Project: Fiero...Dragon Eater Update 5/18/13, Post TOTD improvements

[Mad Max Motorsports]

I have had this car since July 4th 2000, yep 10 years.
After racing it in some format or another (autox, road course, drag) almost every weekend for that time the clutch is slowly givving up, engine oil is leaking, and I am starting to see evidance of more serious engine issue also.

It is getting tired

Since I have to drop the whole rear sub-assembly to change the clutch I have decided to move from stock class (TES) to prepaired class (TCSP). This opens up a lot including the engine, though the engine is limited to the same "family" of GM 60* V6.
I have decided to go with the F-body 3.4L V6 swap despite those trying to get me to go with the L67.
Other then the cleaned up and shiny Fiero 2.8L V6 parts most will never be able to tell it is actually a 3.4L

My output goal at the crank is 180~200hp

I have a large portion of the intake components and just dropped off the intake set for porting yesterday.
Other items I have already are:
Larger TB
Clutch (Centerforce duel friction)
Fuel lines
Fuel rail
Adjustable fuel pressure reg
2nd set of valve covers (to be refinished with intake set already mentioned)
Push rods
And other small bits.

Needed:
Engine
New/reman distributer
Fiero timing cover
Fiero water pump
Cam/lifters
Hedders with "y" pipe
Upper mount urathan "dog bone" (others already done)

Suspension:
Still reserching spring and/or coilover options (not many for '88s)
Rear trailing arms/bushings.

During this time I will continue to drive the car untill I can not go any further with out taking it apart.

[seph2004]

That's actually a good setup, the 3.4L crank and cams along with a 3.4L block should be sufficient for that car. The L67 would be pretty hard to work on if you had problems with it and you would see a drastic change in weight distribution to your disadvantage. Good work, keep it up! Check in with my project log from time to time, I have a lot going!

[Mad Max Motorsports]

Just FYI I am using the push rod 3.4L V6 not the 4valve per cylinder engine.
Comparied to the 2.8L V6 the 3.4L has better oiling and a stronger bottom end.

I will be removing the AC and cruise actuatior for a 10 to 15lb weight reduction in the rear.

Next to do item is make a small block off for the EGR port in the underside of the upper intake manifold. Some day I will have pics.

[gunsaitouge]

My dad and I have an 88 Formula as well. We had the stock block bored/stroked to 3.2L with a cam, roller rockers, light valve job, etc. Made the car pretty mean, but now we are working on a Turbo set-up

If you want an awesome suspension talk to the guys at Held Motorsports. They make a mean setup for 88's

[the ghoul]

very nice man, cant wait to see this evolve...
is the "short star" a 60* or 90* ?
I think im just more impressed that you have a fiero that you have auto crossed and havent bottomed it out and ripped off the coolant lines yet! LOL

[Mad Max Motorsports]

My dad and I have an 88 Formula as well. We had the stock block bored/stroked to 3.2L with a cam, roller rockers, light valve job, etc. Made the car pretty mean, but now we are working on a Turbo set-up

If you want an awesome suspension talk to the guys at Held Motorsports. They make a mean setup for 88's

Doing the similer but with the 3.4L, will have to check on the Held Motorsports.

[Mad Max Motorsports]

very nice man, cant wait to see this evolve...
is the "short star" a 60* or 90* ?
I think im just more impressed that you have a fiero that you have auto crossed and havent bottomed it out and ripped off the coolant lines yet! LOL

Actually not sure on the "short star", it is not the same engine family as the 2.8, 3.1, 3.4 V6s though.

My car is not currently lowered, but most kill the coolant lines with floor jacks/lifts.

[r0b0t c0rpse]

I would do the turbo direct port from the gxps/cobalt sstc

[rockthemullet]

I would do the turbo direct port from the gxps/cobalt sstc

Thank god you aren't Jim then.

Jim, I still say 3800 but its your car, lol

~Eric

[r0b0t c0rpse]

Thank god you aren't Jim then.

