Which would you rather see?

[Atilla the Fun]

As it's looking easier and wiser to just use the LS4 waterpump/air conditioning setup, would you be more inclined to follow this thread if I went LS4, or if I insist on avoiding LS4 parts?

[Series8217]

Why avoid the LS4 stuff? It sure makes it a lot easier.

[p8ntman442]

Any way you can go away from stock fiero parts is more than acceptable to everyone here.

you know this shit is 20+ years old and outdated right.

[jelly2m81]

Use the stock LS4 stuff, it already fits the motor and is 10x better than fiero shit. Don't go all V8Archie and stick a 25 year old technology alterna
tor and shit on a new up to date motor, that just ruins any coolness factor of a swap.

[The Dark Side of Will]

I think he's talking about using 5.3 parts or substitutes instead of LS4 parts... I don't think he's talking about keeping Fiero parts...

Atilla, I think you should do it intelligently. If the stock hardware (mainly waterpump) fits in the engine bay, adapt it (this will take a good bit of work on the accessory drive). If the stock config doesn't fit and would require notching the frame rail, use the LS4 hardware.

No one here wants to see a frame rail chopped up to fit a waterpump. We've seen enough of that elsewhere.

[Atilla the Fun]

I was considering reusing the Fiero's original a/c compressor, but I'm now to the point of needing to mock up all the accessories, coolong and exhaust so I can see where's left available for mounts. I figured there would be less interest in the LS4 parts, as that was covered with Black Coffee's car, and is nearly a no-brainer.
Then again, I know how reliable GM bracketry is compared to V8Archie-style, and the folks I'm trying to impress probably know it, too!
I expect I could use the LS4 water pump and a/c setup, but I'll probably have to fabricate my own alternator bracket.
I started this thread because I think I have room for a 'vette underdrive crank pulley/damper, andin the new issue of hot rod, we see GM has a new electric water pump for the LS. I think it would fit, and be reliable, and I refuse to weaken the car.
Yes, I had to clearance the hinge box, but that's a far cry from V8Archie's butchery.
Now, when I go coilovers, I could then rework the spring pockets to make more space for the LS4 alternator setup. So, should I get the coilovers before getting the accessories? Or would you rather see it done with stock rear springs for the stealth factor? Both are equally tempting to me.

[MstangsBware]

I am in the process of installing an LS4 into my 88 GT. Its a stock 06 motor/trans out of an 06 Monte SS. I chose to leave all the stock WP setup, A/C compressor, ect. on the motor. The WP setup does cause a clearance issue with the Pass decklid hinge and the firewall but not enough to go a differant route. I thought about getting rid of the stock WP setup and going with an electric water pump but that was after I had already cut the decklid hinge. Plus I am being cheap and didnt wanna spend the money on a electric waterpump.

[Series8217]

Now, when I go coilovers, I could then rework the spring pockets to make more space for the LS4 alternator setup. So, should I get the coilovers before getting the accessories? Or would you rather see it done with stock rear springs for the stealth factor? Both are equally tempting to me.

What do you mean about the rear springs? The LS4 alternator runs into the firewall, not the strut tower..

[Atilla the Fun]

Your LS4 came with the FWD water pump. I'd have to get mine from the Chevy dealership's parts counter. =very expensive.
As for the clearance, when I had the 3.1 in my Fiero, the alternator was plenty far from the trunk, but so close to the spring pocket.
This is where it must go, as the a/c has to go between the engine and the firewall, whether I use the LS4 water pump or not.

[The Dark Side of Will]

I'm doing a Gen II 3.1 swap and it looks like the alternator can go a little below the Fiero location without too much trouble.

[Atilla the Fun]

I was doing it with the '90 Firebird bracket. I did get it to work without much work, but it was close.

[The Dark Side of Will]

Pics?

[MstangsBware]

Your LS4 came with the FWD water pump. I'd have to get mine from the Chevy dealership's parts counter. =very expensive.
As for the clearance, when I had the 3.1 in my Fiero, the alternator was plenty far from the trunk, but so close to the spring pocket.
This is where it must go, as the a/c has to go between the engine and the firewall, whether I use the LS4 water pump or not.

If you need the LS4 waterpump housing, I might be able to get you one for a deal from a friend, send me a PM if interested. The Alt in the stock location of course hits the strut tower but can easily flipped to the low mount position. I used the stock LS4 Alt mount flipped for my setup so I didn't have to build any brackets. In the low mount position, I did have to move the frame rail back a hair to get some clearance but nothing major.

[Atilla the Fun]

Sorry, Will. I threw out the pics last week, but I may still have the CD.