Thoughts, advice on this 3800sc conversion car? (Page 3/3)
blackrams MAR 19, 06:31 PM

quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:


Another key question would be "why are you selling the car?" If the guy had the car for 12 years but when was the engine swap done?
From what I have seen, engine swap/modified cars in general are usually not good investments and always sell for far less than what it cost to build them. Notchbacks while attractive in their own way don't seem to bring the same price as the GT fastbacks. If $9,000 is worth it to you then buy the car. While you couldn't build it for that, I guarantee that when you sell it you'll be lucky to get half that. Save for the 88 model GT the Pontiac Fiero is not a prime collector car. Its more a cult classic. Whichever way you go, good luck on buying a Fiero. There are a lot of them out there so be choosy.




This I agree with. As was said previously, you can't build that car for that price. Plan on at least double that.
I had my 88 Formula converted to a 3800SC about 10 years ago, have loved driving it but with bad knees and old age catching up with me, it's in the Mall for sale now.
I initially had the automatic that came coupled to the engine installed, hated it. Pulled that out and put in a Getrag five speed and that made the car complete for me. It's a nice car but, I would not expect to win at any car show. It's a nice driver and I'm not afraid to play with it. That doesn't mean I'm banging gears all the time but, it's fun to pull up to a light with some other "hot" car there and leave them asking themselves what that was that just blew past them.

Personally speaking, I don't think the seller is out of line in his asking price. We all know we're not going to get all of our money back on such a build but, the owner has the right to ask for all he can get. If I wanted that car, I'd offer $7.500 and be prepared to work my way up some.

Rams
hyperv6 MAR 19, 08:19 PM
Lets cut through the tune up expert speculation here.

I know this car and can say it is a very well done car. The owner did all the work and took no short cuts. It is a very skilled job.

The car was a constant winner over the years at national Pontiac events.

Let’s put it this way the car is as good or better than it looks here in photo’s vs so many web Fieros that disappoint in person. The paint is better than most owners will pay for.

The only issues I ever recall with the car was a Alternator mount when it was first built and I believe that was resolved. And I recall he had to replace the clutch once. Other than that he had trouble free use from this car.

He lives in Summit county but with collector plates you can drive it. Or get historic plates and the same with no inspection.

This car could not be replaced for $9k. Also it is in the kind of condition you would not want to beat it up for daily use year round. This is a show car not a beater.

If you are serious I expect he may come down a little but don’t go offering $5k for it. This is the kind of Fiero many wish they had but most will never build.

If you want the daily driver buy the 80 Vette as once it is used up no one will care.

[This message has been edited by hyperv6 (edited 03-19-2021).]

hyperv6 MAR 19, 08:28 PM
FYI I am not sure of the miles but this was a pleasure car. But if he needed to go to a POCI or Pontiac event across the Midwest it was driven not trailered.

I think he like many of us just got tired of it and got into other projects. If he sells it fine if not he may get excited for it again in a year or two.

This was one of few engine swap cars I would not fear. Good car, good engine and it was done right. Yes the AC was working the last I saw it.
Australian MAR 20, 02:17 AM
Thoughts are awesome wish it was mine.

[This message has been edited by Australian (edited 03-20-2021).]

slick-rides MAR 21, 11:01 AM
I did message the seller again yesterday and he responded. Set up an appointment for today, but I just cancelled. I was up to 3am last night searching this forum because I stumbled upon the fact that he was a member here and found some posts from 2006 when he did the conversion. In the end, I think it's a little more than I would like to spend on someone else's conversion. All my other cars I've been the one to do all the mechanical work, etc. IF I bought the car and decided shortly after it wasn't really for me, I'd be afraid it would be hard to get the money back out of it.

I appreciate the feedback everyone gave me here. HEre's a couple links if anyone else is interested in his build or ad...

http://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...090219-2-071510.html

https://www.facebook.com/gr...nk/1602545886598296/