Jim, I still say 3800 but its your car, lol

~Eric

Whats wrong the the LNF?

lets see...

top end, manual trans, lighter, contemporary technology...

you do want this car to handle right?

IF you put a 3800 on anything other than a 4t65e in your fiero it's going to be dog slow, and then you'll be gear limited to ~150 mph.

This is coming from some one who owns a 3800 car... At any rate, a 3400 will be wholly underwhelming.

[low91hatch]

needs a 350 with a nsx 6 speed lol. now that would be badass to see done. and have a 6-71 supercharger on top to.

[Mad Max Motorsports]

LOL

This has been already decided and is under way. The budget and timing is tight to clear the way for other things.
Though I do like the new turbo Cobalt idea.
And I have seen one with a LS1 and F40 six speed trans.

This car is being upgraded to TCSP, it will handle better and be quicker. A 1/4 mile god it will not be.

[rockthemullet]

Whats wrong the the LNF?

lets see...

top end, manual trans, lighter, contemporary technology...

you do want this car to handle right?

IF you put a 3800 on anything other than a 4t65e in your fiero it's going to be dog slow, and then you'll be gear limited to ~150 mph.

This is coming from some one who owns a 3800 car... At any rate, a 3400 will be wholly underwhelming.

Nothing wrong with LNFs, he just doesn't have the budget (for this car) or time to sort out a relatively serious swap like that.

~Eric

[Mad Max Motorsports]

Cut out the blank for the EGR block off on the intake manifold but found out my atiquated drill bits just did not work any more so went to HF and picked up some new ones.

Any one ever try those sharpening machines?

[GTPimpin]

IF you put a 3800 on anything other than a 4t65e in your fiero it's going to be dog slow, and then you'll be gear limited to ~150 mph.
.

How so? There are plenty of transmissions that will go faster than 150.... I am pretty scared to know that mine will be able to do 140-142, and thats in 3rd at almost 7k rpms. The car is most likely going to be nearly airborne at those speeds.

Anyway, the 3.4 swap is pretty fail overall, but it does move it near the 14's range at the 1/4 mile making it tolerable compared to cars of 15 years ago.

There are a few guys with the 3500 now that have been able to put down about 180 to the wheels, which might be a neat option for you to consider.

A word of warning on that centerforce... Its a complete joke, manufactured incorrectly, and didnt hold on my friends bone stock 2.8.

[Mad Max Motorsports]

How so? There are plenty of transmissions that will go faster than 150.... I am pretty scared to know that mine will be able to do 140-142, and thats in 3rd at almost 7k rpms. The car is most likely going to be nearly airborne at those speeds.

Anyway, the 3.4 swap is pretty fail overall, but it does move it near the 14's range at the 1/4 mile making it tolerable compared to cars of 15 years ago.

There are a few guys with the 3500 now that have been able to put down about 180 to the wheels, which might be a neat option for you to consider.

A word of warning on that centerforce... Its a complete joke, manufactured incorrectly, and didnt hold on my friends bone stock 2.8.

I am estimating 15.0~15.2s, could be quicker.
I have seen a 3sp auto built iron head 3.1L go 14.9's
Having a number of these you should know that they suprise many in the 0 to ~ 50mph range.
The 3500 is a different engine, none of the Fiero engine parts are interchangable, not TCSP legal.

You are the fist I have heard a complaint on the centerforce (duel friction?) after doing some searching. Alittle too late though as I already have it.

[Mad Max Motorsports]

So I am going to be buying some new stock parts, are there less expensive places to get them then Autozone?

[ZX2scort]

So I am going to be buying some new stock parts, are there less expensive places to get them then Autozone?

You could try Richard's Auto Parts in Detroit. Send a PM to ReiKo on MM, he gives site members good deals.

[sufferingant]

So I am going to be buying some new stock parts, are there less expensive places to get them then Autozone?

www.rockauto.com

shipping is a little expensive, but the prices will make you shit bricks.

[2mchprssr]

Did you ever call gerry for your port work?