Anyone here done it? Specifically an '86 or '87 GN engine transplant. I've seen the SC3800 conversion packages but I want something that not everybody could or would have. Besides, the GN 3.8 has more potential to it. Furthermore, I saw a page a while back on the use of trannies from older Toronados and Rivieras. Those cars had the engines oriented normally in the engine bay instead of transversely, and they were front wheel drive. I'd prefer to go this way as well so I can put a strong tranny in there and probably not have to modify any mounting stuff much since it would bolt up to the rear drive block of the turbo 3.8. Any comments on any of this?
------------------ Tim Rieck's 6 '86 Buick Grand National w/ t-tops 3.8 Liter turbocharged and intercooled sequential port fuel injected V6
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10:07 PM
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FieroMaster88 Member
Posts: 7680 From: Mattawan, MI Registered: Nov 2000
Well, the main issue with the 3.8 Turbo is that unlike the 3800 series engines, which are 60-degree engines, the 3.8 from the GN is a 90-degree engine. Therefore it is alot wider and that makes it very hard for it to fit into the engine bay. At least I think this is true.
As for mounting it longitudinally with a Toronado transaxle, that probably could be done a little easier.
Either way, you are looking at a hell of alot of custom work, and not alot of technical support. But anything can be done with enough creativity and enough money.
But it would be impressive to see that. The G/N 3.8 is definietly one of the best engines GM has ever made
One of the members in our club has just installed a 4.3 and has it running, but not quite so well. The 4.3 is a 90d V-6 which may or may not be the same as the 3.8. It all fits nicely. You can see pics of this car at www.goldcoastfiero.org go to "at the shop" and look at Richard's Car. If you want to see my N* go to "Members" and "William's car".
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11:17 PM
ITB 2M4 Member
Posts: 194 From: N. Ft. Myers, Fl, USA Registered: Nov 2001
There's already one here in Ft. Myers. I saw it at a car show, and talked to the guy a little bit. It's an '84, and the back is basically all motor and inter-cooler, no trunk space at all. It's got the Kamei body kit, and needs a paint job, but other than that, it's interesting.
Thanks for all the replies so far. I've seen your site Archie, and I was thinking of contacting you for your input. Kind of nice having someone just a state away. This project is a little ways off yet, but I want to at least do some preliminary research now. Anyone else- feel free to chime in here.
------------------ Tim Rieck's 6 '86 Buick Grand National w/ t-tops 3.8 Liter turbocharged and intercooled sequential port fuel injected V6
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12:38 AM
rogergarrison Member
Posts: 49601 From: A Western Caribbean Island/ Columbus, Ohio Registered: Apr 99
Here's a picture I took a few years ago: It's using a TH425 trans. if you decide to go longitudinal, I know where you may be able to score a modded cradle and trans, I just pulled one out of a car to install a 3800SC. It really doesn't take much to modify the cradle if you have some fabrication skills, and the '88s are even easier.
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Mattyman Member
Posts: 584 From: Jeannette, Pa Registered: Sep 2001
When I was looking at Fieros I came across one for sale that had the GN engine in it. I talked to the guy that owned it for awhile and he did it all himself, he worked at a junkyard. The car was pretty zippy. It was a 4 speed and ran the quarter mile in the 13's. Everytime he would shift it felt like the front was coming off the ground and the passenger side door was gonna fly off from the torque of the engine. It was fun but I was a tit bit scared going real fast on the back roads.
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Dec 25th, 2001
Tim Riecks 6 Junior Member
Posts: 3 From: Wausau, Wisconsin Registered: Dec 2001
Thanks again for all the good info. I've got some of those pics- pretty sweet looking. I'll have to look again at some of the info I have come across about this stuff so I can start compiling a list of what I want and need. Thanks again! Time to start getting some $$$ together!!
------------------ Tim Rieck's 6 '86 Buick Grand National w/ t-tops 3.8 Liter turbocharged and intercooled sequential port fuel injected V6
