1988 3800SC Series III for sale (Page 1/1)
Vikingsmith MAY 13, 11:53 AM
Hello all!

The time has come for me to part with my toy. It was my daily driver for many years and over time became somewhat modified. Priorities change and life happens, resulting in it not getting the exercise it wants and needs. I’ve had many years of enjoyment with it, and we all know that you never get out what you put into it, but I’m struggling to determine what a reasonable price to sell would be. I really haven’t found many things out there that are comparable, so I thought I’d start here for opinions, or first dibs as I know you’ll appreciate what it is. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Here's its story more or less in chronological order:
Started out as a 1988 Fiero GT, 2.8 auto, AC, power windows and door locks, sunroof, tan leather seats. When the clock hit 210,000, I had to make a choice to get a new car or rebuild this one. As you see, I made the only reasonable choice a Fiero enthusiast could make. After some research (Many thanks to PFF, and those past and still here for this resource!), I settled on the 3800SC swap as the best option. Still wanted a daily driver, so nothing that was too wild.
Started with the suspension and brakes. Went with coil overs all the way around and upped the springs to 300 in front with Carrera shocks, and 325 in the rear with Koni Racing struts. The front end also got 1.5” drop spindles, and tubular upper and lower control arms. Also added the strut tower connector to the rear. Brakes have 12” cross-drilled rotors and braided stainless-steel lines. 217/45R17’s in front and 225/40R18’s in the back all on dark chrome Sport Max wheels.

Then came the 3800SC Series III retro’d to Series 2 to eliminate the electronic throttle control system, with 4” CAI, larger throttle body, return-less fuel system, 3.1 ZZP pulley, low mount alternator, and ceramic coated headers attached to a 4T65eHD transmission, that has subsequently been rebuilt. The air conditioning was upgraded to R134, and the battery was moved to the front of the car. OBDII PCM with custom programming and shift mapping for the transmission. This work was done by Fast Fieros of Dallas…

I then replaced the headliner and steering wheel, and re-did the seats with Mr. Mike’s leather seats, said to be the last ones of the stock ’88 color. The hood has custom extractor vents, rocker panels are from V8 Archie, Mustang style rear deck vent, and the wing got 6” supports. Paint is graphite pearl with clear coat.

In its current configuration and over 259K on the clock, it has been an extremely reliable ride. If I keep my foot off the gas and under 70 mph, it’ll get over 31 mgp on the highway! That rarely actually happens… One thing I haven’t really gotten to is the interior. Aside from the headliner, seats, and steering wheel, it is totally stock, and the center console/armrest needs a little attention.

Mechanically it’s sound, but for full disclosure, there are a couple of issues. It has been driven and needs new tires, and if scratches and dings bother you, new wheels. The temp gauge is pegged and won’t bounce back anymore, and the fuel gauge is inaccurate. The color change was done by a friend when he was just starting out. I told him to take whatever time he needed, but he didn’t, and there’s a couple of spots that need touchup. AC system needs to be recharged, but we really don’t need that much here in the Pacific NW and it hasn’t been a priority.

Any experiences out there with BaT, Cars & Bids, EBay, etc.? It’s been a long time since I’ve sold a car….

Here are some pics I took today. The car has not been detailed, so….
Cliff Pennock MAY 13, 11:58 AM
That's a beautiful car! 😊
Vikingsmith MAY 13, 07:53 PM
Thanks, Cliff!
cam-a-lot MAY 19, 08:49 AM
Great car. Really hard to gauge value- all comes down to "who" is looking and what they are willing to pay when you are selling. Key thing with a car like this is to be patient.

May want to include some pics of underneath the car. I know you are not in the rust belt, but for anyone seriously considering a car this age, you don't want a rust bucket.

Best of luck with the sale. I would "guess" you can get anywhere from 12-15K for it, but again, it really comes down to timing
Vikingsmith MAY 20, 11:25 AM

quote
Originally posted by cam-a-lot:

Great car. Really hard to gauge value- all comes down to "who" is looking and what they are willing to pay when you are selling. Key thing with a car like this is to be patient.

May want to include some pics of underneath the car. I know you are not in the rust belt, but for anyone seriously considering a car this age, you don't want a rust bucket.

Best of luck with the sale. I would "guess" you can get anywhere from 12-15K for it, but again, it really comes down to timing



Thanks! That's about what I was thinking. Might be able to get 18K on BaT on a good day with the stars properly aligned and wind blowing the right direction, but that seems like a bit of a gamble.

My biggest problem is that, even though I don't drive it as much as I used to, every time I do take it out, I lose any interest in selling it!
FieroFastBackL67 MAY 24, 01:39 AM

quote
Originally posted by Vikingsmith:


Thanks! That's about what I was thinking. Might be able to get 18K on BaT on a good day with the stars properly aligned and wind blowing the right direction, but that seems like a bit of a gamble.

My biggest problem is that, even though I don't drive it as much as I used to, every time I do take it out, I lose any interest in selling it!



That's a Fiero for yah! If you don't drive it you get crazy thoughts. Then you get in and remember how fun it is.
Dennis LaGrua MAY 24, 04:45 AM
I would keep that nice Fiero. When you retire you will need something to keep you busy and if you know what I mean, perhaps need some time to be in the garage.

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

cliffw MAY 24, 09:46 AM
My suggestion is to drive it more to keep the urge to sell it at bay. If you wanted another Fiero later, where could you get one as nice as yours ? Which you have personalized.

I have an 88 GT T Top which I do not drive enough. I went through ten Fieros to get it, and was lucky at that. I paid $4000.00. No way that I would sell it. My wife would be upset if I started the process all over.

WE have a member here who has kept his Fiero in storage for years. Hmm, I am going to ask him what the storage unit has cost him. It adds up.

It is true one never gets back the money they put into it personalizing it, any vehicle. I could but wouldn't pay more than $10,000.00 for it.
cliffw MAY 24, 09:48 AM

quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:
... if you know what I mean, perhaps need some time to be in the garage.



My Wife supplies that motivation.