Dropping a General Motors Small Block V8 into the rear of the Pontiac Fiero is a relatively easy and inexpensive way to transform the mid-engine sports car into a much more serious performance package.
A V8-powered 1987 Pontiac Fiero GT will soon head to auction via Worldwide Auctioneers. Unlike most V8-swapped Fieros, though, this bright blue example doesn’t have a GM Small Block or some type of modern-day LS. Occupying the gap between this Fiero’s rear wheels is a 4.7L Northstar V8 lifted from a Cadillac Seville STS, which is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission that was pulled from the same Seville donor car.
According to Worldwide Auctioneers, the V8 swap was performed by Fort Wayne, Indiana-based shop Chris Moore Engineering at a cost of around $20,000 USD. In addition to dropping in the 4.7L V8 and four-speed automatic transmission, Chris Moore Engineering also upgraded the vehicle’s axles, installed an aftermarket rear sway bar and threw on some stiffer rear coil overs to help deal with the additional weight of the Northstar engine.
Unlike many used Fieros we see, this particular car’s interior has been very well maintained. The leather bucket seats, dashboard, carpets, door panels, steering wheel and center console are all in great shape and show very little signs of wear. There’s also a Sony head unit and aftermarket amplifier for those who would rather drown out the sound of the V8 with their album of choice. The listing says the car has air conditioning but, rather oddly, the previous owner “did not want to take away from the horsepower” and decided not to hook it up. We’re not sure why they decided to go for a Northstar V8 instead of something more easily tunable if they were so serious about horsepower, but we digress.
Want to know more about this Cadillac Northstar powered Pontiac Fiero? Check out the auction listing at this link.
Comments
Actually the N star fits in easier than the Chevy. It was also lighter till the all aluminum LS engines arrived.
This was a very common swap years ago when N Star engines were cheap and easy to find with low miles. The real issue is head gaskets, The early engines were fine bu the later N Stars are known for gasket issues, So this car could be someone’s dream if it is an older engine or their worst nightmare if it is a later problem N star.
Worst model year Northstars by far were 1997-1999. The 2000-2004 versions were slightly better, but not much. 2005-2011 were the ones you want, LS6 head bolts.
G8 is correct, it was the early ones that had the most issues.
The very fact that a 1987 Pontiac Fiero GT had an engine compartment capable of fitting a NorthStar V8 suggest that the design team overdid things as the overall dimensions of the Fiero was designed improperly given that the Fiero was supposed to be light and fun.
We the truth is Oontiac had bigger and better things planned.
#1 it was confirmed a Pontiac had built a 2.9 Turbo charged B6 intended for production. One still exist.
#2 Pontiac built and tested a V8 Chevy in the Fiero. It was dove at Mesa and was later seen and ordered disposed of.
#4 the 1990 GT was going to get the DOHC V6 before it was canceled. It still exist at the GM Heritage collection.
#5 The Fiero with the e
Heavy V6 was still only 2600 pounds. So it was not really heavy in terms of most cars.
#5 the N Star was actually a very compact engine smaller than a V8 Chevy and fit the Fiero easier. Also with the weight still at 2800 pounds and just over 30” hp it was a runner.
#6 And no the Cadillac CUV is still not going to be $200,000
Loved that bit about the Lyriq at the end there lol, well played.
Cool car, hope the engine stays cool too.
I think a great choice would have been the supercharged version of the Buick 3800 V6 with associated transmission and drivetrain!
Nice combo. But they are becoming difficult to fine in low mile condition anymore. They used to be so easy to find.
You had to deal with an cast alternator bracket that many cut and found would break. If you address it correctly they work well.
I have had a couple friends do this swap.
Random article showed up on my news feed… Just happens to be my dream car, the perfect color, upgraded engine… And I’m my town!!!!!!
GIT ‘ER DONE!
So, this article popped up on my news feed. either because I like Pontiacs, or googled Fiero once..
either way, this is my dream car (87 is ok, but always dreamed about an 88 GT), the color is gorgeous! and an upgrade from the V6.. and in my town! and auctioned off just up the road!!! Who is this Chris Moore?!?! Can he upgrade an Aztek?! I just might have to go look at this Fiero, I bet the pictures don’t do this car justice.
(stupid computer sent my first unfinished comment in.)
Now there’s something you won’t see every day.
When I was in HS in the 90’s, my social studies teacher showed us an old Fiero ad. A chick in a bikini was lying on a lounge chair, and flipped above her, was the outline of a Fiero corresponding to the shape of her body. She then proceeded to tell us of the subliminal message, of selling sex, objectification, associating the car with women and sex, that the car was going to get us some, etc. Well damn, I sure could’ve used some of that mojo. I couldn’t get any action until well after HS. Should’ve got a Fiero.
I’ve personally built 40 NS conversion kits and installed many of them in my shop. I met with the chief Fiero design engineer and the marketing manager that got GM to approve the P Car at the 25th anniversary of the Fiero that was organized but one of my customers. Some of the comments in this chain are not correct. I’ve been involved with the Fiero since it’s introduction. The Fiero was a whisker away from going into production. It was designed to eventually use a small displacement V8. Several issued killed it so there was no 1989 model except prototypes. Enjoy
about 15 years ago me and a buddy put a mildly modded 350 in one with the stock 4 speed manual. worked well.
I have had my fiero for 15 years…on my 2nd 350 and it is almost as fast as my 16 Vette… Almost…but in a straight drag…I upgraded the brakes .. polyurethane bushes all around replaced with tubular control arms with coil overs… rear stabilizer bar, lowered 3 inches…all in an effort to help it turn corners faster as I raced it with proautosports…it is fun and fast….cost was around 17,000 bucks…
I have had my fiero for 15 years…on my 2nd 350 and it is almost as fast as my 16 Vette… Almost…but in a straight drag…I upgraded the brakes .. polyurethane bushes all around replaced with tubular control arms with coil overs… rear stabilizer bar, lowered 3 inches…all in an effort to help it turn corners faster as I raced it with proautosports…it is fun and fast….cost was around 17,000 bucks…
Any N Star gurus I can contact, that anyone here knows of, please?
No, sorry, not for a Fiero swap, so doesn’t have to be Fiero-specific.
Also: Anyone know the name of who was working on a FWD LSx swap for Fieros? I wanna say it was an LS5.
THANKS in advance for any leads to the above 👋👋