are you using the F40 6 speed manual? ive read up on it and heard people say that 1st gear is really short so i figure you would get a lot of wheelspin going around those tight of corners since it allows the motor to rev up so quick. also what did you do to the suspension?
@xTHExWASPx Yes it was the F40 6 spd. 1st gear is really short but with R-compound tires it would just hold the power. 2nd gear is also quite tall and the northstar has a fair amount of torque down low so most of the autocrossing I did I would shift to second right off the start and leave it there for the whole run. Suspension was koni shocks, 350lb/in springs all around and poly bushings.
@Zac88GT where did you get the springs from? the stiffest ones i can find are 300lb/in. other than the struts/shocks, springs, and bushings its all factory fiero parts? no sway bar upgrades? because that thing is really flat through the corners and doesnt seem to understeer.
@xTHExWASPx The front springs are 350lb/in West Coast Fieros lowering springs, and the rear struts have been converted to coilovers with 10" 350lb/in QA1 springs. The sway bars are original. The car was setup fairly neutral with the alignment I used: ~9* of caster (I did the 2.25 turn lock to lock F-body steering rack swap so increased effort wasn't an issue) and -1.5* camber in the front and -2.5* camber in the rear.
@Zac88GT I recently bought a cadillac deville (2001) and all I really want to do is make it a manual transmission. I found this transmission on craigslist, the getrag f23, is that a good tranny? Also how would I go about doing as in like where the pedal goes, how to install that, or how I would get the stick in the center etc? I have been curious about this for a while
very dry question: what´s the top speed of this fiero in theory ? I´ve never seen a fiero going over 120mph eventho they seem to be quite well when it comes to the aerodynamics.I mean cmon - there are even street driven VW Golfs with a top speed in the 300kph range (190mph) so a fiero should be able to do the same with ease (with the power to match, ofc).
@HEMIH3AD Short wheelbase+front end lift = unstable at high speeds. I don't know what the theoretical top speed is with the northstar but it's much faster than I would feel comfortable with. The Fiero actually has pretty poor aerodynamics.
@Zac88GT what if you install a functional aero front bumper+hood scoop to increase the downforce ? is there definetely no way to build a fiero to be stable at (let´s say) 200mph (like a supercar) ? I mean - the wheelbase itself is only 7cm shorter than the wheelbase of a Corvette C4 which was the basecar for the Sledgehammer Corvette which has been the world´s fastest street legal car (top speed 410kph/close to 255mph)
@HEMIH3AD It would certainly help but I still wouldn't trust a Fiero at high speed. Another way to improve the aerodynamics on the fastbacks is to add an additional rear window that follows the 1/4 windows back, sort of like an older lotus esprit.
@HEMIH3AD I did something similar to what you're talking about. I got a V8 in a Fiero and I put a cowl (exhaust) scoop on the hood to make the air flow go from under the bottom of the car to exit the hood onto the windshield and roof. If you draw a picture you will see this creates down force onto the front of the car when it moves forward, and it does work at high speed. Not only this works. But the headlights don't pop up.
@Zac88GT thanks for the explanation. just out of curiousity - why did you not go for a LS3 over the northstar ? the LS3 got around the same price tag if I remember correctly while offering reliable performance with lots of boost potential since it´s the base engine for the C6 ZR1s LS9. it shouldn´t weight too much more than the northstar as well since it´s one of those all aluminium engines as well. btw - how much time does it take to build such a supercar and is a V8 swap easy to do ?
@3O2MuStAnG The LS3 is significantly more expensive than the northstar, and it requires an adapter plate between the engine and transmission where the northstar directly bolts up. I also really like the idea of a DOHC V8 and the northstar has incredible boost potential as well. The LS3 would be a little lighter though. Took about 5 weeks for the engine swap and another month for the trans swap.
hmm weird. I read a lot about the Fiero´s weight distribution. some people say it makes for a great drag car with around 56% rear weight - some other people say its weight distribution is similar to vettes with around 50/50 - now I read it has around 54% in the rear with a northstar 4.6 V8 swap. then I read sth like "the notchbacks have 56% to the rear - the 86 fastback has around 50/50". can someone bring some light to this ?
@3O2MuStAnG The distribution is different from car to car depending on the equipment and modifications. Power windows, door locks, mirrors, seats, air conditioning, staggered wheel and tires sizes all effect the distribution. When I bought my car it was a stock V6 5spd with power everything except seats, and it had a/c. I ditched the a/c, moved the battery to the front, installed a heavier steering rack, and a northstar. Overall the ballance was unchanged but the weight increased slightly.
@bassplayerdjb The transmission is from a 2006 Pontiac G6. It has the same bell housing pattern as the northstar but thats the only convenient part of the swap. Lots of custom stuff to get it working.
