15 replies to this topic

[Casey]

I'm in search of a GM RWD 4-cylinder, but the MPC Pontiac Fiero kit's engine looks very plain and the block and head seem to be devoid of all surface detail, so I guess I'm just looking for a "yeah, it's bad" confirmation if that's the case, or if it's not that bad, what needs work to make it better.

 

[kalbert]

Theres an MPC Fiero on its way to my house, If nobody answers before it arrives I'll post pics. I dont think theres a suitable bellhousing for a T5 though 

[Casey]

Theres an MPC Fiero on its way to my house, If nobody answers before it arrives I'll post pics. I dont think theres a suitable bellhousing for a T5 though 

 

I would appreciate that, Kyle. Based on what I see on the instruction sheet, I'm prepared to look for other options. The MPC '81 Cavalier kit's 4-cylinder look even worse. 

[Ace-Garageguy]

I've got kit 1-0883, the instructions for the engine are identical to yours, but the engine itself really isn't that bad IMHO. The block does have some surface detali molded in, even a 'casting number', and overall it looks reasonably accurate. There are some bad sink marks on the chrome valve cover (which is painted on a stocker anyway).

 

And also IMHO, I think EVERY Fiero benefits from a V8. This is an LS engine, T-5 gearbox, modified Fiero rear subframe. You can see the beefy trans adapter and 2 of the fabricated engine mounts. I THINK I have more pix of this setup if you decide to go V8.

 

Edited by Ace-Garageguy, 18 March 2013 - 09:07 AM.

[kalbert]

That might be the direction mine goes after the Tech 4 is donated to an S10   Turns out mine is coming from Canada so those pics might be a ways out...

[Ace-Garageguy]

I just shot some pix of the Fiero engine parts tree. I'll post them here shortly...just on my way out the door now.

[Ace-Garageguy]

[jeffs396]

Casey, I can send you an engine from the MPC '78 Chevette if you like?

 

Only problem is its been assembled & brush painted (with testors bottle enamel) over 30 years ago! Would probably strip right off though...

[Erik Smith]

From the MPC Cavalier:

[kalbert]

Hmmm.... That 2.0 OHV from the Cavalier looks strikingly similar to the 2.5 Tech 4 in the Fiero. At least they have sort of right looking heads to make them resemble their full size counterparts. They look really small. 

[Casey]

Casey, I can send you an engine from the MPC '78 Chevette if you like?

 

Thanks for the offer, Jeff, but I have the '77 kit unbuilt, and I think the Chevette engine is from a different family than the Iron Duke.

 

I THINK I have more pix of this setup if you decide to go V8.

 

I am going neither V8 nor Fiero, but thanks for taking and posting the pics.    You, too, Eric.

 

The engines are not as bad as I thought, but still not that great.

[kalbert]

I am going neither V8 nor Fiero, but thanks for taking and posting the pics.    You, too, Eric.

 

The engines are not as bad as I thought, but still not that great.

 

Sunbird? S10? F-Body? Citation? I don't know if I've ever seen a Celebrity or Lumina kit, What are you up to?!?!

[Tom Geiger]

 

The MPC Cavalier engine detailed and installed...  

 

[sjordan2]

Are those leaves in the engine?   Terrific!

[Erik Smith]

Are those leaves in the engine?   Terrific!

That is a nice touch. They appear to be Ginkgo leaves.

[Tom Geiger]

The leaves came in a bag by Woodland Scenes called Forest Litter.   I don't know if they still make it. I've had the bag forever.