which v6?

[fierangero]

ok, well i've narrowed my engine choice down to a v6, but which one? im looking at a camaro 3.1 or 3.4, but possibly the 3.4 TDC? which one is the cheaper/easier install? i've heard on the camaro engine you can swap the fiero intake manifold on directly (at least the 3.1, since its (?stroked?) version of the 2.8?) but the 3.1 is also not much more power. also i'm tossing around the idea of a turbo for this engine, i desire right around 300hp. if that's possible N/A then that would be easier, but i <3 boost as well. lemme know which engine is more bang for the buck. thanks.

EDIT: im also gonna do a manual tranny swap, if that makes any difference.

[fierangero]

no responses? come on fellas

[series8217]

The Camaro 3.4 (pushrod engine) is the easiest. Not only do you get to reuse all of your Fiero accessories (so you just need the 3.4 short block), but also it looks virtually identical to the Fiero 2.8 since you can use your intake plenum and valve covers. This makes smogging a breeze.
You just get the 3.4 and put all of your Fiero accessories including heads and intake on it. The 3.4 may have a knock sensor but this isn't used; you will reuse the 2.8 ECM. You should get it reprogrammed to work better with the 3.4 but it isn't a necessity. The only mod you have to do is drill the starter holes on the other side of the block. I think Rodney Dickman (www.rodneydickman.com) sells a kit that contains everything necessary for you to do this at home with your own drill. Otherwise you can just take the block to a machine shop, or make your own jig.
The 3.4 TDC/DOHC is a lot more work. You will have to adapt the wiring harness, get a stronger aftermarket clutch, modify the engine mount (except for 88s), cut the right decklid hinge, and figure out the radiator and fuel line routing. Since it looks nothing like the Fiero V6, you would have to have all of the original smog equipment from the donor car installed properly and take the car to a smog ref to have it recertified. So far I have spent just over $1500 on my swap, including the engine. I still have to buy an exhaust system (~$200) and clutch kit ($250, I'm using a SPEC stage II), as well as a few other odds and ends.
If you really love boost and could be happy with an automatic transmission, look into the Supercharged 3800 Series II motors from the later Grand Prixs. You wont be able to get one of these smogged in California with a manual tranny though.
As far as turbo engines, I can't think of more than a few off the top of my head that you could do in California and still be able to get your car smogged. One is the rare turbo V6 from the 89 Trans Ams, and the turbo 3.8 from the Grand National. Those may actually be hard to smog because of the longitudinal vs. transverse issue, although I do know of some SBC V8 Fieros that have been smogged in California. I seem to recall there being a 3.1 Turbo Grand Prix, but I may be thinking of something else. Maybe another member on this forum knows more about that engine. If you found one of these you could just swap over the whole tranny/engine combo and put together a set of factory axles that are the right length.
Keep in mind if you do anything other than the 3.1 or 3.4 that uses your 2.8's accessories, you're looking at a full fledged engine swap with wiring, mounting, exhaust, and other issues... and it always turns out to be at least twice as expensive as you expect
I hope this helps!

EDIT: Now that I think of it, were the turbo 3.8s in the GNs and Trans Ams ever available with manual transmissions? If not, those are out of the question too :-(

[fierangero]

thanks for the help, im going to be rewiring the car anyway, to fix the faulty gauges (well, more likely replace them) and swapping in a manual (i have an auto). i guess camaro 3.4 it is! thanks again!

another question, do you know of any good websites that detail a auto-to-manual swap? i googled and couldnt find any. thanks!

[series8217]

Originally Posted by fierangero

thanks for the help, im going to be rewiring the car anyway, to fix the faulty gauges (well, more likely replace them) and swapping in a manual (i have an auto). i guess camaro 3.4 it is! thanks again!

another question, do you know of any good websites that detail a auto-to-manual swap? i googled and couldnt find any. thanks!

Here's one:
http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/G...anny-swap.html

You should also be able to find a ridiculous amount of information on the auto to manual swap over at www.fiero.nl. Do a search in the archives.

-Steven