Install a 3900 lz9 with me into an 86 Fiero GT

I am going to be swapping a 3.9 lz9 engine to replace the factory 2.8 iron head junker into an 86 Fiero GT. subscribe to stay up to date on this swap

[@charlesdangergilmore9111]

I just got my 3.9 last Thursday from my local salvage yard. Out of a wrecked 07 Impala. I got the harness, ecu, all the accessories, a box of misc. parts and bolts. Now I'll start getting the other items and start tearing it down.

[@bre86]

I'm looking to do the same setup for my 86gt. Good timing!

[@fierowerx]

this timing is amazing. i just bought an LZ9 last week to swap into my 86 GT

[@charlesdangergilmore9111]

Thank you for documenting this build. I just bought my first fiero two weeks ago after watching a short video here on YT. I didn't know the fieros are somewhat rare and had to get one two states away or pay a premium. I love a good sleeper car or motorcycle. Mine is an '87 SE 2.5 Five speed. I found a 2011 Impala with the 3.9 automatic transmission. 130k that was rear ended. Supposedly trans been rebuilt. Hoping to pick that up this week. I really wanted to keep it a 5 or maybe 6 speed. What are anyone's option(s) on auto vs manual? Pretty sure I read my 5 speed won't work for the swap.

[@Slowv8Fiero]

Your 5 spd will work for the swap, it's just a weaker 5 spd than the factory v6 5 spd. Usually people strip the teeth off of 2nd gear. If you don't abuse your 5 spd it will technically bolt up to your 3.9 just fine

[@charlesdangergilmore9111]

Soooo, I ended up going with the 3800 s/c. '01 SSEI. Zero miles. Completely rebuilt to OEM by the local tech school but it had no TB, sensors, starter, alt or ex manifolds so i scored a '00 gtp w/at trans really cheap and then you know. I'm still planning on building the 3.9. At least I can still drive the car for now. Almost. Any thing is better than the stock 92 hp. Plus I've rebuilt all the suspension since I pulled the iron dookie.

[@Slowv8Fiero]

Nice dude

[@mlr06121974]

Awesome 😎

[@modeverything1]

Looking forward to this! Can you tell me what the part # is on that front mount bracket? I have not seen that one yet

[@Slowv8Fiero]

It's a factory 85-87 fiero front bracket. Don't know the part number. Def not available anymore unless from a junkyard or someone with a fiero

[@modeverything1]

@Slowv8Fiero that explains why I have never seen that bracket on a LZ from the factory 😆

[@tkmad7470]

My plan is to install an LX9. Easy peasy but not as much power.

[@Slowv8Fiero]

I did an lx9 before the lz in my 88. It's about the same amount of work.

[@conjursup1]

Curious to see how the exhaust will work with a 4spd.

[@Slowv8Fiero]

So this engine has the two separate exhaust manifolds instead of the crossover over the trans. I'm gonna try to use the crossover style exhaust for ease of install but only if it fits. We shall see.

[@charlesdangergilmore9111]

So I'm having a difficult time finding the 3.4 cam. Everywhere I've checked is out of stock. Does anyone know where I could get one or even an aftermarket cam for that engine?

[@Slowv8Fiero]

Yea it seems to be discontinued. I knew a year ago I should have bought more. Junkyards with 08-09 equinoxes will have them. You might have to buy the whole engine

[@charlesdangergilmore9111]

Thanks for all the information. Is there a cam option I could use with bearing spacers? I could purchase a whole equinox engine from the salvage yard but if it comes to that I'll highly consider doing the LS4 swap. But on a good note, I'm still having fun (mostly) and the bodywork is almost done!

[@Slowv8Fiero]

@@charlesdangergilmore9111 if you have a local pick and pull, you can pull just the cam and leave the motor. Two, get a degree wheel, and lock the vvt cam in a position that mimics a factoey non vvt cam for opening and closing points. Three, bearing spacers and a stock la1 3400 cam, or comp cams makes an aftermarket cam for the 3400 which if you called comp directly they could provide you one with more lift and duration.

[@charlesdangergilmore9111]

Hey again @Slowv8Fiero. Happy New Year! I finally got the body work done and ready for paint on the Fiero. Now focusing on the lz9 and tearing it down for the cam swap. I'm still waiting on some parts to be delivered. I have a short list of questions I wanted to ask. I've watched some of your videos multiple times to try and answer them myself but the few things that I haven't figured out are: -Do I just do away with the bank of solenoids under the intake manifold? -Do I use the factory water pump? Asking because I see you ran a couple of 12an coolant lines from the opposite side of the heads from water pump. My engine has plugs there. -What engine can I get a timing cover from? My oli pan lip is perpendicular to the block, not angled. Thanks again for your help and knowledge. Maybe these comments might help others doing a vvt delete.