Garage Chronicles

It really is not hard to get an engine out of a Fiero when you remove the rear bumper and use an engine hoist to lift the back end 6 feet in the air!

Note that the entire center console must be removed to run the cables and install the 4-speed shifter during an auto-to-manual conversion.

Old vs. New

Comparison between the original motor and the new 2.9L "Hot Rod" setup waiting on the stand.

Lessons Learned: The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly

The Ugly: The paint turned ugly sitting outside for 4 months waiting for the motor. The interior was covered in dust and grease from being in and out so many times.

The Bad: I have a stumble at around 1500-1800 RPMs—something common with Fiero stick shifts that I'm still trying to tune out. I also ended up with a lower-geared 3.65 4-speed instead of the 3.32 I wanted.

The Good: The car runs like a screamer! 1st gear is very quick, and the Federal Mogul HV Oil Pump keeps oil pressure awesome. The suspension handles perfectly, and the MSD Blaster Coil provides solid spark.