No, but I went and visited a guy that is getting in our TN Fiero Owners group today. He has 7, count them - SEVEN - Buick 3.8 supercharged engines! I now know what my engine swap will be!
If anyone is interested in details, e-mail me off-list and I'll see what I can find. He can also get any other Fiero (or other) engine you need. He works for Grooms Engines.
Also, the GN engine was based on the the 3.8 litre V6 with a turbo. The GTP engine is based on the 3800 with a supercharger. The 3800 is an evolution of the 3.8 litre, but there are many differences between the two engines. They are not interchangeable, at least not without some custom work. Silly me bought an '87 GN instead of saving for the '88 Formula I so wanted (back in the Fall of '87). That's ok. The GN is gone, and now I'm getting my 88 Formula. Better late than never...
------------------ When you choke a smurf, what color does it turn?
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08:56 AM
Songman Member
Posts: 12496 From: Nashville, TN Registered: Aug 2000
I know the Grand National was turbocharged instead of supercharged, but I thought it was relevant. I have a friend with a low mile, show only Grand National. If I were going to do a 3.8 swap, I'd rather have the supercharged over the turbocharged. That is why I mentioned it.
No offense to anyone that has them but I don't really like turbos. I have one now in an 88 Daytona. This is my second. I think I'd rather have the full time boost of supercharged over the boost you get from a turbo when you get into it.
As I said in an earlier post, I now know what my engine swap will be! These are hot engines!
Phil! You already have one installed? Got any pictures? Or can you give me any hints about what I have to do different than other swaps? We can do it off-list if you want to, but I want to know more!
Originally posted by Songman: Phil! You already have one installed? Got any pictures? Or can you give me any hints about what I have to do different than other swaps? We can do it off-list if you want to, but I want to know more!
Songman - talk to BENGAL4 too. He's having one put in his '86 GT as we speak. Be prepared for some venting - it's been almost a year since he took it to the shop.
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11:03 AM
Wade87GT Member
Posts: 421 From: Niceville, FL. USA Registered: Nov 1999
Keep in mind that the GN engine will produce tons more power than the VIN 1 SC engines regardless of what you do to an SC engine. The available boost is much higher.
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12:38 PM
Formula88 Member
Posts: 53788 From: Raleigh NC Registered: Jan 2001
Also, the turbo could be better for the street. When I had my Grand National, launching was very easy because I could setup my launch based on boost pressure. Also, on the street, I'd just floor it and the turbo lag would get me rolling without blowing away the tires. And believe me, there wasn't much turbo lag. An eternity compared to the instant boost of a supercharger, but on the street, it worked great.
------------------ When you choke a smurf, what color does it turn?
You may be right... All I have to judge by is the two Daytonas I have had. They may be totally different setups from what people do to Fieros. Either one is very cool to have, I'm sure... I just want the supercharged.
Same reason I am changing everything on my Aerocoupe. I could put a built small block in a lot easier, but the built 454 will be a lot cooler! I just like to be different.
Songman,There's no substitute for cubic inches.Now imagine it being turbo charged.Smooth idle,good gas mileage,enough torque to pull down buildings,1000 horsepower,hmmm.And the biggest bonus of all,It can put out big power all day without breathing hard.
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08:47 PM
Songman Member
Posts: 12496 From: Nashville, TN Registered: Aug 2000
Now you know why I am replacing the wimpy 180hp 305 H.O. in the Aerocoupe with the 425hp 454! Not looking for anything quite so firebreathing in a Fiero though. I just want eye appeal when I pop the lid for people to see, and a good sound from the exhaust and a nice amount of power. Too many horses in a Fiero scares me.
My 87GN is my daily driver,as much fun as a Fiero to drive,except most people don't know what you are driving when you are in a Fiero.If you get a GN,the 86 and 87 are the same except for little things cosmetic,like the grill bar spacing(more on the 87 to allow a little?more air flow.The 84/85 look the same but are quite different,stay with only the 86/87 for the best car.I don't know if the Fiero transmission could stand up to the torque of the Gn engine.
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07:13 AM
PFF
System Bot
mrfixit58 Member
Posts: 3330 From: Seffner, Fl, USA Registered: Jul 99
If any of you guys were following the 4.9 Caddy thread from Bubbajoexx, he mentioned he has done the GN swap into a Fiero. If I can find his post, I'll list it here.
Yes, it has been done. Maybe not transverse, but longitudinally. This picture is of a GN turbo V6 bolted to a TH425 Toronado transaxle mounted in Fiero chassis. basicly the same as my V8 swap See any similarities?
There was a discussion about the GN 3.8 a week or two ago.
What about using a GN turbo on a newer 3800? The engine installation would be a snap - no need for an adapter plate etc. and the turbo should be matched very well! I think that is what I would do if I destroy my 3400. (am also thinking of turbocharging my 3400)
------------------ 1988 Fiero 3400DOHC
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03:22 PM
BBBAD GT Member
Posts: 560 From: Effingham, IL Registered: Jan 2000
I have ben toying with the notion for a long time to rebuild my 3.8 (lowering the compresion some) and adding a turbo to it. I have really not reaserched what kind of electronics I would need but there is room for a turbo and the piping. I might would try this myself, or maybe with the aid or a turbo shop.
Also, Nothing says you have to use the same turbo that came off a g/n. There are so many available turbos that could be adapted to the car, its unreal. And I am thinking that the more advanced series 2 3.8's (what I have in my car) with a turbo that was profesionally matched to work with a series 2 would perform better than what exactly came out of a GN. I am also not dissing g/n's they are awesome cars and are wickidly fast. any car that runs 12's with a chip and down pipe (less than 500 if I rember right) is cool as $hit in my book!
anywyas yall take care, and let me know if you decide to do it!
