New Owner 86se, few questions

My vote is 3.4L motor.  To my knowledge, it's the biggest motor available that can use the stock intake and ignition system.  Easy swap with more than enough power for most regular people.

DG

so the 3.4 it is.... though i am not a normal person since I enjoy things like a lowered 3cyl sprint on stock donut tires thus you can feel that tire roll!!!

is a stroked 2.8l same as a 3.4l from the late 80's? what would be the most power id hope to see?

see the funniest thing is the previous owner actually had no idea, brought him over showed him the front an rear cracks and he lost it!!! He got so angry i was actually walking around the car away from him. All in all we have agreement that when the time comes for the new block he is doing the labor at no charge and until then he is going to make the re-builders life hell. yay for stout fiery french people.

Dawg wrote: My vote is 3.4L motor.  To my knowledge, it's the biggest motor available that can use the stock intake and ignition system.  Easy swap with more than enough power for most regular people. DG

If I'm not mistaken, the 3.4 does have it's own intake system, seperate than that of the Fiero, does it not? A more bulbous, smooth looking intake...

 

  The 3.4 you want is from the Camaro the front wheel drive 3.4 is a lower compression version and has less power.  I have the Dyno slips here from a recent chassie dyno of a 3.4 Camaro I belive you can expect 190hp from a 3.4 in a Fiero.  You use all the stock Fiero parts intake and such on the 3.4 it is a direct swap over.

Here is info copied from the Fiero Factory's website.

We had a drill guide plate manufactured that allows drilling and tapping starter mounting holes on an assembled 3.4 longblock. After that it is simple to redress it with all the Fiero V6 parts so that it looks EXACTLY like the original engine. The 3.4's have a plug where the distributor installs (even TDC, but head is in the way, tried that to see if we could run TDC with Fiero computer). Just remove plug, install distributor, and you'll find the distributor hold down bolt hole is even threaded! There are a few easy bracket modifications to do or that we furnish.

The 3.4 needed is used in 93-95 Camaro's and Firebird's. It is also available new from GM Performance as a replacement for S-10 and Blazer. Larger flow rate injectors have to be used and don't come with the "crate" engine. These would have to be purchased separately. They will come with engines pulled from wrecked cars.. Must use the 3.4 injectors, or 305 chevy (both will "clip" to the Fiero fuel rail). We also use an adjustable fuel regulator to be on the safe side. Have found different engines (depending on cam and exhaust headers) like different pressures.

There are a few other minor mods as well as the major one of changing starter sides. We are charging $450 to modify the block. If you are auto, part of the 3.4 needs to be cutaway to clear the trans. Not necessary for std trans. The bolt hole that takes the bolt from the pass side, lowest bellhousing one toward the trunk, is threaded in the 3.4 and needs to be drilled smooth. The oil pressure sensor tube needs an adapter, 3.4 blocks are minus one of the bosses that the engine shock mounts to. That boss is also where the a/c adjusting bracket bolts. Cure is: shock mount bracket with bolt welded from the back to become a stud. 88's will then need 85-87 a/c bracket.

A modified 85-87 front engine mount bracket must be used on the 88 engine cradle if you use the 3.4 oil pan. 87-88 timing covers will work with 3.4 pan, otherwise use cover and pan from 85-86 2.8. 3.4 dampner needs to aligned with the 2.8, and new timing mark cut. Lower bellhousing bolt hole (trans side) is threaded on 3.4. Drill out threads for bolt coming from opposite direction to transaxle. Reducer bushing necessary for oil sensor tube. Clip wires from 3.4 cam and crank sensor and leave installed, is easiest way to plug these holes. (crate engines come with plugs) Remove 3.4 oil cooler, and install 2.8 filter adapter. 3.4's need neutrally balanced flexplate/flywheel which 88 2.8's already have. A 4-5 lb heavier flywheel available for 3.4TDC from Chev for about 1/3 the cost of 88 Fiero. (They are identical except for weight).

An 87-88 Fiero timing chain cover will work with the 3.4 oil pan. You would need to use both your 85 or 86 pan and cover, as a set. It also requires a Fiero water pump instead of the 3.4's. Most folks want a new water pump installed, plugs, wires, belts, maybe a clutch at this time. Since the cost of transferring all the old parts is included, there is no further labor charge if they are new parts, just the cost of any new parts you might want/need. Can't give an exact price, since it would depend on you, and the purchase cost of the 3.4

thanks for all the great info, your a tremendous help.

is it just me or do these vehicles suspension break easy? I took off did a little 90degree kick and stick to the left(impossible to turn & go without kicking out, starting to think its a sign of a bigger problem) the car rocked a bit though it didn't feel bad now the steering feels soft to the right. even after all the work ive been doing it still wonders on the road, feels like a pushsteer at all times yet it was just aligned. am i trying to achieve something that isn't possible by wanting a car that will drive straight down the road(besides bumps)? if so Ive already waisted twice what the car cost me and gotten nowhere.

I haven't even tried to have fun yet its just too sketchy!

I wish i went to the last meet just to get an idea of what im getting into!

I'm voting you let someone who's owned one for a while drive your car.  It really sounds like you're not sure what to expect.

One of my adages: If you don't know where you're going, it's really hard to navigate there.

Car-2-Lo wrote: I had the same problem with the rear suspension wondering, we're lucky to have experts members Dawg, Patrick, Capt and Clynt that helped me with that problem, now it rides like it's on rails again.

Thanks for the compliment, John. I'm hardly an "expert". If anything, I'm persistent. I just chip away at a problem until it's resolved, whether it's cars or relationships. 

 

yes dr.fiero your right im not sure what to expect though what i am sure of is where i want to go. it drove better when first purchased and its been a battle fixing everything since trying to get back to "normal". plus if its supposed to handle like its on rails something is still completely messed up with mine!

what I mean by the kick and go is when i try accelerate from a stop and turn into traffic per say one tire will always spin and cause a quick kick as i straighten the wheel. I have noticed it only kick to the left when turning right it seems like its too soft.

I would really love to have someone with a little knowledge of these vehicles tell me what they think of her but I am now afraid of what they are going to say!

car-2-lo what ended up being your problem, was it a costly fix?

I am on saltspring, just a ferry ride away from van vic or crofton.
ya that sounds like a good idea, from my knowledge you would be the only person with experience specific to fiero's to even look at the car never mind drive it! I did just finish a 2 week vacation so my days off aren't for another week or so if that's still cool. Just need to know how to find you, I mean literally cause im from a small town even Nanaimo was confusing to me the first time. I'd probably be best to go buy a gps save myself the frustrations.

cam2510 wrote: car-2-lo what ended up being your problem, was it a costly fix?

LOOSE NUTS...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zBFMLyZ23Wc&feature=channel