1989 Pontiac Fiero GT

Honda J-Series Engine Swap Project

A unique Pontiac Fiero GT undergoing an ambitious Honda J-series V6 engine swap. This project combines American mid-engine design with Japanese reliability and performance, featuring extensive CAD modeling and custom engineering work.

Pontiac Fiero GT 1989 Engine Swap Honda J-Series
1989 Pontiac Fiero GT

1989 Pontiac Fiero GT

Project Overview

This Pontiac Fiero GT project began as a barely running 2.8L V6 car with a broken clutch line. After initial repairs and suspension upgrades, the car spun a bearing in 2020, leading to an ambitious Honda J-series V6 engine swap. The project features extensive CAD modeling, custom engineering, and uses a 2006 Honda Accord V6 as a donor vehicle.

Engine Swap Specifications

  • Original Engine: 2.8L V6 (LB8)
  • Original Power: 140 hp
  • New Engine: Honda J30A4 V6
  • New Power: 240 hp
  • Donor Car: 2006 Honda Accord V6
  • Layout: Mid-engine, RWD
  • Transmission: Honda 5-speed
  • Status: Engine Swap in Progress

Current Status

🔧 Project Status: Engine Swap in Progress

This ambitious Honda J-series engine swap project is actively being developed with extensive CAD modeling and custom engineering. The project includes detailed YouTube documentation of the entire process.

Completed & Planned Modifications

Initial Repairs & Suspension
  • Rebuilt front and rear suspension
  • Poly bushings throughout
  • Drop ball joints
  • Lowering springs
  • Fixed broken clutch line
  • Engine repairs and maintenance
Cooling & Body
  • Champion all metal 3-core radiator
  • Fiberglassed DMAX style hood vent
  • Custom body modifications
  • Aerodynamic improvements
Engine Swap (In Progress)
  • Honda J30A4 V6 engine (240 hp)
  • Honda 5-speed transmission
  • 2006 Accord V6 donor car
  • Extensive CAD modeling
  • Custom engine mounts
  • OE Honda suspension integration
  • Custom drivetrain components
Future Plans
  • Power upgrades beyond 240 hp
  • Advanced suspension geometry
  • Performance tuning
  • Track testing and refinement
  • Additional power modifications

Project Documentation

📹 YouTube Series: Honda J-Series Fiero Swap

This project is extensively documented through a detailed YouTube series covering the entire engine swap process:

Video 1: Project Introduction

Introduction to the swap and taking apart the Accord donor car

Watch Video
Video 2: Engine Comparison

Taking out the Accord engine and comparing engine sizes and viability

Watch Video
Video 3: CAD & Engineering

Going over the suspension geometry, CAD models, and build plans

Watch Video

Engineering Challenges

⚠️ Unique Engineering Challenges

  • Mid-engine layout complexity
  • Custom engine mounting system
  • Suspension geometry optimization
  • Extensive CAD modeling required
  • OE Honda component integration
  • Custom drivetrain fabrication

Project Timeline

  • Status: Engine Swap in Progress
  • Original Engine: 2.8L V6 (140 hp)
  • New Engine: Honda J30A4 (240 hp)
  • Donor Car: 2006 Accord V6
  • Documentation: YouTube Series

Build Log

Detailed build progress, CAD models, and engineering updates will be posted here.

YouTube series documenting the entire swap

Parts Needed

  • Engine components
  • Suspension parts
  • Body panels
  • Electrical components

Parts list coming soon...