Real Fiero Tech

I suggest using a 700R4

Are you on a crusade to get everyone to leave RFT?

The auto will shift faster and be more reliable then that T5 will. They were known to break behind stock 350 TPI motors in third gens, which is why GM only offered it with the 305. Just trying to be logical here.

I'm sure some T5's are better than others, and I'm sure you can find one, eventually, that will hold a 400hp SBC. But, statistically speaking, it is a weak transmission that is not durable. This has been proven time and time again. Because for every 1 story you find of one holding, I can find 10 of it failing on a stock engine.

Is the 3.4 DOHC a cheap to maintain, reliable, durable engine? The ones I have have been. But, by and large, they are not.

Okay, I got the right front strut replaced, and reassembled it with the '96 Bonneville spring. Pics when I get the other side done.
I'm wanting the T5 because GM did install it behind SBCs, and Nissan did use it in 300ZXs, so it's a natural. But initial test fitting is going to be an LSx with a 4L60E. Final assembly is likely to be an LSx with a TR3650. Considering the rear differential gears of these cars, the 0.62:1 fifth should be about right. The 3650's 3.38:1 first is too deep, but it's strong, cheap and available. From what I've read about these cars, I'm not sure it's worth driving or even putting on the road. But some guys love them, so I'm sure to make some $$ from this.

CincinnatiFiero wrote:Are you on a crusade to get everyone to leave RFT?

Shaun can't get me to leave RFT any more than I can get anyone else to leave. I don't think I want to. Most of these guys are good for fussing at.

In the name of getting the 300ZX into my garage, I just installed the '83 C-10's '91 700R-4 to make progress toward getting it out of the garage.

Still no progress, haven't yet got the front suspension back together. The Bonneville coils don't work, but I had a new idea. I'll post pics if it does work.

Aside from replacing the rear coils (new ones are on the way from rockauto.com) and replacing the windshield, this car is ready to daily-drive with it's original V6, which is low on oil pressure all the time. I'm hoping it's not just a bad sensor or gauge. I'd really prefer the V6 to explode, so long as no living creature gets injured.

New windshield was $75. Gas to go get it was $40, and the 3m adhesive was under $20. As soon as it goes in, I can get back to Fiero stuff. It was going in this morning, but those clouds don't match the forecast.

It's running, just not with an engine swap. Yet. Aside from 2 niggles I don't want to try, it's ready to pass inspection, and be my dad's daily driver. The headlights come on, but when they get all the way rotated up, they go out. And the windshield washer system doesn't actually spray any fluid on the new windshield.
At least it fits in the garage behind the Fiero. The 2 combined are 7" less than the garage wall-to-door length.

I've spent my last several evenings working on the LM7 / L59 wiring for this car.
It will be getting a hole in the hood, and a truck intake manifold.
Swapping the current 3.70:1 rear gears for 3.55:1 is on indefinite hold, as is the OBX differential.
It'll get a 4L60E at first.

To hell with the 4L60E. The FS5W71C is widely reported to hold 400 or more horses. And the FS5R30A is a direct replacement, capable of 600 HP. Plus it's less money than a used T56! Gotta keep that third pedal!I'm about to start on my second adapter plate for mass production. LSx to Nissan 5-speed. The R30A uses a 9.875" clutch, on a 1" by 24 spline input shaft. The W71C is the same input, but uses a 9.5" disc.

My W71C is geared: 3.321 / 1.902 / 1.308 / 1.000 / 0.759.
The R30A gearing changed
'88-'89 T = 3.324 / 2.077 / 1.360 / 1.000 / 0.711 so it has the best fifth gear
'90-up = 3.214 / 1.925 / 1.302 / 1.000 / 0.752 so it has the best first gear.
'90 up, even non-turbo 300ZX got the good trans, so there's plenty available.

Well, this project is looking hopeful again. Brian started e-mailing me about getting his 350 into his '87 300ZX, and I'm just 2 days from taking my '85 300ZX off the road. Since Brian's is the SBC mule, that makes mine the LSx mule, with my 5.3L LM7.
This summer the Z31 chassis gets V8 swap kits. I'll own the monopoly, legally, until someone buys mine, tries it, and decides they can sell something "better".

The 5.3L and 4L60E are in the car, but progress is stopped while waiting for an oil pan.
The Nissan 5-speed is getting attached to my 350 Chevy V8, and that's proving the easiest adaptation I've ever tried, by far.
No chance of using the LSx with the 5-speed, in this car anyway.

Gave up, crushed the '85, haven't heard from Brian in months. That's the end of this story.