Hello fellow Fiero enthusiasts and welcome to my build.

In my quest for a project, I decided on the Fiero. My car is a base 84 model notchback with no options, Duke and automatic transmission. Yuck, I know. However, I'm going to change all that! Follow along as I swap in a 2.2 litre normally aspirated Ecotec (with F23 manual transmission), install a T-Top roof panel and add a fastback. I'll also build a custom cradle and utilize 88 suspension components. I'm sure there's more but we'll cross that bridge when I get there.

Before I start with the pictures, I'd like to thank a few people first.
-My place of work. For providing me the opportunity to use the CNC laser, brake, etc.
-Bloozberry - For providing me with rear suspension components and his awesome and detailed drawings!
-rourke_87_T-Top - For proving me with a few hard-to-find items and the 88 back half from his parts car.
-X-Thumpr-X- For selling me a T-Top space frame.
-WFTB - For the rear spoiler and cool parts.
-cam-a-lot - For some miscellaneous parts.
-My wife and her understanding of my hobby.

Anyhow, let's start with the car.
Here's what it looked like when I first brought it home in the fall of 2013. Nothing special and just a plain Jane 84.


Shortly after bringing the car home, I removed all the body work. Where to start? Let's build a simple cradle, shall we?
Okay guys, here's my take on a "simple", square tube cradle that I whipped up. It's only tacked but fits in the car like a glove.
Since I'm going to install an L61 2.2 Ecotec and matching F23 transaxle, I wanted something I knew was square and strong so I could have some place to mount my drive line to.
Now, the design changed slightly. I built it with the 84 lower control arms in mind. However, I've now decided to use the 88 knuckles and suspension instead.
This cradle is heavier then stock but it's also stronger. Besides, the one on my car was a little too crusty for my liking.






Now, for a "test fit".

[This message has been edited by Lunatic (edited 06-02-2016).]

I've decided to remove the rear sheet metal from my car. The previous own decided to cover the rust with Bondo. While it looked good, really good actually, I just wouldn't have any part of it. So, off it came.


With that out of the way, I could visualize mounting points. Also, I've decided to shave the firewall in order to install a nice aluminum checker plate panel. I'll also relocate the hinges while I'm at it.
For the record, I'll be installing this engine "straight up" versus the factory tilt of 10° like GM did.


Here's my take on mounting the Ecotec and F23 to the custom cradle.
Note: the Ecotec powered (2003) Cavalier mounting brackets are all in the wrong place for my cradle. But, they can be adapted quite easily onto the stock Fiero cradle with minimal effort. I actually had it mounted on the stock cradle. Since I chose to run the 88 rear suspension, it was just easier to make a new cradle with the mounts where I wanted them. So, I chose to use (2003) Grand Am Ecotec/F23 mounting brackets. They're just in a better location for me.


































Onto the lower engine mount. I chose an Energy Suspension poly mount (Part number 3.1108G) used for GM RWD transmissions for my lower mount.
Here's how I went about doing it.

I used the stock Ecotec lower dog bone mount and modified it.














Here's the engine and transmission sitting on it's new mounts.

[This message has been edited by Lunatic (edited 07-27-2014).]

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Mark Hoagland
86 1/2 GT 3.4 5-speed 355 nose and tailights REAL bright yellow

84 SE Convertible