Me · Sterling · Fiero(355) · Fiero(GT) · The House · Other Projects · Disclaimer
Interior
Chassis
Drivetrain
Body
Wheels
Tools Used
FAQ
Links
Project blog
Build Pictures
Pictures:
Donor (before)
Carcass (naked)
Rough Fit
Painted
Finished (done)
Phase 1 Plan
Phase 2 Exterior
Phase 3 Interior
Phase 4 Power
Phase 4 Detail: Performance
The Dilemma:
The stock Fiero was fast for it's day (0-60 in 7.5s), but is slow to today's standard. Below are some engine swaps that I have been looking into. No matter which engine I choose, it must be California smog legal.
3.4l pushrod:
Power: 160hp - 190lbs
Pros: Simple bolt-in installation, inexpensive, uses Fiero wiring and exhaust.
Cons: Low on power, pushrod, not smog legal(but really hard to tell)
Est Cost: $1500
3.4 DOHC:
Power: 210+hp - 210lbs
Pros: Sounds most like a Ferrari, 7.5K red line, almost bolt-in installation, bolts to transmission, best use of the transmission low gearing, smog legal
Cons: Heavy(500lbs), small after market, older engine (91-93), expensive to rebuild, custom chip and wire harness needed
Est Cost: $2500
3800SC:
Power: 240+hp - 280lbs
Pros: Lighter than DOHC, Higher Power, Vast after market, bolts to transmission, bullet proof
Cons: Not smog legal with 5sp, cost, custom engine mounts needed, custom wire harness needed
Est Cost: $3000+
LT-1:
Power: 300hp - 300lbs
Pros: unlimited power potential, close performance to a real 355, bullet proof engine
Cons: cost, heavy, does not sound like a Ferrari, can destroy the transmission, must use an adapter plate
Est Cost: $4500+
LS-1:
Power: 345hp - 350lbs
Pros: lighter than a LT-1, faster than a real 355
Cons: more cost, does not sound like a Ferrari, can destroy the transmission, must use an adapter plate
Est Cost: $6500
Northstar:
Power: 300hp - 300lb
Pros: lighter than a LT-1, could be faster than a real 355
Cons: more cost, does not sound like a Ferrari, can destroy the transmission, not smog legal with 5sp.
Est Cost: $7500