Decision help for my Fiero - V6/60.

[caffeine]

True but unfortunately then you can't take advantage of the squeal-free serpentine belt

[ericjon262]

True but unfortunately then you can't take advantage of the squeal-free serpentine belt

yeah, but if keeping a/c and a whole decklid is on your to-do list, there isn't really another way as I see it...

Might be able to do something similar to the power steering bracket I made for my 3500, it'd be tight though.

[Guest]

you can get a 3400 or a 3500. Both bolt to the factory trans and front engine mount.

if you go 3500 you will need custom pistons made, if using your iron heads. This is due to two things. The larger bore, as well as the length of a 3500 rod being longer.

Get a 3400, and rebuild it with the DOHC pistons. Get the heads ported if you want to get that extra bit of power. Otherwise, a nice cleanup of the bowl area and a 5 angle valve job will be fairly decent. Using a stock fiero intake won't allow big power, but at least run a larger tb if you can manage. I know someone used to port the factory throttle bodies. Otherwise look at buying one of those custom trulo intake manifolds.

Buy a larger roller camshaft from WOT here, but make sure you look at the lift and buy the appropriate aftermarket valvesprings. Using the stock roller cam will work too.

I don't know what your horsepower goals are, but a simple rebuild with the higher compression, stock roller cam, minor head porting and intake work, can get you to 200 hp. If thats all you want, then the iron heads will work just fine for you. If you want more while staying naturally aspirated, then I say use the aluminum heads and intake.

I noticed you said you want to keep it looking stock, if thats the case, then a simple rebuild of a 3400 motor with the dohc pistons and some head work will be a good improvement over your current motor. It will probably make around 150 horsepower at the tires.

[ericjon262]

why put a truelo on it if you want to look stock...? might as well swap the 3x00...

[caffeine]

IMO it would cost less to just grab a low mileage 3400 and swap it whole. Everything about it is better than the Fiero engine and you won't need mods to make up for losing power with iron heads.

[Guest]

why put a truelo on it if you want to look stock...? might as well swap the 3x00...

good point.

Sticking with the iron heads and factory intake will keep it looking stock and can make 200 crank hp if done right. Like I said, post your power goals. If its only 200 then iron heads and intakes will work. If you want more, then keep the aluminum heads for the top end. Or keep the iron heads and fiero intakes and if you want more than 200 put nitrous on it or build a turbo setup.

[robertisaar]

making 200 with the gen1 stuff compared to the gen 3 will require a lot more compromise to drivability.

[ericjon262]

making 200 with the gen1 stuff compared to the gen 3 will require a lot more compromise to drivability.

my thoughts exactly.

[Guest]

making 200 with the gen1 stuff compared to the gen 3 will require a lot more compromise to drivability.

It can do 200 crank hp just fine with no compromise of driveability. A streetable cam like a comp or a crane 272, and minor head work, along with headers, and a gasket matched intake can make that no problem.

Especially if you use the 3400 block so you can use the roller cam, and then put in the higher compression pistons of the dohc. 200 hp is easy then.

[caffeine]

I really don't understand the + side of sticking with iron heads. Swapping the full motor is so easy it's just not worth it.

[Guest]

He says he wants the motor to look stock. So it is worth it to him to stay with the iron heads.

[caffeine]

Unless he's going for collectors plates the stock look only goes so far. IMO it would be cheaper to reach the power goals with a full 3400 swap.

[Superdave]

It can do 200 crank hp just fine with no compromise of driveability. A streetable cam like a comp or a crane 272, and minor head work, along with headers, and a gasket matched intake can make that no problem.

Especially if you use the 3400 block so you can use the roller cam, and then put in the higher compression pistons of the dohc. 200 hp is easy then.

Or you could make more than that with a bone stock 3400, or even better a 3500.


Personally i'd much rather go fast than have a "stock" looking engine. If it's not in a museum then who cares. (just my opinion)

[ericjon262]

Or you could make more than that with a bone stock 3400, or even better a 3500.


Personally i'd much rather go fast than have a "stock" looking engine. If it's not in a museum then who cares. (just my opinion)

go faster and get better gas mileage too. I could see it if it took extensive modification to use the 3x00 heads, but if you use the Fiero timing cover and accessories, it literally bolts in place. all you have to do is re-drill the drive brackets for the aluminum head pattern.

[Guest]

Unless he's going for collectors plates the stock look only goes so far. IMO it would be cheaper to reach the power goals with a full 3400 swap.

He hasn't stated what his power goals are. Besides like I said before, a little hidden nitrous kit will work for a little extra power too, while maintaining the stock look. Yes he can go with aluminum heads and we all know it will make more power but he says he wants to keep it stock looking. So instead of hating on him for it, throw out some tips to help him.

Also, maybe the OP doesn't want to hack up or redrill any brackets. Lots of fiero owners keep the iron heads because they don't want to have to modify anything. Be it brackets, or wiring harness. Its not always about collector plates or collectability