New here, looking for some general information

[Mach10]

Hi there! I own a pontiac Fiero that is in some dire need of engine-swappage. Actually, I've owned 2. The first one got a nice little Caddy 4.9L V8, and it was good.

The new one needs somehting bigger, better, but most of all, MORE exotic.

I've been toying with a smaller-cube Chevy v8 with a hairdrier. Now, I know the 81 T/A had just that. To be sure, I'm not all that interested in using the 301 block, but I AM interested in the rest of the motor. Thing is, I'm having trouble finding info on the motor itself. That said, here's my list of questions:

1) Was the 301 a BOP motor? Big, wide boat anchor, or was it an SBC?
2) What did this motor use as an induction system? Fuel injection, or draft carb? If it's EFI, what ECM does it use?
3)How big of a Turbo is used, and what kind of boost can it reliably support?

 

[mr.turbota]

Hi Mach10!
The 1980 and the 1981 Trans Ams did come with a Turbo motor as an option. It was the Pontiac 301 engine though, not the Chevy. So yes, it is the BOP motor.
Sounds like you have fun with your Fiero! I've seen 455 Olds powered Fiero at the drag strip!! Too cool! And fast!
By chance, are you on the GM Forums that have a Fiero section on their message boards?? If not, I can get the addy for you ( I just don't have it now-I think it's http://www.GMForums.com ? ) I may be wrong though.
Anyway, the engine that powered the '80-'81 Turbo Trans Ams didn't really have all that much power! In those years, it was between 200 and 210 horsepower. Pretty good in those years, but not in real life. But that's not to say that in a very light car, compared to the heavy '80-'81 era, it may be enough!
The engine is also powered by a carb, no fuel injection. In 1981, the carb became computer controled. I don't think that the 1980 was.
As for the size of the Turbo, I don't have it right off hand ( as I am not at home with the books to look it up ).
Also, my understanding is that it goes to 8 psi. Not sure that you could go higher!
I do know that over on http://www.transamcountry.com , there is a guy who Turbocharged his 400 engine. He has a diesel turbo on it, saying it is bigger and cheaper to use/get. He has a book on Turboing. It might be something for you to look at.
The 301 Turbo engines are somewhat hard to find everything. Not that you won't or can't. It may be cheaper to go a slighty different route.

Good luck,

George :twisted:

 

[81Nascar]

Hey Mach. I can shed some light. I'm a little bit of a 301 guy,but only by accident(long story). The turbo set up for the 301 was really only designed for the 301 engine. The heads and intake manifold are not compatable with the other Pontiac blocks. I take that back, you can bolt the heads to other Pontiac blocks but they would need to be modified and to be honest it wouln't be worth it. Both the 80 and 81 set up used a carburator for the induction and in 81 it was computerized. Only that year computer for that car will work. In stock form from the dealership they were supposed to prduce 10psi, but in reality I"m sure it was much less for warrenty reasons. They will produce more boost ,but the turbo it's self is not that big. I have a friend who races his turbo T/A and with a bone stock motor(except for camshaft) and stock turbo he tops out at 19psi. I've had my turbo upgraded and was told it will reach over 20 psi, but I will never try that. I know the head gaskets would never live through it. The stock turbo is a Garret TO3 which was used on many other small engined cars. The exhaust ratio is .82 and the intake is .63 if I remember. To be honest for money ,reliability, and ease of parts I would go with the chevy or conventional Pontiac block(400/455). They even make kits to bolt the Chevy motors in place.

The 301 is same size as the 400-455 Pontiac block. The only real difference is it has a 1" shorter deck. Everything on the outside is a direct bolt on, such as valve covers, timing cover,oil pan, and that kind of thing. The 301 turbo set up is also a draw-thru. I hope this helps you out some.