3500 (LX9) swap into a Fiero

[flimbob]

Got the valve covers and UIM painted. They will be going back on this weekend. Also got the 3500 rail and injectors back on. Modification of the 88 Fiero timing cover will start next.

[flimbob]

I am having second thoughts about using the Fiero dampener and timing cover. The original reason for using these was to be able to reuse the alternator, belt system, and possibly the compressor. By notching the dampener I could eliminate the need for using the WOT-Tech external crank trigger. The problem is I'm having a difficult time figuring out where TDC#1 is on the Fiero dampener. There is a thread on Pennocks Forum that discusses modification of the dampener, but the picture shows TDC#1 aligned with the keyway( see attached pic ). My dampener does not show this alignment. I haven't removed the dampener from the the 3500, so I don't know what the relationship to the blue dot on the face of the dampener is to the keyway. I have searched the web trying to find information related to the marks on the Fiero dampener. There are 3 marks spaced 120 degrees apart from each other. One of them has to be related to TDC#1. From the attached picture, I would have to assume the dampener I have is not a Fiero dampener as the closes mark to the keyway is located around 335 degrees.

[bszopi]

I could have shown I located the marked in relation to the keyway when I did it, but I guess not. That drawing is slightly different than mine as well...

[flimbob]

Brad,

One of the marks on my dampener aligns with your drawing: 1 and 4 TDC with the keyway being ~45 degrees. Was this setup used on a 3100 or 3400?

Michael

[bszopi]

I did it off of a 3100, but all cranks with an internal reluctor should be the same.

[flimbob]

It would seem to me that using your diagram to modify my Fiero dampener would get me where I need to be on my build. Do you have any thoughts on this? I'm pretty sure the Fiero 2.8 did not have a reluctor wheel.

[bszopi]

I don't see why not, although I'm not sure I like the idea of notching a dampener...

[flimbob]

It's looking more and more like I'll have to abandon the Fiero timing cover and the modified dampener. I will be purchasing a 3400 timing cover,waterpump, and timing cover gasket kit this weekend. I need to find a 3400 dampener for cheap so I can have the ability to upgrade to ODB2 at a later date. Will also need to acquire a WOT-Tech external crank trigger. I've contacted Ryan @ Sinister Performance concerning the tuning. I've supplied most of the info needed for him to get started on the initial tune. I swapped the valve covers to get the oil cap on the correct side for the Fiero. I'm not sure about all the vacuum connections that need to be made. There are some threads that discuss some of these connections, but I've always been a picture person. I've also installed the digital EGR and plate.

[Superdave]

Good luck with Sinister.. i have yet to hear about them successfully tuning anyone's 60 degree engine swap. Most people give up on them and move on to someone who has a clue.



do a search on this forum, you'll find some results that'll make you think twice.

[flimbob]

I have not paid for the tune yet. I would like to know if Ben's 3400 chip has ever been used as a starting point for the 3500. Ben, could you weigh in on this?

[SappySE107]

I don't know if anyone has used it for a starting point on a 3500. I will be once the MGB is done, but I couldn't tell you how far off it would be without a datalog. I am sure the injector constant will need to be changed and the VE tables tuned for optimal performance but it should be a good starting point, same as someone who mods a 3400 and needs a tune.

[IsaacHayes]

It would be better than starting with 3.1mpfi code stock tune that's for sure. 3400's run good enough on stock 3100 PCM code. I'd think 3400 to 3500 would run fairly decent. Decent in being that you can drive it without it stalling/etc but as far as max power and being correct, no.

[flimbob]

Who does 3500 tuning and is reliable?

[SappySE107]

http://wot-tech.com/shop/all/obd1-tuning-service/prod_271.html

Thats is my incomplete listing so far, to give you an idea of how I handle long distance tuning.

[flimbob]

Looks like I was able to modify my Fiero timing cover and balancer, so I will be proceeding in that direction. I'm on the fence as far as tuning goes. I have acquired Moates products that will let me read and burn chips. I should be ready to start the tuning process in the next couple of weeks. Ryan ( Sinister ) is very well respected on several Fiero boards. Although he has tuned some 3x00 engines, I am leaning heavily in the direction of using Ben for my tuning needs. 3500 swaps are uncommon in the Fiero community. I feel like a red headed stepchild on these forums. Almost like a traitor for not swapping a 3800 or V8. There are a few of us brave souls that think the 3500 swap is a good fit for Fieros. I'll be posting pictures of my modified timing cover and balancer as soon as I can wrestle the camera from my daughter.