I NEED HELP with engine selection for my fiero swap.

I have recently came across an 85 gt with a tired v6.

I really want a speed machine. I have a few options.

1. The 4.9 caddy v8
PROS- 200hp 275tq, weighs the same as the 60 degree v6, decent gas milage.
CONS- NO aftermarket support, factory parts cost as much as performance parts for a 350 SB.

2. chevy sb
PROS- you can find one ANYWHERE in America, parts are super cheap, it can take some serious abuse.
CONS- weighs more than the 4.9 and v6.

3. 60 degree v6
PROS- no fitment issues, parts are cheap
CONS- very little aftermarket support.

I'm leaning toward the sbc b/c I know I can find one anywhere, what do you guys think?

Actually, there's quite a bit of aftermarket support for the 2.8. Mallory manufactures performance distributors, Sanders makes small tube headers. There are several cam options, I think comp cams even makes a roller setup, I know GM performance parts does. If you want to go with no electronics, Edelbrock has a 2 piece 4bbl intake manifold system that fits all iron head 2.8's. Holley has a 390cfm carb that's perfect. Fageol Superchargers has a supercharger kit complete with intake and drive system that costs far less then a Weiand 241 would for a SB 8. New on the street - I haven't seen it yet, but a friend just told me about it, is a six pack carb setup that bolts onto the lower intake manifold of a 3100/3400 sfi. Just add a distributor and go. Anyway, that's why I'm building a six... There's all kinds of stuff out there. Desktop Dyno is showing a proposed 250hp @ 5500 rpm for my setup without NO2 or even a supercharger. (you can bet I'm planning on it though) :)

I've heard cooling with sb 8's is a problem. You can't get the heat to the radiator fast enough. Doesn't help when the radiator is several feet away.

ell ess one

I will most likely get the v8 b/c it has 250hp/330tq stock and with a 125 shot (which any healthy v8 can take) that translates to 375hp/450tq. That means what you spend to build I have spent to triple the output. A performance rebuild kit cost $900 when a rebuilt .350 cost $1300 sent to my door. the .350 is out of a 94 vette, but vette, trans, maro it's all the same engine.