Thoughts, advice on this 3800sc conversion car? (Page 1/3)
slick-rides MAR 13, 01:26 PM
Total newbie looking for advice, guidance, on this 86 with a 3800 supercharged swap. Will the 4 speed hold up to "spirited" street driving? I wouldn't be doing clutch dumps or anything like that, but what's the point of a car like this if you can't drive it hard once in awhile? Advice on price? Other issues you might see or I should inquire about? Please, feel free to pick the car apart, good or bad. Thanks!

From the ad...

$9000 or best offer (no low balls)

1986 Pontiac Fiero SE 3800sc. 4 speed. 3800 series II. Mr Mike's leather seats. Custom 16inch wheels. Spintek muffler and custom exhaust. Spec 3 clutch. Pontiac Granprix radio with Fiero subwoofer. Show car condition. Very streetable. I've owned her for 12 years and always garaged. It's a beautiful car.
IMSA GT MAR 13, 01:33 PM
What's Ohio's smog policy? That's the first thing I would look into before buying a car with a motor swap. Make sure you won't get screwed. Other than that, 9k is a bit high.

I'd offer $5,500

[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 03-13-2021).]

slick-rides MAR 13, 01:55 PM

quote
Originally posted by IMSA GT:

What's Ohio's smog policy? That's the first thing I would look into before buying a car with a motor swap. Make sure you won't get screwed. Other than that, 9k is a bit high.

I'd offer $5,500




Any car over 25 years old doesn't need emissions testing, so no worries there. Wow, $5,500 seems low to me, but that's why I'm here. I'm sure the seller would consider that low balling.
Dennis LaGrua MAR 13, 02:57 PM
I'll agree with IMSA a price of $9,000 is WAY TOO HIGH for a 34 yr old only somewhat collectible car. My estimate of worth would also be $5500. Its an 86 Notchback with a 4 speed that doesn't make for great highway performance. Will it last? I guess if you avoid really aggressive driving, it might. What is car mileage, engine mileage??
For $9,000 you can buy a pristine 80's Corvette and this is not a Corvette. For $9,000 I'd pass.

------------------
" 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 "

[This message has been edited by Dennis LaGrua (edited 03-13-2021).]

theogre MAR 13, 05:13 PM
Engine swap cars can have issues/problems but often have other "upgrade" and often they are illegal like many brake "upgrades."
Example: See my Cave, Brake Upgrade
Get someone other then owner saying runs great etc. to inspect the car before you buy.

⚠️ Warning: "Collector" tag is likely same as other special tags that restrict driving the car. Often cars w/ them won't pass normal rules like Safety and/or Emission Inspections to have normal tags.
See http://www.fiero.nl/forum/F.../HTML/099403.html#p9

Can't find state rules for this tag... So can't say if it avoids safety and/or emission Inspections...
Only find this dmv.org but don't trust it for complete/current data...
https://www.dmv.org/oh-ohio...l-license-plates.php
quote
Collector Plates

Only certain vehicles are eligible for collector plates. See our page on Types of Specialty Plates in OH for more details.

To order a collector plate:

Call the BMV headquarters in Columbus at (844) 644-6268.
. First-time registrants must apply by phone. Collector plates may be renewed in person.
Provide proof of other means of transportation.
Provide payment for the applicable fee.
Complete the Application for Collector's License Plates (Form BMV 4803).

The BMV will mail your plates to the address on your registration card.


From Ohio COLLECTOR’S LICENSE PLATES Form... https://publicsafety.ohio.gov/static/bmv4803.pdf This says restrict driving.... (Italics added.)
quote
STATEMENT REQUIRED BY OHIO REVISED CODES 4503.01 AND 4503.45
This vehicle is not the only motor vehicle registered in my name and is not my principal means of transportation. This vehicle is of special interest, being of special make, model, or style, and is maintained as a collector’s item, leisure pursuit, or investment. If requested, I can supply paperwork from a car club, auto collector, or other proof that this is a vehicle of special interest. This application is made in good faith and not to evade any law, including Ohio Revised Code section 3704.14, which requires vehicle emission testing in some Ohio counties.



------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

[This message has been edited by theogre (edited 03-13-2021).]

olejoedad MAR 13, 09:07 PM
You can't duplicate that car for that price.
Curtisk1060 MAR 13, 10:18 PM
Its a very nice 3800SC conversion, great paint job, seats, clean, detailed engine, wheels, I would guess the A/C also works... I would probably offer around 7500 max as a reasonable and fair offer but make sure you check it out and drive it first. You would want to know if you like the sound of the spintek muffler as its a bit raspy, I know as my son has one on his 3800SC. You will be surprise as to the speed and pick up of the SC, I just love mine and the way it sounds when the supercharger winds up!! Check for any rust signs or paint pealing issues, etc. The owner should have lots of details as to what he put in the car, parts and price wise. In the end, its what you feel is fair for what you want to pay..

[This message has been edited by Curtisk1060 (edited 03-13-2021).]

slick-rides MAR 13, 11:14 PM
I'm familiar with registering "non-stock" cars in Ohio. There are no inspections, emissions, etc for a car over 25 yrs old. No worries there. I could register it with regular plates. I believe the owner is an older guy, such as myself, and he probably only uses the car sparingly, hence the collector plates.

I realize this isn't an 80's Corvette, but lets be honest. A mint 80's Corvette can be had cheap for a reason. They are slow, boring cars. I would think a "hopped up" Fiero would be more fun/unique to drive?

IF I were to buy the car, I might swap out the spintech exhaust. I'm ok with a loud exhaust on a muscle car, but would probably prefer something more subtle on this car.

Thanks for your opinions and pointers. I appreciate the feedback.

Am I weird for liking the looks of the notchback vs fastback?
pmbrunelle MAR 13, 11:37 PM
Stock transmission should be OK for normal street driving. You may want to give it an overhaul though if it's never been taken apart.

Assuming that this car has stock 3800SC manifolds with the rear-exit exhaust, it may be tricky to get the exhaust quiet. There's not a lot of room between the engine and the trunk for a large muffler.

A custom exhaust following the stock 2.8 routing could include a large muffler in the stock 2.8 position.

I agree with olejoedad that you can't build this car for 9k.

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Open question here... how much can "well-done" mods increase the selling price of the car? The swap on this car looks nice enough.

I was thinking that you might expect to get back 10% of the money spent on mods on the selling price.

For instance, the 30k I spent on my Fiero's powertrain could justify a 3k price increase over an unmodified example.

If you buy a modified car for the price it cost to build it, but you saved yourself the effort, is that rational or considered acceptable?
slick-rides MAR 14, 12:43 AM
I did ask the seller about mileage of the engine, car itself, and the trans. Also asked if they're any paint blemishes. I see he read it, but hasn't responded.