Hmm, the exhaust note is grand indeed-nice work, lad. It reminds me of the sound my MGB GTV8 made...(before I dropped in the 'big 5' 1800-now that's KICK-ASS!). I'd post a video of it, but I'm afraid of being 'mobbed' by envious comments... Is there anything left of the original, (apart from some body panels)? Win-Go, Zac88(B)GT! Most lovely, by-jove!
The northstar is all aluminum so it's not that much heavier than the original v6. The suspension is definatly not stock either. Koni shocks, coil overs, poly bushings, quick ratio steering.
The car started off at 2850 ish, i removed the A/C and put the northstar and 6 speed in and now it's 2900. The weight gain is negligable and the distribution is still 46% front 54% rear.
Some grinding of the bell houseing is necessary to clear the starter and water manifold of the northstar. You also need a custom clutch, flywheel, and axles.
are you using the F40 6 speed manual? ive read up on it and heard people say that 1st gear is really short so i figure you would get a lot of wheelspin going around those tight of corners since it allows the motor to rev up so quick. also what did you do to the suspension?
xTHExWASPx 4 months ago
@xTHExWASPx Yes it was the F40 6 spd. 1st gear is really short but with R-compound tires it would just hold the power. 2nd gear is also quite tall and the northstar has a fair amount of torque down low so most of the autocrossing I did I would shift to second right off the start and leave it there for the whole run. Suspension was koni shocks, 350lb/in springs all around and poly bushings.
Zac88GT 4 months ago
@Zac88GT where did you get the springs from? the stiffest ones i can find are 300lb/in. other than the struts/shocks, springs, and bushings its all factory fiero parts? no sway bar upgrades? because that thing is really flat through the corners and doesnt seem to understeer.
xTHExWASPx 4 months ago
@xTHExWASPx The front springs are 350lb/in West Coast Fieros lowering springs, and the rear struts have been converted to coilovers with 10" 350lb/in QA1 springs. The sway bars are original. The car was setup fairly neutral with the alignment I used: ~9* of caster (I did the 2.25 turn lock to lock F-body steering rack swap so increased effort wasn't an issue) and -1.5* camber in the front and -2.5* camber in the rear.
Zac88GT 4 months ago
@Zac88GT I recently bought a cadillac deville (2001) and all I really want to do is make it a manual transmission. I found this transmission on craigslist, the getrag f23, is that a good tranny? Also how would I go about doing as in like where the pedal goes, how to install that, or how I would get the stick in the center etc? I have been curious about this for a while
homelesspimps 1 week ago
very dry question: what´s the top speed of this fiero in theory ? I´ve never seen a fiero going over 120mph eventho they seem to be quite well when it comes to the aerodynamics.I mean cmon - there are even street driven VW Golfs with a top speed in the 300kph range (190mph) so a fiero should be able to do the same with ease (with the power to match, ofc).
HEMIH3AD 7 months ago
@HEMIH3AD Short wheelbase+front end lift = unstable at high speeds. I don't know what the theoretical top speed is with the northstar but it's much faster than I would feel comfortable with. The Fiero actually has pretty poor aerodynamics.
Zac88GT 7 months ago
@Zac88GT what if you install a functional aero front bumper+hood scoop to increase the downforce ? is there definetely no way to build a fiero to be stable at (let´s say) 200mph (like a supercar) ? I mean - the wheelbase itself is only 7cm shorter than the wheelbase of a Corvette C4 which was the basecar for the Sledgehammer Corvette which has been the world´s fastest street legal car (top speed 410kph/close to 255mph)
HEMIH3AD 7 months ago
@HEMIH3AD It would certainly help but I still wouldn't trust a Fiero at high speed. Another way to improve the aerodynamics on the fastbacks is to add an additional rear window that follows the 1/4 windows back, sort of like an older lotus esprit.
Zac88GT 7 months ago
@HEMIH3AD I did something similar to what you're talking about. I got a V8 in a Fiero and I put a cowl (exhaust) scoop on the hood to make the air flow go from under the bottom of the car to exit the hood onto the windshield and roof. If you draw a picture you will see this creates down force onto the front of the car when it moves forward, and it does work at high speed. Not only this works. But the headlights don't pop up.
V8Fiero2M8 1 month ago
@Zac88GT thanks for the explanation. just out of curiousity - why did you not go for a LS3 over the northstar ? the LS3 got around the same price tag if I remember correctly while offering reliable performance with lots of boost potential since it´s the base engine for the C6 ZR1s LS9. it shouldn´t weight too much more than the northstar as well since it´s one of those all aluminium engines as well. btw - how much time does it take to build such a supercar and is a V8 swap easy to do ?
3O2MuStAnG 8 months ago
@3O2MuStAnG The LS3 is significantly more expensive than the northstar, and it requires an adapter plate between the engine and transmission where the northstar directly bolts up. I also really like the idea of a DOHC V8 and the northstar has incredible boost potential as well. The LS3 would be a little lighter though. Took about 5 weeks for the engine swap and another month for the trans swap.
