quote Originally posted by Tryxalon: ya know, I just realized I'm not even reading EdsB52's posts anymore, skimming over them looking for a post from Archie. Archie: the Low Buck V-8 swap sounds like a fantastic idea. Would love to see it done. Please stay on topic and track!!

Good, they weren't aimed at people with your reading comprehension. I threw in a few $10 words to dissuade the simpletons. It worked!!!

To me it sounds like EdsB52 has a problem with GM. They didn't build a correct ratio trans until recently. (In his opinion) Well I don't think that most folks here want to stick a V-8 in a Fiero to cruise across the country at 100mph and only turn 2000rpm. I guess that falls along the lines of people swapping to the 3.4L but using the 84 4-spd with the 4:11 gearing. Most want our cars to go fast 0-60 and in the 1/4 mile. If I wanted to cruise for miles at a high rate of speed, I'd buy a car made for it. I have rode in a V-12 Jaguar. The car is very comfortable to cruise in but not very fast. It'll get up to 130mph and turn low RPM's so you could cruise down a flat highway without the engine straining. But 0-60 is pretty high for a V-12.
I personally would like to drop in a V-8 but like many the cost can rise quickly (even with other engine swaps it can too) So if Archie can give out pointers on how do do it for less then I say "Go For It". Whether the trans is "In Harmony" with the exact torque curve isn't the issue here. I bet there are more cars out there from any manufacturer that doesn't exactly match the torque curves either. It's a simple cost savings. Why build 1 trans for each engine type when you can build one trans for many. You would have less storage needed and keep less replacement parts. The only reason the LS1 Camaro's 6-spd was changed was because it shared the 6-spd with the Corvette. So instead of making 1 trans for 1 car they now make 1 trans for 3 cars. (Not sure if any other GM car uses the 6-spd) The late 80's Corvette used the same trans as the F-bodies. At that time GM was more concerned about the 0-60 battle with the Mustang GT. So the Corvette suffered. They even used the same trans from the 305 4-bbl as the 350 TBI.

Archie, Now the real purpose of this thread.
If it is possible to get all I need for $4000, The only question I have is what would I need to do to my auto trans? It already has the Heavy Duty kit in it. I am planning on a carbed 350 simular to what was in your old silver 85GT. (should of bought it when I had the chance) What would you recommend to improve the longevity? My trans has 85,000 miles on it now and the last 10,000 with the heavy duty kit in it.
I'll see you at the swap meet tomorrow also.

------------------

Got Emblems?

quote Originally posted by EdsB52: I've briefly tried to find a HP/Torque chart for these engines, but would conjecture they are more low rpm torque based than rpm based HP.

Must have been very briefly
http://www.gmpowertrain.com/

EdsB52, shut the ____up...
Have you ever done anything for the Fiero community?
Have you ever twisted a wrench? I doubt it!
If you love to type, why don't you write a Novel?
Archie is a Fiero Hero!
You are an A$$.
Keep it short, would ya?

I think a $4000.00 doller v-8 fiero is very "doable" Im on target (so far) with my 88 formula to be in the 3000.00 range. And thats with a 350 TPI moter out of an 87 iroc.
by using used parts gotton on Ebay and the forum I think anyone could make the upgrade.
And now for my 2 cents on transmissions if you have a five speed isuzu or a 125 auto and your v8 blows it up, whats the big deal. Both Trannys are cheap and plentiful (in junk yards) If your afraid to drop the cradle and do a tranny swap why are you even bothering to read the thread? As for gear ratios, Who cares ITS A V8 IN A FIERO! I dont care if you only had 2 gears it would still be fast. some of you people need to lighten up. fieros are ment to be enjoyed, by driving or working on them. I say cheers to archie for all hes done for the fiero community, And thanks for sharing your knowledge and providing us with the parts to make our fieros into V8 fieros

Why do you think the Fiero came with a 2.8 V6 and not a V8? I'm sure for some of the same reasons that everyone is disputing here. Cost, drivability, fuel economy, reliability are all part of the equation. In order to gain something you have to give something up don't you? You can't have your cake and eat it to. I think most people that want a V8 are willing to make some sacrifices. So far in all the ramblings here about how the V8 won't work with the 5 spd the problem has been repeated over and over. But what is the solution? Is there a solution?

