Fiero Mechanic shops in Ontario? (Page 1/2)
NinjaTheGreat AUG 14, 03:58 PM
Hey, been looking for some time now but I'm looking for any shop or someone that works on them in the Ontario region. Just interested in someone to do a possible Auto to manual swap if possible on my 3800sc. Thanks
Patrick AUG 14, 06:31 PM

Even if you've already acquired a donor car, keep in mind that having someone else do a swap of this nature is going to cost you quite a few bucks.
olejoedad AUG 15, 01:01 PM
You have a PM.
andreww AUG 16, 08:19 AM
Been searching for someone in the Toronto area for a long time without any luck. But I guess there's probably less that 50 fieros on the road in Toronto, so the odds of finding someone that has worked on more than one in the last decade is pretty remote.
Gall757 AUG 16, 09:24 AM

quote
Originally posted by andreww:

Been searching for someone in the Toronto area for a long time without any luck. But I guess there's probably less that 50 fieros on the road in Toronto, so the odds of finding someone that has worked on more than one in the last decade is pretty remote.



They are still out there, but it will be the cranky old guy in the back of the dirty old shop on the poor side of the tracks.....who's boss does not like to advertise. Scan the repair shop's parking lot for 80's cars.

or..... I recommend Olejoedad

[This message has been edited by Gall757 (edited 08-16-2019).]

David Hambleton AUG 16, 01:44 PM
People frequently use auto with 3800SC for strength reasons... What manual trans are you planning to use?
yamaha94 AUG 18, 05:38 PM
There are plenty. You have to look around. My mechanic in vaughan is great. Not crazy familiar but is willing to fix something if he can do it. Joe.....aka Fieroshop Joe is still around. But Dan is the guy right now who can do it. You have to wait until he has time to do it for you. My friend has been using this hot rod shop in Bolton and they are fantastic. They helped diagnose the issues on his 3800sc 5 speed fiero and know a lot about the car.

[This message has been edited by yamaha94 (edited 08-18-2019).]

Rockcrawler4x4 SEP 06, 06:41 AM
My dad Jim Givens has a shop at Dixie and 401. Hi-Tech Developments. He has worked on the car for the past 20 or so years. Very experienced with working on Fieros. Has done custom work with the cars including engine swaps ( v8, 3800sc etc...)
You can give him a call at 416-407-7000
Cheers
Thunderstruck GT SEP 06, 01:00 PM
There used to be a shop in or near Vaughan, Ontario. I don't know if it's still in operation though.
cam-a-lot SEP 08, 08:57 AM
I think the shop in Vaughan you are referring to is Joe's old place.. long gone.... Not enough money in Fieros to justify focusing on them.

As someone who has been through the 3800 swap process a few times, I would suggest to take your time and see if you can buy a car that is already swapped. This way you can really test it out before you pay.. Chances are that it will cost you less money and FAR less hassle to buy a car that is already swapped and running. There are a few guys around the GTA who are knowledgeable about 3800 swaps that can give you advice, but keep in mind everyone has busy lives so it may take time to get a reply.

You are welcome to look at my car if you wantt to see a properly done swap. Luke in the east end also has a nicely done one, and there are a couple of other good swaps around. Most of the swaps I have seen are hack jobs with recurring problems- be aware and educate yourself before committing to anything. Be specific about engine mounting, exhaust, AC. Ask for progress reports with photos and videos and make progress payments. This keeps both sides honest. But swapped cars do come up for sale a few times a year, and this greatly reduces your risk instead of taking chances... Keeping your car automatic would probably give you a lot less grief down the road, and greatly simplify the swap. The 5 speed is fun, but not nearly as strong, and the gearing doesn't suit the 3800 very well. The automatic car would likely be faster as well, no missed shifts, and no "tense moments" when you floor the gas pedal and shift, and wonder if today is the day you crack your tranny.....

+1 to sending your car to Olejodad in Michigan if you want it done right. I had mine out last night and it still brings a smile to my face every time I drive it! Good luck with your swap.

PS - I don't know Jim Givens in the reply above- but certainly if there is a shop with a hoist in the Toronto area with proven experience in doing Fiero swaps, then it would be a great option to explore.

[This message has been edited by cam-a-lot (edited 09-08-2019).]