Engine swap opinions please

[2ML67]

Found a mint condition 84 Fiero which has been sitting for over ten years in storage. The body and chassis is like new but motor is siezed from sitting.
Can't see putting in another 2.5 so am thinking about installing an ecotech out of a newer Sunfire/Cavalier.
Found one at the wreckers out of a 2003 with a mere 7,000 km on it, can get whole set up what ever I need to swap into a Fiero for $1,500 plus taxes.
Plusses are 140hp not too bad, very small PCM so it will fit in factory location, very low mileage so like new car when done and best of all very light weight set up.
Question is do you people think its worth the work to swap this set up into a Fiero. Dan   

[aaron88]

Even though that motor is new-ish, I'd replace the water pump (seals) and timing chain tensioner.  The water pump seals go when they get dry and the tensioner is problematic.

But my real advice would be to go with a different motor all together.

Aaron

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[Rob]

Do it! would it be an automatic car? or manual? I want to see this swap done!

[FieroBUZZ]

I think this is the kind of engine that loves a standard.  I think with an auto you might be better with something else.

[Rob]

ive got a car that could be a guinie pig??? lol, these engines are going to be enjoying a lot of aftermarket support! I just wonder about the electronics.. but if anyone can crack the wiring problems it would be Dan!

[dguy]

It's something few have done before if any, methinks.  Go for it.

Kitten's Sunfire had the Ecotec in it IIRC.  Peppy little thing for its size, but it had a stick.  No idea what they're like with an automagic.

[2ML67]

Was thinking of going with a 5 speed standard as the idea is build the car up for my oldest daughter who will be 16 in a few years so don't want too much power but want it to be reliable. So far have heard only good things about this motor and $1,500 fo every thing its hard to not do it. There are lots of these engines available with very low mileage and as Rob stated lots of after market stuff to improve with. So as she gets better at driving slowly give it more power.  My understanding is that GM has an adapter plate to use for bolting up to the stock Fiero bell housing.
Talked with my insurance company and they said it would not make any difference in rates over the original 2.5l it came with. The fact that the gauge pod fits so nicely in the Nissan 240sx dash is also a bonus. Dan

[Joe Fieroshop]

Dan, are you going to re-use the stock PCM? If I'm correct, in order to have this car fire up you would need the cluster too. I know from my 1998 Z24, when it was at the paint shop for it's custom color change i removed the cluster to change the face color. Later that night the owner of the paint shop tried to move the car by starting it, the car would not start! I came back and hooked the cluster back and she ran.
It's possible too that you may need the body control module (BCM)? Thats if your going to use the stock PCM?
I could be wrong?

Joe

[GoFast88]

 ???Lets see. The difference in HP is the same from a stock 2.8 that are dime a dozen. So you are paying $1500 for a newer engine and the headacks of adapting it to the fiero. To me newer isn't always better. Like putting in a newer 4 cylinder engine @ 140 hp to replace a 1950 chev flat 6 @140 hp. Either drop in a diesel @140  hp for an economy boost or a 350 @350 hp for a performance boost.
my 0.02 worth.

[FieroBUZZ]

Well I'd leave any transplant difficulties out of the equation.  Dan seems to thrive on this type of thing.

A car for a 16 year old girl?

Tempramental old 2.8/2.5 motor....... or a modern engine designed to provide reasonable power and fuel economy.  Add in an increasing aftermarket and the choice seems even more clear.   

[2ML67]

Thanks for your vote of confidence there Gary. As for the cluster thats the bonus as I will put in a Nissan 240sx dash which the Sunfire/Cavalier guage cluster fits very nicely in. Run every thing that it wants so the whole drive train still thinks its in the original car. When done she has a car which cost a total of around $2,000 but with the reliability of a new car. Dan

[GoFast88]

 :)Sounds like you are talking yourself into it. 

[PhilTheThrill]

Hey i would love to see and ecotec swap .  especially one wiht the ion redline super charged engine it would be interesting to see. I am maybe a little biassed i own a saturn too.

[2ML67]

Hey Rob are you serious about getting this done to your car. I thought you wanted an L67 in there. Dan

[Rob]

id love to see the swap, and being the first woulnt be so bad, but I wonder about all the wiring these days.. so I htink the ol' 3.8 will still be my plan! Keep a bay open for my car! tax season is almost here