New to Fiero's - 2016 Malibu 2.0L Turbo engine swap (Page 1/1)
HardStart SEP 23, 06:27 AM
Hello, I recently purchased my first Fiero a 1984 SE 2.5L Automatic. I really like the car so far but it's grossly underpowered and I'd really like to solve that. Local to me is a low mileage 2016 Malibu 2.0L turbocharged Ecotec engine. It has the intake/sensors/turbo and wiring harness, no computer or transmission is included.

Has this swap been performed before? Is there any type of write-up available, mounts, axles, computer etc.

I'm only semi-mechanically inclined but not at all afraid to jump into the project and I don't give up when I start something. I don't want to reinvent the wheel if someone already offers custom parts for the swap etc.. I'm no engineer and would much rather use proven methods/parts.

Or am I entirely on the wrong path and should be looking into a different powerplant? I see a lot about 3800's and have previous experience with the series 2 3800's, but it's been 12 or so years and that engine seems to be aging quickly and very high miles on what I could find.

[This message has been edited by HardStart (edited 09-23-2022).]

cam-a-lot SEP 23, 06:41 AM
Hello
the Ecotec swap has been done by several members here. Roger Thelin sells mounts for the swap, just use the search function

Personally I prefer the ecotec over the 3800 (I have a 3800). More modern, much lighter, lots of performance upgrades available, and great on gas.

Good luck with your swap
fieroguru SEP 23, 06:42 AM
Welcome to the forum!

You would be the first with that particular version of the ecotec, and there are some differences from the earlier ones, which means you need to have very good research, troubleshooting and fabrication skills. You will need a lot of additional parts than just the engine (it won't bolt to the fiero transmissions) so you are looking at a complete drivetrain swap.

If you want to pioneer that swap, then you might want to check out this mall thread as it has a lot more of the parts you will need to complete the swap which will add up quickly if you buy them individually.
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum4/HTML/078635.html

[This message has been edited by fieroguru (edited 09-23-2022).]

qwikgta SEP 26, 01:25 AM
Thanks for the bump Guru. I was going to add the link to this thread but you beat me to it.

I got this motor/trans and parts to put into my 87 GT, but I have sold the car and so the motor and stuff is for sale. I striped everything out of the 2016 Buick when I had the chance. All the wiring, BCM/ECM, dash gauges, excel pedal, fuel lines, pumps even got the whole EVAP system.

The LTG you have will require a 2013-2018 ECOTEC trans. The early ECOTEC stuff will not work b/c the starter is on the opposite side of the motor. Not hard to find. I have the stock 6T70 on the motor and I picked up a brand new "crate" F40 w/ flywheel, clutch and PP. Got them new from GM performance. The mechanical will only be as hard as any engine swap, the wiring and tuning will be a challenge. Ryan at "Sinister" can tune your PCM/ECM, I've already reached out to him about it.

Good luck

[This message has been edited by qwikgta (edited 09-26-2022).]

Patrick SEP 26, 02:24 AM

quote
Originally posted by HardStart:

I'm only semi-mechanically inclined...



I hope you've got deep pockets then!
HardStart SEP 26, 11:57 AM

quote
Originally posted by qwikgta:

I got this motor/trans and parts to put into my 87 GT, but I have sold the car and so the motor and stuff is for sale. I striped everything out of the 2016 Buick when I had the chance. All the wiring, BCM/ECM, dash gauges, excel pedal, fuel lines, pumps even got the whole EVAP system.

The LTG you have will require a 2013-2018 ECOTEC trans. The early ECOTEC stuff will not work b/c the starter is on the opposite side of the motor. Not hard to find. I have the stock 6T70 on the motor and I picked up a brand new "crate" F40 w/ flywheel, clutch and PP. Got them new from GM performance. The mechanical will only be as hard as any engine swap, the wiring and tuning will be a challenge. Ryan at "Sinister" can tune your PCM/ECM, I've already reached out to him about it.





Ahhh I didn't even notice that with the starter. Clearly I'm focusing on the 'outcome' and not the preparation as I should be.. I need to research properly and get my head wrapped around this better after work today.

Your setup is very complete, I wish I wasn't 13xx miles form Virginia beach. I do think an entire donor car or setup like yours makes more sense than what I was considering doing.

Also the F40 is interesting, the gearing is odd though. I need to look into that more.


quote
Originally posted by Patrick:

I hope you've got deep pockets then!




I'm no billionaire but I'm not a budget guy either. I was expecting to spend 10-15k to get the vehicle running optimally, however with modifications and possibly a manual trans swap I could see that rising. I also expect to put that much into the suspension/wheels/tires/body work. It's important to me to document the build, do as much of the labor myself and to have fun doing it. Definitely isn't an investment vehicle for me, I know what I put into this car I'll never get back and I'm fine with that. I baby my other vehicles because they are so valuable.. so I'm looking forward to building this and being able to enjoy it without feeling bad about it.


Fieroguru above mentioned fabrication skills, which I can cut and weld just fine I'm definitely 'proficient' but after reviewing his LS4 thread my mind is blown. I feel very basic in my fab skills, I know quality when I see it and it's pretty impressive what he's made.

Really the main goal for me is to have to fun, build a more modern Fiero that's reliable, efficient and powerful.