In order to have the best clutch for my new Caddy V8 engine, I did some major research into all of the clutch and pressure plate combo kits that were out there for the fiero transmissions( asking for citation clutches returns only an oem stock clutch kit ). I narrowed it down to three choices: the West Coast Fiero cindered-iron clutch kit( holds 600 lbs ft ), the SPEC stage 3 clutch kit( holds 450 lbs ft ), and the Centerforce dual-friction clutch Kit( Holds 350 lbs ft ). After much consideration, I finally fell upon the SPEC stage 3 clutch and pressure plate kit, as it provided the most hold while still maintaining a "streetable" feel. The cindered-iron disc from WCF wasn't a streetable clutch, designed for the track only, and had a much shorter life than either of the other two clutches. Pictured here is the kit, it comes with the allignment tool, pressure plate, throw-out bearing, and clutch. These can be purchased for $299 for the set on www.speclutches.com . Look under the listing for the 4 speed '85 Pontiac Fiero.

Although the used stock citation flywheel bolts would technically fit and work for this application, it is not advisable to torque them more than one time, because they stretch and could run the risk of snapping off if torqued too tightly. The only option was to purchase all new flywheel bolts. Unfortunately, the Caddy V8 engines never came with a manual transmission, so the stock caddy flexplate bolts would not work for this application, as they are 3/4 inch length, and they must be 1 inch length to work for a manual flywheel application. Pretty much ALL manual FWD GM cars use the same flywheel bolts, even though it is hard to find a dealer that actual carries them. I had to drive to Tampa, FL, an hour away, to find these babies. The OEM part number is 00476576, for those of you who attempt this swap in the future.

In order to use a manual transmission on the Caddy engine, a custom flywheel must be produced, as none of the Caddy V8 engines ever came with a manual transmission. There are only two companies that make Caddy V8 flywheels, KFG Enterprises and Team Python Fieros. KFG makes an aluminum flywheel that weighs 9.6 pounds, and Team Python makes a billet steel flywheel that weighs 15 pounds. Steel, naturally, is stronger, plus the rotational mass is a bit heavier. The lighter aluminum flywheel would make for faster revving, but also quicker de-revving, making driving in the city almost intolerable. For this reason, I chose a Team Python flywheel. This one I picked up used on www.fiero.nl with about 15,000 miles on it, and then I had it resurfaced. Also pictured is the flywheel with the SPEC stage 3 clutch and pressure plate installed, and the allignment tool inserted.

Whenever doing a swap like this, or even just servicing or changing out the clutch, it is very important to install a new throw-out bearing. If a used one is used, there is a possibility of annoying rattling sounds or vibrations coming from the transmission when the clutch is disengaged.

You can now see the end result of the work performed with the dremel tool. In my haste to get to a good stopping point for the evening, I forgot to take a picture of the new notched bellhousing mated to the starter. A thank you goes out to Jon Lagler of www.fieroaddiction.com for allowing me to use the picture in the bottom left hand corner above this caption. It depicts the starter as it would look mated to the new notched bellhousing.