A question from a Fiero noob

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   So, hello, first of all, new here, but I'm going to be purchasing a Fiero in the next week or so and my plan is to do an engine swap. I'm not new to cars or engine swaps, but I have an idea on a couple swaps into it. My friends and I are constantly trying to one up each other in the car circle. One bought a Subaru WRX(which is in a poor state), and then the other bought a Honda Civic Si(with it's 8,000rpm redline useless for back country roads like the ones here). I believe that I can do better than both of them with a Fiero with upgrades. I've gone through the list of swaps (NorthStar looks really exciting, but I don't want to do all the fab work, and the SBC is a boat anchor) so I've narrowed it down to the 3800sc V6 and the 4.9 V8, both of which are fairly common here. I think that the 4.9 is easier, but the potential for the 3.8 is just too great to ignore. I just want to ask, for tight roads, which is better, the torquey V8 or the high rpm V6? 

Thanks all

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yesfan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 23 May 2013 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2	Post Options Post Reply Quote yesfan Report Post Quote Reply Topic: A question from a Fiero noob Posted: 23 May 2013 at 11:09pm
	So, hello, first of all, new here, but I'm going to be purchasing a Fiero in the next week or so and my plan is to do an engine swap. I'm not new to cars or engine swaps, but I have an idea on a couple swaps into it. My friends and I are constantly trying to one up each other in the car circle. One bought a Subaru WRX(which is in a poor state), and then the other bought a Honda Civic Si(with it's 8,000rpm redline useless for back country roads like the ones here). I believe that I can do better than both of them with a Fiero with upgrades. I've gone through the list of swaps (NorthStar looks really exciting, but I don't want to do all the fab work, and the SBC is a boat anchor) so I've narrowed it down to the 3800sc V6 and the 4.9 V8, both of which are fairly common here. I think that the 4.9 is easier, but the potential for the 3.8 is just too great to ignore. I just want to ask, for tight roads, which is better, the torquey V8 or the high rpm V6? Thanks all

beken Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Joined: 12 February 2007 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 1464	Post Options Post Reply Quote beken Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 24 May 2013 at 3:09pm
	Welcome to Westcoast Fieros of BC's forum. If it's the ability to drive fast and safely, I might suggest high performance driving lessons. Comparing mid-engine RWD to FWD and AWD is like comparing Apples and Oranges. They handle differently regardless of your choice of engine. Actually, your choice of engine also affects how your car handles. The fastest drivers are the ones that have taken the time to learn their car. Then go from there. "Which is better" is totally subjective and up to your driving style.
	Beken (aka Ken) - bekentech@westcoastfieros.com Original and still the owner of an 85SE 2M6 4spd

yesfan Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Newbie Joined: 23 May 2013 Location: United States Status: Offline Points: 2	Post Options Post Reply Quote yesfan Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 24 May 2013 at 4:44pm
	I do realize that they won't be the same, but I think that the Fiero looks like a good platform to improve upon. My logic is I won't have a reason to really wind up the engine with all of the turns and curves on my roads so I wanted to get someone else's opinion.

Romeo Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Post God Joined: 16 November 2008 Location: Canada Status: Offline Points: 3033	Post Options Post Reply Quote Romeo Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 24 May 2013 at 11:52pm
	Something to remember: A blown V6 is going to be better at low RPM, and a N/A V8 is going to flow better at higher RPM (Which is the opposite of what you posted). Personally, I'd go with the 3800 on sheer giggle-factor alone. Blower whine is pretty much the best thing ever.
	Never shift into reverse without a back-up plan.