Fiero V8 for 2012

Here we go, I purchased my first GRM project today. .

1988 Fiero with a 350 Chevy and 5-speed. Car started as a base coupe with zero options. The V8 found it's way in about 10 years ago via a V8 Archie install kit according to the PO. It also got received a PISA GT/FX rear quarter panel kit along with the rest of a SE/GT body. Currently not running due to fuel problem, will fire under a dose of starting fluid. (Currently has Holley 4 bbl.) Also brake and clutch issues. Haven't had time run block / head numbers to see what truly is in here, but will in time. Suspension has had a set of lowering springs and a full poly kit added. Tires are shot, and there is a huge hole in the hood where someone put a reverse air duct behind the radiator. They cut up the spare tire well to do it. Interior isn't too bad beyond a torn drivers seat and the need for a good cleaning.

Plans for the next 12 months. (subject to change of course)

Repair brakes, once in good order should be sufficient w/good pads.

Restore rear body section to standard coupe type and replace hood.

Remove and detail engine once running correctly. Convert to electric water pump and possibly add fuel injection.

Fresh shocks / struts. Possibly stiffer springs for rear. Try to find a rear sway bar.

new exhaust

wider wheel and tire pkg.

I've got a fair amount of budget left and lots of time to scrounge. The junk in the trunk from this thing will give me a Craigslist start: set of calipers for 84-87 Fiero, pair of head light motors, 2 headlight doors, alternator, 2 ECM's amd a '84 cluster. Bonus, I found 75 cents in the ashtray!

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I had an 84 and all I remember is that it would step the rear end out with out warning if it was at all wet out. Mine had the good old iron duke I can not imagine what it will be like with a V8 in there. Keep us posted!!!!!

mid-rear v8 = giggity giggity goo

In reply to Gearheadotaku:

i was just thinking about this car last night. i'm glad it went to someone on this board.

Officially Jealous.I've had two with the same intentions and never got it done.But have driven several with that swap.Your in for a fast and fun ride well worth the time to finish it.Good luck and keep us posted!

Wow good deal. I like how the coupe lights look with the gr bodywork. I've not seen that before.

It ain't so pretty up close. It's coming off.

I know nothing about these swaps, but it definitely has my interest piqued. It looks like it should be a hell of lot of fun. Is it using the stock transmission?

Even with the added weight of the V8, I don't think you were taxing your trailer much! Nice score, I'm pulling for a simple clogged fuel filter.

The Getrag trans will take the V8 with no problem, and the 88 suspension and brakes are a step ahead of the earlier stuff, so you lucked out.

Hope the engine isn't some low output cooking mill - even SBC can cost to build up.

Suggest you add a couple of sway bars (the 88 had F&R and Addco make a good upgrade set). I run Konis but there are other cheaper alternatives. Let us know how the cooling is when you get it running - this was an issue for some of these.

Cool car can't wait to see what you do with it

Those things are so cool. There's a guy in the local motorsports club with one, he routinely trounces all competition (including Miatas) in autocross. That car is insane.

MG_Bryan: Yes, it is using the stock trans. Sadly it's the Isuzu model from a 4 cyl. Well, it's made it this far....

Pichvalve: I don't own the truck and trailer in the photo. I worked delivery by the PO into the price. Yes, the fuel filter was plugged up. Fresh piece of line and it runs now. Poorly, but it runs. I'm sure the carb needs a going thru. The engine sounds good internally, no knocks, bangs or clouds of smoke.

I'll try to keep with semi-regular updates but I've never done a build thread before. When winter sets in fully, progress will slow dramatically.

dean1484 wrote: I had an 84 and all I remember is that it would step the rear end out with out warning if it was at all wet out. Mine had the good old iron duke I can not imagine what it will be like with a V8 in there. Keep us posted!!!!!

yep. same here with an '85. It's an alignment / tire problem. Not an inherent issue with the car's design

Awesome score!!

Elec. choke Holley 600 and Accel HEI coil, hope there's a nice cam in that SBC. Holley is an easy dip and rebuild w/ a Trick Kit over the winter.

Not that I need another project but this is one I'd go for

Nice score

Ok, ran the numbers and its a garden varitey 350 block from the 70's, possibly 4 bolt main. The heads are 1.94/1.50 76cc. Heads looked nice and clean when I pulled the valve cover. Does anyone know a way to measure the cam lift/duration without pulling it from the motor? Left rear caliper is leaking and the clutch slave has been oddly shimmed.

In reply to Gearheadotaku:

I'll take a ballpark stab at it although I haven't tried it:

Place dial indicator over rocker arm end directly over valve stem w/ valve fully open, (and keep the indicator shaft inline w/ the valve stem while measuring), zero indicator, turn engine over till valve fully closed, that oughta get ya total valve lift, divide total lift by 1.5 (assuming stock type 1.5 ratio rockers) for cam lobe lift. Ex: 0.50 total measured at valve divided by 1.5= 0.333 cam lobe lift. And this measurement is assuming the hydraulic lifter has not bled down and doesn't account for wear or out of adjustment. Oughta get ya ballpark tho. If the lobe lift is along the lines of a stock cam it prolly is.

You'll need a degree wheel secured on the crank w/ a makeshift rigid pointer to track the valve from open to close in degrees for duration (measuring in crankshaft degrees). Might be difficult to do that in the Fiero, I dunno

better do some googles on that too

just my shadetree .02 worth, good luck

You don't like the fastback look?

A true fastback would be fine, but not this 1/2 way converted thing.

This is a real GT. Different 1/4 panels, taillights, and deck lid.

Fresh fuel lines and plugs, it runs! It idles! It needs brakes before I can drive it... Still can't figure out the tach and oil pressure gauges not working right. Thought I had'em fixed but no...manual gauge shows good oil pressure, so I'm safe.

Dumpster dive find today! Scored a pair of Porsche Cayenne exhaust tips from a wreck. A little hammer and anvil work will get them into shape, the general size is perfect!

Brakes and clutch are working again! Took it for a few loops around the block and then started the dis-assembly work.

Picture #2 is the drive for the water pump. Bizarre huh? Thats why I want to get an electric in here. Got a bonus at the junkyard this weekend, a scrape in the side of my Saturn. Some thoughtful soul felt it would look better with a bit of white paint from his car but didn't discuss it with me first. Imagine my surprise when I got back to my car Lucky for me it did "buff right out" Hurray for plastic cars!

That's certainly a creative solution for the water pump belt. Looks like it at least made it easy to get to.