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| Brainstorming a slighty faster then average duke. (Page 1/2) |
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Firezappy
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AUG 30, 05:56 PM
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Alright, I know it is dumb, like...really dumb. But I have a soft spot for dukes alright? I don't know why, I just like them. So before I get started I know that a 3800 swap is a better idea, or even a 3.4.
So my 1988 3 speed duke is a lot of things, except exciting. Takes almost 13-14 seconds just to get to 60. Not amazing, but enough. But I want more, because reasons. So I have some questions:
First question is I want a 4 speed, so I want to put a 4t60 in this thing. I understand how to get the correct axles. But what I don't understand is what versions of this transmission will be 'plug and play', I get that I will have to make my own linkage, but which one will work with a stock 1988 Fiero computer? Maybe an older one from the late 80s-90s, is that what I am looking for?
Second question is engine. Adding a 4 speed means nothing in this case unless we get some more power. But not so much power that we blow it up, that would suck, even if they are cheap. The first thing I need to do is rebuild it, using this. I would do this because this motor is old, and has over 100,000 miles.
Third question is ...is...the dumbest of all. A turbo...Now I am talking a very very very weak turbo. We are talking like 4 psi maybe. Would it be possible to keep it low enough to use the stock fuel pump? I am not looking to make 50 more hp. More of like 20-30, . I am not wanting to push this thing to crazy rpms, wanting to keep it under the magical 4500 as much as possible. So basically a fast winding low output little turbo stolen off of some little car. The idea is the rebuilt engine with the upgraded pistons and rings should not self destruct as easily. I have no real experience with this, if I add a tiny turbo to a car like this does the computer need reprogrammed for it?
I am thinking of doing this because this seems like a fun learning experience. Also there is a blue million 3 speed iron duke Fieros out there that are cheap cheap since no one wants them. The end goal? Make a upgrade path that does not need a new wiring harness/engine mounts/computers/etc. I am not even expecting to beat stock 2.8 Fieros, just be better then the duke. The engine wall is fairly thin on these little dukes, I understand they are not meant for this. That is why we are trying to keep the boost as low as possible. Like...boring low, but hey! Better then stock.
Am I an idiot? I want to basically make a 4 speed automatic turbo duke. I would also document it so other goofballs like me can follow. I know other people are duke lovers, at least dozens of us!!!
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Patrick
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AUG 30, 06:17 PM
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A 5-spd manual with your current 4-banger duke would make a world of difference. I'm not necessarily advocating going through the trouble of doing an automatic to manual swap, but your 3-spd slushbox is sucking up all the limited power you currently have.
Forget about putting a turbo on a duke. There's already enough grief in the world. 
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Firezappy
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AUG 30, 06:28 PM
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I have thrown the idea around of putting in a manual, but that almost looks harder then putting in a 4 speed auto. The issue is the gear ratios are basically the same for the first 1-3 gears. All the 4th does is give you better mpg on the highway. So if I am not putting in a cute tiny turbo, what else can I do? Rebuild it and bore it out? Is that about all I can do?
As far as the turbo goes I am not 100% convinced to not try it...Manly because no one does because it is stupid, but the challenge is to make it work and not be super stupid. Like a 5 out of 10 stupid, not a 10 out a 10.
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Patrick
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AUG 30, 06:36 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by Firezappy:
As far as the turbo goes I am not 100% convinced to not try it...Manly because no one does because it is stupid, but the challenge is to make it work and not be super stupid.
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Read the archives. You are not the first person with this idea. There are 20 years worth of failures reported here from people who've tried to turbo their duke. Good luck! 
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Dennis LaGrua
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AUG 30, 09:39 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by Patrick:
Read the archives. You are not the first person with this idea. There are 20 years worth of failures reported here from people who've tried to turbo their duke. Good luck!
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Early on there were Pfaff and IRM Duke turbo kits and they worked marginally well on a NEW engine. The boost was kept to 5 psi max and the engine provided 130HP but there were many failures. Wiith a 4500 RPM redline many owners either adjusted the waste gate to get more boost/power, and/or over rev'd the engines and blew them up. Unless your engine is freshly rebuilt and set up for boosting, I would not attempt even a Duke low boost turbo build. If you love the four so much seek out a Super Duty 4. It looks very similar to the Duke , can rev high and take the power.------------------
" 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 "
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pmbrunelle
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AUG 30, 11:35 PM
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An auto-to-manual swap in your Fiero will yield a very good performance/fun per dollar increase.
It's not much work... and if you think that's hard, that's nothing compared to doing a turbo build. So I suggest starting with the trans swap.
Afterwards, if you want more, then go for turbo. If you're going to rebuild your engine for turbo, in addition to pistons and rings, there are more parts to add to the shopping cart (engine block, crankshaft, etc.) to beef up an Iron Duke; do your research.
You highlighted cheap cheap in your initial post, but nothing is cheap about turbocharging.
Who runs 4 psi of boost with a turbo? Sounds like a lot of complication for not much gain.
If you do manage to run some reasonable boost pressure, then you get to achieve something cool, despite the naysayers' predictions.
Your wire harness could remain largely the same, but I'd plan for a programmable computer, such as a Haltech.[This message has been edited by pmbrunelle (edited 08-30-2019).]
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Firezappy
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AUG 31, 12:15 AM
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Alright alright. I give, no turbo duke. Just not realistic. But how in the world do you guys make a 3800 wiring harness, the idea scares my inner core. What is the ''easiest'' swap for a duke? The transmission does not worry me, the wiring and computer scare me. Would a 3.4 be easier? I don't care about breaking speed records, I just want a strong reliable engine that can have some fun once in a while. Oh, and I did not mean cheap cheap as in a cheap turbo setup, I meant cheap as in Fieros with three speeds and autos are the least collectible. [This message has been edited by Firezappy (edited 08-31-2019).]
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cvxjet
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AUG 31, 01:00 AM
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A lot of people have hopped up Iron dukes- The only reason the engine had only 90-95 hp back in the 80s was because of all the smog requirements. If you live outside of CA you can just do a mild hop-up with a carb and probably clear 120-130 hp.
The auto vs manual argument should be completely decided by you first- I like having a manual- but getting stuck in traffic is really frustrating with a manual. If doing a manual I would go with a 5 speed- the extra gears would really help your performance.
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fieroguru
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AUG 31, 12:38 PM
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fierosound
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AUG 31, 02:20 PM
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