up directly to the gearbox, so 2 of the 3 lower engine mounts are "reusable" (make new ones with tougher materiels). And helps for positionning the engine while working out the 3rd engine mount.
Doesn't need engine cover notching. (I hate cutting into my Fiero!)
Will need a custom exhaust.

I wouldn't say it was easy, but it wasn't all that hard either...?!





What about the electrical aspect and the ECM wiring?
olejoedad MAR 06, 06:48 AM
Easy, you just have me build the harness!
Additivewalnut MAR 06, 12:08 PM
3800 has become the easiest as 3.4 pushrods motors are becoming few and far between. Get a plug and play harness from one of the guys here. There are a couple guys on facebook that do custom 3800 exhaust work. Talk to Fierorog on facebook for mounts, flywheel, any relocation brackets you may need. It's a lot of info and frankly scared me, but if you take it one step at a time, it works out. Very worth it too. Nothing like hearing a supercharger ripping behind you.
Additivewalnut MAR 06, 12:10 PM


This parts list was invaluable to me
Vintage-Nut MAR 06, 12:20 PM

quote
labbe001:
I've always been intimidated to do anything more as I always assumed the other swaps to be difficult.



I guess Alabama's Engine Swap Rules/Laws presents fewer difficulties than my state.....

To me, I've always been 'intimidated' to modify a vehicle in California as it's complicated and it's way easier by keeping the engine 'stock'.

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Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT
Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles

cvxjet MAR 06, 12:24 PM
By far the easiest engine swap is the 3.4 F-body long-block swap...it uses all the engine control system from the 2.8....the only mods needed are drilling and threading holes for starter and also changing the front cover and (I can't reNember) possibly the oil pan.

Although it only gains you 20 hp, it also gains 30 Lb/Ft of torque- but all of this happens at a lower RPM range which is like swapping in a better rear-end gears...

My 0-60 went from 7.5 down to 6.5, and 1/4 went from 15.5 down to 14.8 seconds.

What I like is that it looks stock- the Fiero 2.8 was a good-looking engine....and if you burn someone down, and then stop to check out the cars, they always ask, 'Did you swap in a V8?!" and I open the lid, then smile and (Innocently) state "Nope- Stock Fiero engine- the magazines always under-estimated the performance...."

I also ported the intake a bit- testing going up-hill on a freeway (Sunday morning w/no traffic) and went from barely 4500 in 4th (Stock intake) to 4700+ with the modified intake....

[This message has been edited by cvxjet (edited 03-06-2024).]

labbe001 MAR 06, 09:29 PM
So with a wiring harness, is the stock Fiero ECM used with the 3800? If so, does it need reprogramming….or do you have to get an ECM from a doner car?
Frenchrafe MAR 07, 11:18 AM
Yes, you need the PCM / ECM of the 3800.
Checkout Sinister Performance for all the info and any reprogramming to the PCM:

http://www.gmtuners.com/

------------------
"Turbo Slug" - '87 Fiero GT. 3800 turbo. - The fastest Fiero in France! @turboslugfiero
https://youtu.be/hUzOAeyWLfM