changing a 2.8 Problem or Not a problem???

ok looking to buy a 85 fiero se with the 2.8 the guy said it was smoking when he parked it in 97 and it didnt have much power what could be wrong rings valve or what...if i have to chang the engine how hard is it and will a 2.8 out of a beretta work with putting the fiero topend on it...any info on this forum would really help me this will be my first fiero and in not to familliar with these cars at all...also i will be gettin the car for 500.00 maybe cheaper not sure yet is this a good deal the car is in pretty good cond. not sure about the undercarrage though...thanks in advance...

also how hard would it be to do a auto to 5sp swap...

R&R the engine is no picnic. Better left to a shop with all the right tools (a lift, specifically).

The 2.8 or 3.1 from a Barretta will fit if you change the heads. The aluminum headed version of the timing cover, water pump, plenum, etc. won't fit in the Fiero body without cutting important mounting fixtures (Don't do it!).
I put a '91 Grand Prix 3.1 in my '86 and it changed the whole character of the car. Upgraded the heads with larger valves and a little port work, added a good cam and Comp Magnum rockers. It came ALIVE! Stomped a non-turbo 300ZX with it, making the owner of the Datsun rather miffed. He mumbled something about not realizing "those cars" (Fieros) were that quick. I didn't tell him it was a "ringer"...

Changing over to a manual is doable, but a ton of work. You will need a "donor car" with all the shifter cables, mounts, clutch hydraulics and pedal, etc.

Jim

R&R the engine is no picnic. Better left to a shop with all the right tools (a lift, specifically).

The 2.8 or 3.1 from a Barretta will fit if you change the heads. The aluminum headed version of the timing cover, water pump, plenum, etc. won't fit in the Fiero body without cutting important mounting fixtures (Don't do it!).
I put a '91 Grand Prix 3.1 in my '86 and it changed the whole character of the car. Upgraded the heads with larger valves and a little port work, added a good cam and Comp Magnum rockers. It came ALIVE! Stomped a non-turbo 300ZX with it, making the owner of the Datsun rather miffed. He mumbled something about not realizing "those cars" (Fieros) were that quick. I didn't tell him it was a "ringer"...

Changing over to a manual is doable, but a ton of work. You will need a "donor car" with all the shifter cables, mounts, clutch hydraulics and pedal, etc.

Jim

so what would my best bet be to get another engine out of a fiero or could i get one out of another car that will fit with little modifications like changin the topend...

Most of the FWD units from '84-'93 (2.8 and 3.1) will "fit" with minor changes. When you say "top end", you ARE including the heads and exhaust, right? You need to.
It's important to understand, while Fiero is actually rear wheel drive (RWD), it USES the FWD (front wheel drive) drivetrain. That is, the block must come from a FWD vehicle.

One thing. The pistons fro the iron heads have smaller "dishes" in them, as the chamber in the iron head is larger than the chamber in the aluminum head. If you start with an aluminum-headed version, you should replace the pistons for the iron heads.

If you wish, you're welcome to contact me directly, as I've done a couple and supervised a few more of these swaps.

Jim

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yeah i mean changing the heads exhaust and intake manifold...is that all i would have to change if i get a 3.1 out of a beretta. and would the 3.1 give me more hp..

3.1 would give a nice boost in hp and torque, especially if you retain the rest of the compatible fiero parts (i.e. the heads and intake manifold, since they were H.O., made for that car specifically)

You would also need to transfer the timing cover, harmonic balancer and oil pan to the 3.1 block. It all fits using the 2.8 gasket set.

The flywheel/flexplate on the earlier engines (pre-'87) have a slight amount of "weight" for external balance. Use the unit from an '87-up 2.8/3.1 (2.5 flywheels fit, too).

Jim

What I did was I put a 3.1 from a 93 APV. I have dropped the cradle several times and replaced engines in my fiero several times...mainly because I fuked stuff up the first time. You learn real quick what to and what not to do. I only used an SUV high lift jack and jack stands to do my engine swaps. I also had my younger brother in law help me. He has worked on fieros alot longer than me. To keep the swap cheap I would use a fiero 2.8 or a FWD 3.1.