Hey archie,
Can the isuzi 5 speed handle a 94LT1 corvette engine with a 125 shot of nitrous. I know im crazy!! (im estimating around 550HP on the shot) But you said you have 15 years of experience so i though i would ask. And i Know you guys are gonna make fun of me but is the getrag the same thing as the isuzi and if not whats the stronger one.
-J
86 Fiero GT

The solution is quite simple.

If you are worried about fuel economy or drivability at high speeds over long distances, don't mess with what Pontiac gave you. And if those are the things most important to you, the Fiero probably is not your best bet to begin with.

If your looking to take what was a good sports car concept that was watered down a bit by GM to augment its appeal and functionality to the masses and transform it into a true urban and mountain road ass-kicker, the V8 conversion is for you.

V8 Fieros are not meant to drive for hundreds of miles in a straight line through Oklahoma and the like. (no offense stimpy)

V8 Fieros are to kick the snot out of anything next to you at a stop light and to be a total blast in scenarios like the drive from SF to LA down 101.

Choose what style of driving you want to do, and don't try to convince others that their choices won't work.

------------------

88GT 5sp, in desperate need of an LT1
http://www.geocities.com/fiero88gt1/

[This message has been edited by sjp777 (edited 07-01-2001).]

this is pathetic. too many flames. how bout we get back to the topic. $4000 v8 swap.

archie do you have a parts list on whats needed outside of your basic kit?

to do it for under 4k would you use a junk yard engine or still the $1200 brand new 350?
personally i think its worth the extra money to get a brand new 36month/50k mile warranty.

in the next year or so i plan on starting a v8 swap. one of the main reasons i want to go with a v8 over the 3800sc is because you cant get a brand new 3800sc motor for less than $2k. i doubt you can find a used one for that price. as far as weight difference, whats that blower weigh on that engine? i would guess that a 3800sc still outweighs the 2.8 by 50lbs or so. anyone have any evidence on this, i dont know.

the 3800sc is the only other engine swap i would have considered because it too can produce over 300hp and still be reliable.
but how much would it cost if you were to buy a brand new motor? dont get me wrong the 3800 is a great swap, but i want something that has show and go. the way i see it, a 350 has that over the 3800sc.
personally i planned on spending about $6k and about 3-4 months to do my swap. thats to have a new engine and TPI. also ill have all new suspension to ride on. sounds reasonable to me.

------------------
JOEJOE Aol:SSFiero

88FORMULA
SSFiero@Aol.com

"Kids in the backseat cause accidents, accidents in the backseat caused me!!"

OH ya, although i asked archie the question i would appreciate any advice sent to me at jayusa77@home.com. That way we can keep this chat about a 4K or less sbc swap. Thanks you guys
-J
86 Fiero GT

I haven't read all of this because I'm not in the market for a V8 at this time.. The only thing I say here is that a 'trial fit' is never a bad idea. I have built hot rods for years and anytime we start putting a car together we bolt everything up to make sure it is the way we want it, then we disassemble it and pretty it up before the final assembly. This is just smart. You can't rush build a non-stock car. It is worth taking the extra time and trouble to make sure that it is all done right.

------------------

Tennessee Fiero Owners

well i guess the v8 swap isn't for me. my car is the only one i have so i like to use it for everything i do.

very long road trips. and stop light raceing.

my goal is to be able to do a 13s 1/4 mile and still be able to head out on the highway to CA. and get 25 mpg. the 3800 sc looks like the way to go for me.

but i'm still learning. can this be done with a v8. i had planned on spending 2k for the engine and 2100 bucks for ACES kit.

whats and easer swap. for around 4200 buck and will still get me 13s and 25mpg on very long road trips.

Now that the fire trucks have left I hope this is not the end of this thread. I for one am very intrested in doing such a transpant if it can be done for under $5k. Granted, I just put in a fresh v6 and am pleased with its performance, I am still itch'n for a v8.

Yeah, our virtual V-8 swap is still a "GO".

I was originally intending on starting it in this thread. However, as you know, this thread was left pretty cluttered by a$hes.

So, I'm going to be starting this in a nice new clean thread. Hopefully, those kids who would like to act like jerks will allow us to have one thread where they don't come and make a$$es out of themselves.

Come on guys, let's have just one thread that you don't try to screw up from the get go.

