LX9 into Testarossa body kit (Page 1/1)
slider SEP 20, 01:02 PM
Hello
I am considering buying an '85 Fiero that has a Testarossa body kit on it. The owner has said it has a blown head gasket on a V6.
There is an LX9 motor for sale that I'm considering putting into the car but wonder how the fit is.
I read this engine from a 2005 malibu has about 200 hp

Any input about the exhaust issues I should be aware of? Can I keep the original exhaust to use on the LX9?
Do they make headers to fit this setup?

Thanks for any input?
sourmash SEP 20, 02:36 PM
Nevermind, you're going to rebuild.

[This message has been edited by sourmash (edited 09-21-2020).]

slider SEP 20, 09:26 PM
I don't know what a Camobird is. I did expect the motor would probably need rebuilt. How much for the cost for the motor you are
recommending?
pmbrunelle SEP 20, 10:02 PM

quote
Originally posted by slider:
I don't know what a Camobird is.



Chevrolet Camaro / Pontiac Firebird engine. A 3.4 L V6 found in the base version of these cars in model years 1993-1995. It has the same cylinder heads as the Fiero V6, so its shortblock is commonly substituted for the Fiero shortblock. Essentially the same thing as a Fiero engine, but with a few more cubes.

There's really no reason to seek an F-body shortblock over the more commonly available "3400" shortblocks. You'll want to rebuild any junkyard engine, which implies boring the cylinders and tossing out the existing pistons. The only motivation for focusing on the F-body engine variant is that it has pistons made to work with Fiero heads, but if you're buying new oversized pistons, the point is moot.

I have two friends with complete LX9s in their Fieros, and they're happy with them. One swap has a standard transmission, the other one is automatic.
slider SEP 22, 05:36 PM
Thank you Pmbrunelle that is encouraging!
I thought one of the shortcomings of the stock Fiero V6 was the heads were only 2 valve. You were saying the Camobrd eng is a good swap to use with Fiero heads. If I use the original heads then the exhaust should fit up nicely I think would be one benefit.

Do you think on a rebuild that boring and replacing the pistons is necessary or can I just hone and reuse the pistons? Or does it depend on the condition of the engine?

Thanks for any help!
pmbrunelle SEP 22, 06:11 PM

quote
Originally posted by slider:
I thought one of the shortcomings of the stock Fiero V6 was the heads were only 2 valve.



2 valves isn't necessarily the end of the world (see Corvette), but the Fiero heads are not high performance parts! At least not out of the box...


quote
Originally posted by slider:
You were saying the Camobrd eng is a good swap to use with Fiero heads. If I use the original heads then the exhaust should fit up nicely I think would be one benefit.



The heads are the same, so you can use the Camarobird heads, or the Fiero heads. Choose the ones that are in better condition. Since the heads are the same, nothing changes for the exhaust.


quote
Originally posted by slider:
Do you think on a rebuild that boring and replacing the pistons is necessary or can I just hone and reuse the pistons? Or does it depend on the condition of the engine?



Depends on condition. Machining fresh new bores is the no-brainer way to go.

Otherwise, you can check the compression, turning over the engine with the starter.

You can then borrow an internal micrometer to measure the cylinder bores for taper, ovality, diameter too big. If the bores are in spec (see factory service manual), then you can do a hone + reinstall the same pistons.

I would not install a different piston in a used bore; only the piston that was originally in it. If you want to change pistons, I would have the cylinders bored at that point.

[This message has been edited by pmbrunelle (edited 09-22-2020).]

sourmash SEP 22, 08:14 PM

quote
Originally posted by pmbrunelle:You'll want to rebuild any junkyard engine, which implies boring the cylinders and tossing out the existing pistons.
shemdogg SEP 25, 12:45 AM
Junkyard motors arent always bad. If the cars in great shape bodywise, the motors probably junk. If it looks like it got rear ended, the motors probably ok. Pull the distributor, hook up the oil pump shaft to yer drill n spin till u have pressure for a bit. then fire it up. W fresh oil first. Got a 5.0 and aod out of a 95 stang for $300 on a pick and pull sale day.

shem
darbysan SEP 25, 10:57 AM
Here is a link for a company that builds performance blocks, etc, for the 2.8 / 3.4 engine. They have everything from a short block to stroker engine kits. Might give you some ideas.
https://engine-parts.com/online-store/

------------------
'87 GT , '00 3800 Series II SC, 4t65e, Vue Power Steering. (SOLD)

slider SEP 28, 09:02 PM
You guys are a giant help! I appreciate all the input!