The Man
or a guy that was barely capable of changing a spare tire, this project was a monumental undertaking to say the least. Don't get me wrong, I hold a degree in Electrical Engineering and develop computer software for a living, but I have never been good at mechanics, specially auto. That is, until now...
The Idea
he passion for powerful machines along with a childhood dream of one day owning a Lamborghini Countach 25th anniversary, gave way to the idea of building my own replica (kitcar for the rest of us). Little did I know, the search for the perfect donor vehicle will spark certain unexplained feelings towards this little automotive jewel of the past.
The Machine
irst the Fiero. Purchased from the membership director of Northern Illinois Fiero Enthusiasts (NIFE), Paul Vargyas, a 1988 Pontiac Fiero Formula, black with gray interiors and a five speed transmission. This car's 2.8 V6, had plenty of power, but I wanted more. This is how the research for the perfect mate to this black beauty got started. I looked at 3800's, Quad's,  Turbos and even the Northstar. But, all the research concluded there was no substitute for cubic inches, plain and simple.

One glorious day, I got an inside tip on a junked 1995 Camaro Z28, with all the goodies still in it. I stopped by the salvage yard that same afternoon and there it was, the beast, sitting on an engine cradle, the all mighty LT1. It was love at first sight. I immediately knew this was what I'd been looking for.
No Tools!
hile waiting for the delivery of the LT1, one afternoon it came to me that this project was indeed happening and that my $19.95 tool box only had a pair of rusty pliers, three screw drivers and a hammer. Suddenly, I realized I was going to need a little more than that if was to accomplish this. A few trips to the hardware store later, and among other things, I was armed with an 5hp air compressor, a MIG welder, a folding engine hoist, three ton hydraulic car jack, a drill press, a metal band saw, and a Craftsman 305-piece professional mechanic's tool set which came inside the 18 drawer Craftsman tool chest. Now we're talking!
V8 swap kits
hen, I started looking for a V8 swap kit designed for the Pontiac Fiero. Back then, there where only two players that deserved my attention, Gary Zumalt and V8Archie. Lots of opinions on the internet, both, in favor and against these two suppliers.  I did not know what to do.  Luckily, a trip to the 1997 Carlisle Kit Car Show made the decision very easy for me. To make a very long story short, I (literally) ran away from Gary's folding table. I did not like what I saw and liked even less what I heard. And I hadn't even seen his products yet! So I started talking to Archie, whom, instead of a folding table, had three V8 powered cars on display for me to inspect inside and out. A Ferrari Testarossa, a Mercedes SL500, and a Lamborghini Countach 5000. All Fiero based kit cars of course with the exception of the SL-500 wich was mustang based. After that, I started saving money for my V8 kit. I later, purchased one V8Archie's basic kit, then I ordered his Centerforce high performance clutch and flywheel and much later the custom made axles. The rest was purchased from other racing parts vendors, mostly for convenience.
And we are off
he more I dug into the LT1 the more I learned about it and the technology behind it. Looking back now, I probably wouldn't recommend the 1995-later years LT1. Specially if you plan to use the OEM Computer. More on that later. While the engine was striped off the non-essentials and painted, the Fiero engine was coming out. This, as unbelievable as it may sound, happened in one afternoon. All by my self. No help was necessary (no help was available). It was all a matter of having the right tools handy and having done your homework on the how-to's prior to starting (Archie's instructional video). Disassembling the V6 and separating from the K-member was also a snap. I must've watched Archie's swap video twenty times for just these two steps. The K-member (cradle), and suspension components, were sandblasted and repainted. Now I was ready for the fun part.