3500 (LX9) swap into a Fiero

[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.

[bszopi]

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

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

[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 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]

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.

[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]

Seems like I have a 55 PSI FPR, so I'll go the modified returnless route. This will enable me to keep the 3500 fuel rail and injectors.

[SappySE107]

Yes it is. 2000+ are all 55psi regulators.

[flimbob]

SuperDave,

You had posted info on using the 19lb injectors in the 3500 Swap thread on the V6Z24 forum. Since my fuel rail was off a 2001 Malibu that had Multec 2 injectors, wouldn't the FPR be the 52~55 PSI type?

[flimbob]

If you run your 19's @ 55 PSI (22.5 lb/hr) they will work if the engine is stock.


the dipsticks are all the same for the gen3 engines, if you go to the yard grab a few because it's common for them to break.



FWIW, we ran 3.4 DOHC injectors in a 3400 with a cam and ported heads with no problems. Getting ready to put them in a stock 3500 in a few weeks.

That's good input on the 19's @ 55 PSI. I thought I read somewhere ( here on the forum ) that the stock 3400 FPR is 55 PSI.

[ForcedFirebird]

iron heads are the devil

ROFL!!!

[flimbob]

Ben,

If I win the $75 certificate for this month's raffle, I could then fit your adjustable FPR in my budget!

[Superdave]

True they work Superdave, I believe in this situation he's better off working with what he has instead of opting for what must be at least 10 yr old technology and parts for that matter if the last production year of the 3.4 DOHC is 1996. It's tough enough discouraging Fiero swappers from switching out aluminum heads for cast iron heads on roller cam blocks.

lol, but there is quite a difference there... iron heads are the devil, old but good injectors will still perform well as long as they are clean.


My Sy/Ty injectors still work fine and they are 19 yrs old.