Anyway, I've put together a complete parts list for this swap right down to the last bolt & nut.

I plan to actually build this V-8 swap for real at the shop and on here at the same time. I could take several weeks to build because we will be out scrounging to find the parts we need at the lowest price.

I've been working on this most of the day and I'll be ready to start putting this up in just a little bit.

I believe this will be the first time anyone has done a project like this live on the Internet. This, like anything else that is posted to the Internet, becomes a permanent record on some server somewhere. E, & E et al, as you try to make jerks out of yourselves, remember that 5 years from now, When you've grown up, your actions today will still be available for others to read.

If you want to beat me up or convince people how wonderful you are, start your own stupid thread 'cus this stupid thread is mine.

Thank You

Archie

Well, I guess I'll put in my two cents worth too. I used Archies' kit to do the v8 conversion on my '87 sc. I used a used engine I bought for $400. It's a daily driver and I really don't beat it too bad (only when someone gives my grief on the road). So I haven't had any problems with the swap other than the usual idiocycracies of the v8 sitting sideways. Small amount of hesitation when turning left and oil pressure dropping w/left turns. The oil pan can be changed to solve the oil drop but right now it's not a priority with me. All I can say is the car's a gas to drive and when people ask to see the engine, the ooos and ahhs are satisfying to say the least. So like I said, my cars not a weekend toy, it's a daily driver with some zip.

Rich,
doyou have pics? what kind of engine are you using? FI or carbed? Any idea of power your putting out?
TIA

------------------
JOEJOE Aol:SSFiero

88FORMULA
SSFiero@Aol.com

"Kids in the backseat cause accidents, accidents in the backseat caused me!!"

quote Originally posted by sjp777: V8 Fieros are not meant to drive for hundreds of miles in a straight line through Oklahoma and the like. (no offense stimpy)

No offense taken, no Fiero is the best pick for driving in Oklahoma really. But that's another topic.

My coupe came from Pontiac with 98 hp. Its a slug, I get wasted by Neons, and Geos and almost every other car on the road, my Dodge grand caravan with a 3.3L will toast it. I can't wait to toss the engine and swap in some GUTS. Please get on with the Virtual build and stop pi$$ing on us with the back and forth crap. Thank you

Rob

------------------
qwikgta@yahoo.com
88 T-Top coupe, 65K, Header no Cat, 16" GTZ rims, short shifter, swaybar, open element air cleaner, hood vents.
http://robsfieroproject.homestead.com/index.html
http://vafiero.com

Archie/EdsB52

You probably know this by now but there is a 6 speed offered for the GM FWD!

Its called the Quaife FWD 6-speed sequential-shift transaxle.
Here is what the ad says:

" The ultimate gearbox for the serious sport compact racer! This universal FWD gearbox is designed to mate to a variety of engine comfigurations. Clutchless shiting allows for super quick gear changes! Transaxle includes torque-biasing differential and CHOICE OF GEAR AND FINAL DRIVE RATIOS. As used in Touring and Rally cars. RWD applications also available."
http://www.quaifeamerica.com
1800 553-1055

Here is the real bummer......Priced from 15,095!!!!!!!!! OUCH!

Now maybe, just maybe we have a few "well off" members on this board that could afford a trans like this. IT would be SOOO sweet to see one in a Fiero! I have like ZERO chance of getting a trans like this....unless I hit the Lotto.
Maybe Archie has loot like that?

Steven

------------------
87 Fiero GT 14.9/ 89mph
94 Formula WS6 w/ NOS 12.4 /118mph
87 Conquest TSi
87 Conquest TSi 406 SBC V8!
85.5 Starion ESi

"Clutchless shiting allows for super quick gear changes!"

If I had a 600hp V8 with that 6spd, I'd be **** -ing when I let off the clutch too! (might even wet myself)

That kind of V8 would break the $4k cap though.

quote Originally posted by FieroGTguy: That kind of V8 would break the $4k cap though.

Heck it costs more than my Fiero was new! But it would be SOOOO cool! Dnag just thinking about it gets me all giddy!

Steven

------------------
87 Fiero GT 14.9/ 89mph
94 Formula WS6 w/ NOS 12.4 /118mph
87 Conquest TSi
87 Conquest TSi 406 SBC V8!
85.5 Starion ESi