I would like to put more horsepower into my car, but my uncle has told me that this V6 isn't the best for mods, that if I really wanted to increase the power it would be best to do an engine swap, because I'm still new to the car, I have no idea what my options are and which ones would be best for me, and I feel bad asking him everything all the time, maybe you guys can help? My uncle did suggest the 3800 sc swap
Welcome to the forum! Yes, the 3800 is notably the easiest and more economical of the swaps available. From start to finish, it is not a cheap process however. Expect to pay around $4,000 as a bare minimum for everything you need to be able to get in, turn the key and drive it. That price is if you do most of the labor yourself.
Not trying to discourage you, just being upfront and honest. I am in the process myself right now
Have a LOOK HERE for some threads and more information on what all is involved.
Thank you, and yes I now what is going to be involved but the way I see it, a beautiful car like this deserves some muscle, my uncle has made it very clear it's going to be a pain, but nothing worth gaining is easy, and I'm in the Vegas area but my uncle Kurt gives me any assistance I require, I just feel bad bugging him all the time, I will look into those threads thank you both
try to find someone out there who has a 3800SC and ask if you can ride along (or drive). if you are into muscle the plain SC may not quite do it for you. And if you have the money to play with upgrading the 3800 with a cam, intercooler, Gen V supercharger (in place of the Gen III), throttle body etc you might consider doing it while you have a motor on the garage floor. But add another $2,000 or so to the cost for 90-110 more hp.
------------------ 1986 Fiero GT fastback SC3800 3.4 pulley, LS1 TB 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee with "big boy" 5.9 motor 1985 Honda V65 Magna
Depending on how much muscle you want the 3800 to throw down with you can also slap on a turbo. The next biggest mod IMO is e85 fuel + the matching tune.
Stay with the Series II engines or get a L32 Series III SC engine. Don't get a L26 NA series III as they are the weakest of the bunch.
Thank you, and yes I now what is going to be involved but the way I see it, a beautiful car like this deserves some muscle, my uncle has made it very clear it's going to be a pain, but nothing worth gaining is easy, and I'm in the Vegas area but my uncle Kurt gives me any assistance I require, I just feel bad bugging him all the time, I will look into those threads thank you both
Kurt Mylar? Is this the black car he slammed and smoothed out?
Kurt Mylar? Is this the black car he slammed and smoothed out?
I don't think it is the same one, but the car was one of his so it has been lowered, my uncle reluctantly parted with a red one he had, and boy am I glad he did, the Fiero is an amazing car
Depending on how much muscle you want the 3800 to throw down with you can also slap on a turbo. The next biggest mod IMO is e85 fuel + the matching tune.
Stay with the Series II engines or get a L32 Series III SC engine. Don't get a L26 NA series III as they are the weakest of the bunch.
Thank you for the information I will look into these options further
Originally posted by Thoard: I don't think it is the same one, but the car was one of his so it has been lowered, my uncle reluctantly parted with a red one he had, and boy am I glad he did, the Fiero is an amazing car
Cool. Yeah. I just remembered the black car I'm thinking of was an SE I think, and had a mustang spoiler.
You're going to enjoy the car for sure, especially after you swap the engine.
Cool. Yeah. I just remembered the black car I'm thinking of was an SE I think, and had a mustang spoiler.
You're going to enjoy the car for sure, especially after you swap the engine.
Yeah he's had just a few of them, that's why I like it so much, I grew up around them, I think he might still have the one your talking about, I know he still has one in his garage
If funds are a problem , and you can live with 200HP @ 275ft lbs of torque, the 4.9L V8/4T60e Cadillac swap can be done for about half the price of the 3800 swap. Sound examples of these powertrains are still plentiful for around $500. You car won't be the fastest Fiero around but will have way better performance than the anemic 2.8L V6 gives; a smooth running economical highway cruiser with impressive 1/8 mile acceleration.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
You could always cut weight out of it? Thats way cheaper over buying hp. IF your going to a swap though, sc3800 ftw. Now days it basically plug and play.
If you get the chance, try to find some swapped Fieros locally (such as the 3800sc, 4.9L etc...) that you can take for a drive. You can make a much more informed decision once you get a feel for the performance variations and see the value for the cost.
