I'm torn between what to do, I need to pull my 2.8 and repair the exhaust due to broken bolts when I got it. If I do while its out I'll do much more to it.

BUT ! I'd like more power. I see 3800sc stories of things always breaking after the swap and sucking $$$ and I really do not want that constant problem. Maybe I'm over thinking this.
After 3800 swaps will it be reliable ?

I'm having second thoughts, you know, like your first marriage. LOL

So what does one do in this situation ? Uhhhhhh

[This message has been edited by robert1234 (edited 10-15-2017).]

How much do you want to spend? That's usually what it comes down to.

I spent about $800 on all the basic engine mods recommended right here and I'm very happy with the improved responsiveness of the car.

It's not a sleeper Corvette killer but the increased HP blends nicely with the '88's improved handling and makes for a nicely balanced car.

In addition, my Fiero only has 55K miles on it so the engine was in excellent condition to begin with. If you have an old or worn out engine then a project to replace it with something better makes more sense.

I will only offer this bit of advice...

FAST
CHEAP
RELIABLE


Pick two of those three... always has been the rule and still is to this day.

15 months and 10k since my swap it is a great joy. I don't beat on it but am not afraid to enjoy. I drive it almost daily, my favorite car out of 4. after driving the car for 2 years with the 2.5 and a 4 speed it is transformed and runs like it looks.

I would offer some words of caution: lots of swaps are started, take forever, and never run again. Also, unless you do the work yourself, it's hard to get anyone to work on a stock Fiero, much less a swap. If you're going to do a swap, make sure you belong to an active local Fiero (support) group.

I agree with the old adage.....Fast, Cheap, Reliable,.....pick 2. The stock 2.8 is Cheap and Reliable, so you will be giving up one of those to become fast.

Thanks everyone ! I really appreciate you advice.

larafan thats look nice !!! You got a PM

quote Originally posted by robert1234: Thanks everyone ! I really appreciate you advice. larafan thats look nice !!! You got a PM

Reliability is not a problem that I have encountered on my two 2800 SC swaps. One is a Series III engine with a lot of performance goodies and the other one is a Series II engine that is basically stock except for the pulley and intake/exhaust piping diameter. The only issues that I have had with the Series II engine were fuel pump related. I had three pumps fail within a few hundred miles or less of driving but that was not an engine related problem. Poor quality fuel pump selection was the culprit and that was rectified by installing a DW 200 pump.

Nothing to report all all with the Series III engine and I have more than 20,000 miles on it since the swap.

Like people said, fast, cheap, reliable. Pick any two or you can bite the financial bullet and get all three.


3800 SC Series III


3800 SC Series II

Nelson

Thanks Nelson,
You calmed my fear.

quote Originally posted by hnthomps: Like people said, fast, cheap, reliable. Pick any two or you can bite the financial bullet and get all three. Nelson

Scratching my head on this one.........

[This message has been edited by Gall757 (edited 10-18-2017).]