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formula462 · 09-27-2006, 10:55 AM

http://media.putfile.com/-fiero-3
Sound byte of the Fiero in finishing stage

David Holmberg · 09-27-2006, 10:01 PM

Very nice, should be a lot of fun when you're done!

Keep us posted!

JohnS66GTO · 09-28-2006, 12:34 PM

So what do you have in it? My stock '88 GT sounds pretty similar at idle with a "custom high-flow" cat, but maybe it's just difficult to hear your sound bite well on my cheapo laptop speakers.

It's amazing how Fieros don't get mentioned much on this forum (and if they are, it's usually not in a positive way), considering they were the last true Pontiac car. Some may disagree with that statement, but I worked there in the mid 80's, and I can say that for a fact. The 4 cyl engine was 100% Pontiac (NOT related to ANY other division's 4 cyl, contrary to some "expert" opinions). The V6 was heavily based on the Chebby 2.8L, but Pontiac did their own intake, fuel system and calibration because the Chebby version could barely beat the 4 cyl for HP & torque. And Pontiac only went with the 2.8 because the corporation wouldn't let them go to production with the 3.2L V6 they already had designed and prototyped.

John

Thumpin455_GTO · 09-28-2006, 03:58 PM

Cool.. Someday I want to 455 a Fiero, Toronado transaxle style. maybe the aluminum block with Tiger heads in the back... I have sick thoughts..

So is that a Chevy in there? it dont sound like a 4..lol

formula462 · 09-28-2006, 06:16 PM

Yes the engine is a SBC 383 w/Ram EFI

JohnS66GTO · 09-28-2006, 11:41 PM

Wow, that's going to be fun to drive!

I just started tonight dropping the cradle on mine to fix a rattling clutch. Unfortunately, I don't have anything better than the 2.8L to drop back in.

John

BR57 · 09-29-2006, 01:00 PM

There are a couple of guys who come out to our local cruise nights who have dropped Bonneville SSEi supercharged 3.8's in the back. Basically the cars lay rubber for as long as you have your foot on the floor! A 383 sbc, well that's going to put the car in orbit!!

formula462 · 09-29-2006, 07:12 PM

We are taking it to the track in a couple of weeks so we'll see what happens. Still have some tuning on the engine and suspension to do.

Oreif · 10-21-2006, 10:45 AM

V-8's in Fiero's ARE very fun to drive. I have had mine for 2 years now.
It's a ZZ4 350 rated at 355hp.
Changing all the bushings (cradle and suspension) to poly helps remove flex from the chassis. I went with Eibach springs and KYB struts/shocks.

David Holmberg · 10-24-2006, 12:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by formula462

We are taking it to the track in a couple of weeks so we'll see what happens. Still have some tuning on the engine and suspension to do.

Any updates?

formula462 · 11-07-2006, 09:30 PM

Sorry about the updating but perhaps we were a little trigger happy about getting to the track as there are still things that need ironed out.Will post as soon as we get numbers and shoot some vid.

speedshopmike · 11-16-2006, 08:17 PM

john, i wouldn't go bragging about the iron duke being a pontiac motor; it's the worst turd gm's ever built.
except maybe early vega alloy 4 bangers...
yes, in race form they made power, but as an oem engine they are just the worst dog in history.
as you know doubt are aware, they're pretty much half of a 301....
another anchor.

fellro · 12-01-2006, 04:41 PM

What do you use for a trans on the V8's? I have heard of them being done, but haven't seen a lot on how to do it... friend has one that is low miles but the 4 popper puked...

formula462 · 12-01-2006, 08:15 PM

well the firstone was the orig trans which didn't hold up so now it has a trans from a 3800 series bonneville with custom made shafts and gears. this one should hold up. can get pics if needed

speedshopmike · 12-01-2006, 08:30 PM

i have 1 or 2 customers with v8 fieros using the oem 4 speed manual tranny...

JohnS66GTO · 12-02-2006, 12:57 AM

Mike,
Believe me, I wasn't intending to brag about the iron duke. I agree it was a turd from a performance standpoint (but realistically, so was pretty much everything in the late 70's & early 80's). Just mentioning that the Fiero was the last true Pontiac built (Pontiac car with Pontiac engine), but the car usually gets the old nose-in-the-air attitude from many "traditional" Pontiac guys. Not really sure why. I doubt most of them have ever driven one. Not too impressive in a straight line, but even the 4-bangers with a decent set of tires are a ball of fun on a curvy road. Back in the late 80's a friend of mine with a fox body rustang with a built 351 and suspension mods preferred to drive my '88 Fiero GT over his car, hands down. He could leave me like I was standing still on a straightaway, but couldn't hang with me on a curvy road.

Add some power like the 3800SC or a V8, and Fieros are really fun cars. Right now a nearly mint condition car can be had for 4 grand or less. Leaves a lot of money left over for mods like formula462 is doing.

John

speedshopmike · 12-02-2006, 02:08 AM

the 88 fiero, as i'm sure you know, was practically a different car then the older ones - the new front suspension was a tremendous improvement.
given the old one came directly from the sweet, high-performance CHEVETTE that isn't much surprise.
i was in a 4 speed 4cylinder older fiero about 2 months ago - i can't say a single good thing about it, except it probly got ok mileage.
it was awful to drive.
steering had a ton of kickback but no feel, shifter terrible, won't commment on the engine, poor ergonomics, cramped, and those are the highlights.

no argument on adding a good motor to an 88 and having big fun, though - i'd own one given a chance, and a less full driveway.

bill, are you driving yours yet with the swap?

Oreif · 12-15-2006, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fellro

What do you use for a trans on the V8's? I have heard of them being done, but haven't seen a lot on how to do it... friend has one that is low miles but the 4 popper puked...

The original V-6 4-spd's and getrag 5-spds work well with the V-8's.
The original TH125 3 speed auto doesn't hold up well.
The manual transaxles used with 4-cyl are not bad but have weak cases.
The newer 4-spd auto's like the Bonneville 4T65E-HD's are what they use for the 3800SC's and they seem to be holding up very well.
There is now a kit to use the Pontiac G6 6-speed manual transaxle in a Fiero.
So instead of using the 20 year old manual, You can get a new 6-spd.

fellro · 12-16-2006, 09:48 AM

so there is adapter plates to hook the v8 to the v6 bells? I figured the flywheel/flexplate would be too big in diameter to fit in there... unless a smaller one can be used.

Oreif · 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fellro

so there is adapter plates to hook the v8 to the v6 bells? I figured the flywheel/flexplate would be too big in diameter to fit in there... unless a smaller one can be used.

Yes there is a kit required to install the SBC in a Fiero. You need the adapater plate and the custom flywheel to mate the transaxle to the engine.
You can buy the kit from here:
www.v8archie.com
He sells kits to mate standard SBC's and LSx engines into Fiero's
The "Master Kit" includes everything except the engine or you can buy the basic kit and buy some of the other parts locally.
Right now he's working on a kit to install LS1/LS2 engines into the Pontiac Solstice.
He already has a "Demo" car with the LS1 in it.

Here are some pics to reference:

This pic shows the adapter plate and the flywheel:

Engine with transaxle attached:

Engine/transaxle mounted onto Fiero cradle (remote oil filter required due to starter location):

Here is what it looks like installed:

Here's a pic of the car:

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