Building a 3800 SC...Never Worked on Cars Before! (Page 1/3)
ragoldsmith DEC 15, 11:52 PM
I've had my 86 GT for about three weeks now. And boy do I love it! I've always wanted to learn more about cars. I love tinkering and working with my hands. I've done basic stuff like alternators and starters, but that's it. So I started looking for a project car a few months ago. Honestly, the Fiero was nowhere on my radar. Lucky for me, as I was browsing Facebook Marketplace, a beautiful 86 GT popped up (owned by IdahoGT at the time). I contacted the owner and set up a time to look at the car. Then I started reading, researching, and watching videos. You would not believe the amount of information I consumed about Fieros in just a few short days. By the time I went to look at the car, I knew that if all went well, I would be buying it. It seemed to me that everyone who actually owns and drives Fieros loves them.

So I went to look at the car. Let me just say, the photos didn't do it justice. Jim kept this car in absolutely beautiful condition. (I'll link his build thread below.) And, as you all know, it was an absolute blast to drive. I was hooked immediately. I (obviously) bought the car. I knew from his listing that he also had a 3800sc motor for sale (among many other parts which would be included). The engine looked to be in excellent condition. I told Jim I would need some time to think about it. Well, after a week or so of deliberation (and asking questions and doing research here), I bit the bullet and bought the engine. The primary reason for me buying the car in the first place was as a project car and to learn as much as I can about cars. Well. Replacing an engine is about as hands-on as you can get.

IdahoGT build thread: http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/131623.html

With the engine, if I can remember everything, I also got the f23 5 speed transmission, an 88 cradle with all rear suspension components, poly bushings...the whole works, chrome headers, low profile pop-up headlight kit along with 87 or 88 headlight motors, new fuel pump for the 3800, and a slew of other parts, odds and ends (brackets, suspension components, etc). In addition to all this, he already did some work to the 3800. Some painting, new alternator, new starter, new a/c pump, to name a few. I really couldn't have hoped for a better project car. It runs great so it's not a project in the sense that I need to get it working. Instead, I get to upgrade and improve. And, most amazingly, my wife has been on board the whole time! I have a lot of ideas, hopes, and plans. I've already started on a few things, which I'll touch on down below.



My hope is to paint all the black pieces red, this winter:



Interior is so clean. Jim put on Mr. Mikes seat covers (and seat heaters!) and also replaced the dash.





I had to remove the chin spoiler. I live on a fairly long dirt road and it was just too sketchy.



I love the way the round tail lights look (someone else' car, pictured below, mine is the top picture). I want to figure out a way to install some round tail lights, but the keep the light up "Pontiac" because I think it's great.





Here's the 3800.



And the GT in my shop.



Put up some shelves and got the parts organized.







And FINALLY actually started getting my hands dirty. I decided to install a different shifter. So of course I might as well pull everything out while I'm in there. I also ordered the shifter rebuild kit from Rodney. More on all that in the next post.





If you made it this far...thanks! This winter, my plans are: shifter rebuild (in process), install a double-din stereo, install the 87/88 headlights and low profile kit, paint match the exterior, and finally, what I'm honestly most excited about--rebuild the front suspension. I plan on keeping this thread updated with my progress along the way. And I'm sure I'll be asking plenty of questions!
Frenchrafe DEC 16, 03:27 AM
Good job!
And wow, your car / garage / motor is clean!!

You will find pretty much all you need in terms of 3800 swap info on this forum.

Good luck!

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"Turbo Slug" - '87 Fiero GT. 3800 turbo. Sticky tyres. Driven hard!
https://www.youtube.com/cha...1wZvWQlkYxTjivW_0XNg

cam-a-lot DEC 16, 07:28 AM
That is the CLEANEST garage I have ever seen.... almost creepy.... Remember the Series "Dexter"? The mass murderer with a heart of gold? Before he cuts up his victms, he likes a very clean, soundproof environmnet and covers the walls with plastic, etc. hmmmmm

The car looks mint! Nice catch.. Are you planning to run AC? I live in Canada but still could not imagine enjoying the car in the summer if I didn't have AC.. Good luck with the build!!

[This message has been edited by cam-a-lot (edited 12-16-2020).]

sourmash DEC 16, 09:16 AM
Nice car.
The GT tail lights are cherished since good ones are becoming more scarce with time.
The round ones are a remedy and some like them, but I don't know why. They look dated.
ragoldsmith DEC 16, 09:50 AM

quote
Originally posted by cam-a-lot:

That is the CLEANEST garage I have ever seen.... almost creepy.... Remember the Series "Dexter"? The mass murderer with a heart of gold? Before he cuts up his victms, he likes a very clean, soundproof environmnet and covers the walls with plastic, etc. hmmmmm

The car looks mint! Nice catch.. Are you planning to run AC? I live in Canada but still could not imagine enjoying the car in the summer if I didn't have AC.. Good luck with the build!!




Ha ha no bodies here! My buddy came over and helped me get the shop cleaned up and set up. My actual garage is...not so clean. And yes to a/c. The previous owner installed a brand new a/c compressor on the 3800. It gets over 100 (38 C) here in the summer, so a/c is a must!



quote
Originally posted by sourmash:

Nice car.
The GT tail lights are cherished since good ones are becoming more scarce with time.
The round ones are a remedy and some like them, but I don't know why. They look dated.



Yeah those round lights just appeal to me. But I absolutely will keep the GT lenses intact. Everything I do to the car, I want to keep non-destructive. I know parts (especially original parts in good condition) are becoming harder and harder to find.

Dennis LaGrua DEC 16, 01:46 PM
Pisa still makes the Ferrari style tail light panel with the round lights. You can also buy a Corvette C4 panel like this.

[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 12-16-2020).]

ragoldsmith DEC 16, 04:53 PM

quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:

Pisa still makes the Ferrari style tail light panel with the round lights.




The pisa kit is the one I have bookmarked. Good looking kit but pretty darn expensive.


My official winter project list:

Dennis LaGrua DEC 17, 09:52 PM

quote
Originally posted by ragoldsmith:

The Pisa kit is the one I have bookmarked. Good looking kit but pretty darn expensive.



Original or replacement Ferrari 308 type lights can cost a bundle but it you go with the Pisa GT panel there are many choices of aftermarket round and Corvette LED lights that may fit and save you a few bucks. Pisa sells tail lights with the clear back up light centers for $180/set. More traditional all red LED tail lights are probably available for less. I might suggest ordering the panels (it is 2 pc) then you can measure the diameter of the opening for the lights and chose from there. The Euro Notchback panel that I ordered from PISA a few months ago was of high quality and well made but shipping can be expensive for large parts these days.

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" 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, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, 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 "

ragoldsmith DEC 17, 10:10 PM

quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:


Original or replacement Ferrari 308 type lights can cost a bundle but it you go with the Pisa GT panel there are many choices of aftermarket round and Corvette LED lights that may fit and save you a few bucks. Pisa sells tail lights with the clear back up light centers for $180/set. More traditional all red LED tail lights are probably available for less. I might suggest ordering the panels (it is 2 pc) then you can measure the diameter of the opening for the lights and chose from there. The Euro Notchback panel that I ordered from PISA a few months ago was of high quality and well made but shipping can be expensive for large parts these days.



Thanks Dennis, that’s all great information. I was considering taking a road trip down that direction next summer. Maybe I can grab a set of the panels while I’m down there. Anyone know if Archie lets people stop by and look at his projects?
Steel DEC 18, 12:21 PM
Very nice Fiero! Love the shop.