Zac88GT 8 months ago
hmm weird. I read a lot about the Fiero´s weight distribution. some people say it makes for a great drag car with around 56% rear weight - some other people say its weight distribution is similar to vettes with around 50/50 - now I read it has around 54% in the rear with a northstar 4.6 V8 swap. then I read sth like "the notchbacks have 56% to the rear - the 86 fastback has around 50/50". can someone bring some light to this ?
3O2MuStAnG 8 months ago
@3O2MuStAnG The distribution is different from car to car depending on the equipment and modifications. Power windows, door locks, mirrors, seats, air conditioning, staggered wheel and tires sizes all effect the distribution. When I bought my car it was a stock V6 5spd with power everything except seats, and it had a/c. I ditched the a/c, moved the battery to the front, installed a heavier steering rack, and a northstar. Overall the ballance was unchanged but the weight increased slightly.
Zac88GT 8 months ago
holy shit son!! he is gettin it!!!!
1baddecepticon 1 year ago
@zombieturnbull and the one they should make again if GM didn't shut them down.
omgitsangers 1 year ago
how did you find a 6 speed to fit the northstar and fiero
bassplayerdjb 1 year ago
@bassplayerdjb The transmission is from a 2006 Pontiac G6. It has the same bell housing pattern as the northstar but thats the only convenient part of the swap. Lots of custom stuff to get it working.
Zac88GT 1 year ago
Hmm, the exhaust note is grand indeed-nice work, lad. It reminds me of the sound my MGB GTV8 made...(before I dropped in the 'big 5' 1800-now that's KICK-ASS!). I'd post a video of it, but I'm afraid of being 'mobbed' by envious comments... Is there anything left of the original, (apart from some body panels)? Win-Go, Zac88(B)GT! Most lovely, by-jove!
frufru0071 1 year ago 2
I thought that the v8 Fieros handled like crap! A mechanic I know helped on a 350 swap, and it was terrible. Is this better since it;s a N*?
MisterHolaMan 2 years ago
The northstar is all aluminum so it's not that much heavier than the original v6. The suspension is definatly not stock either. Koni shocks, coil overs, poly bushings, quick ratio steering.
Zac88GT 2 years ago
How much more does the northstar weigh? I thought it was about 480 lbs, while the stock is 350.
MisterHolaMan 2 years ago
really? my truck is quarter ton...thats kind of heavy
zabears40 2 years ago
Well yours is a 5.0 v8, what'd you expect?
MisterHolaMan 2 years ago
im saying you said it weighs 480lbs if you put mine next to that beast it seem like a featherweight vs a heavyweight
zabears40 2 years ago
Plus mine probably will have more hp...
MisterHolaMan 2 years ago
jerk...we will see as i said you'll be suprised
zabears40 2 years ago
The car started off at 2850 ish, i removed the A/C and put the northstar and 6 speed in and now it's 2900. The weight gain is negligable and the distribution is still 46% front 54% rear.
Zac88GT 2 years ago
Wow, nice. I kinda wanted a Nissan vh45 instead since they're a lot cheaper, know anything about those?
MisterHolaMan 2 years ago
this is how fieros should have been made goodjob
thewraith2143 2 years ago
That is fucking insane that thing is a beast nice job
bigdemmy 2 years ago
What transmission is it?
Nimbly 2 years ago
F40 6 speed from a 2006 Pontiac G6
Zac88GT 2 years ago
how much modification did it take to fit the F40 on the northstar?
spartan177saber 2 years ago
Some grinding of the bell houseing is necessary to clear the starter and water manifold of the northstar. You also need a custom clutch, flywheel, and axles.
Zac88GT 2 years ago
i really wish i could do soemthing like this. i wanna do a fiero project like this but i'm trying to keep a budget of $2k
spartan177saber 2 years ago
That looks like so much fun! I love the Fiero too. Great video :)
NullH3ad 2 years ago
the best pontiac ferrari ever made
manoman0 2 years ago
and thay say american cars can only go in a strait line huh
zman6033 2 years ago
HOLY SHIT...THAT'S BAD ASS.
Scray1 3 years ago 8
I would pretty much kill any man on the planet to have this car.
wysoft 3 years ago
sweet
sv6civic 3 years ago
What track is that Zac ?
fourpoint9 3 years ago
Western Speedway in Victoria BC
Zac88GT 3 years ago
What does it do in the 1/4 mile?
tjohanson 3 years ago
Don't know, I haven't raced it in the 1/4
Zac88GT 3 years ago
I have an 86 GT and was debating Supercharged V6 over Small Block V8.
tjohanson 3 years ago
I would go with a supercharged V6 over the small block chevy. I like the northstar much more than the 3800sc, but it's a lot more work for the swap.
Zac88GT 3 years ago
thats so sweet
UKSkaterstar07 3 years ago