Given a choice of a 4.9 or a 3800SC, which engine would be best for a swap and why, which one would be the easiest, and how do they compare for power? I've seen many of you doing swaps with both of these engines.
------------------ Jay Brintnell Owner / Design Lead WordMark.ca Communications
[This message has been edited by Eclipse (edited 08-12-2004).]
both about the same difficult and close to the same stock performance 4.9 had a lot more low end torque 3800sc has more top end, and more market for build up/more power
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12:07 PM
Kento Member
Posts: 4218 From: Beautifull Winston Salem NC Registered: Jun 2003
Kento, I guess that's what I am asking. What does each engine do better, or what can I do with each? Most of my engine experience is with 4-cyl engines, so sorry for all of the questions. I'd eventually like something bigger and better to "play" with. I was just looking at a Camaro with a 305 for my wife, but I hear they aren't much better than a 2.8.
I have seen Her86GT and it's very impressive. PBJ does great work. I have also see Arns85GT with a 2.8 Carbed. It looks great. They both live not far from me.
------------------ Jay Brintnell Owner / Design Lead WordMark.ca Communications
[This message has been edited by Eclipse (edited 08-12-2004).]
Kento, I guess that's what I am asking. What does each engine do better, or what can I do with each? Most of my engine experience is with 4-cyl engines, so sorry for all of the questions. I'd eventually like something bigger and better to "play" with. I was just looking at a Camaro with a 305 for my wife, but I hear they aren't much better than a 2.8.
I have seen Her86GT and it's very impressive. PBJ does great work. I have also see Arns85GT with a 2.8 Carbed. It looks great. They both live not far from me.
Well a lot of factors will go into your choice.
Do you want a Stop light to stop light monster or do you want a TOP End FLYER, or do you want a left/right turning car?? Do you have Emissions Testing to Deal with? Are you wanting to just stick in a stock motor and not upgrade it at all in the future or do you want to spend lots o $$$ upgrading the motor? Are you going to just sign the bill or blood sweat and tears it yourself?
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02:12 PM
Eclipse Member
Posts: 2040 From: Woodstock, Ontario Canada Registered: Jun 2004
I prefer stick, so I think that rules out the 4.9 correct?
Any how, I am not interested in pro racing or anything. I just want something I can take out and have some fun with. I'd like to do most of the work myself and will bring in help when needed. I am not looking to spend a fortune. I was at the wreckers yesterday and know that both a 4.9 and 3800sc are available.
I have been working in computers for 21 years now and I love working on my vehicles in my spare time. Sort of an escape. I have always wanted a Fiero, and finally bought a 1985 2m4 back in april which was in very rough shape. I have been restoring it have her ready to drive with the exception of a rear brake caliper which I have to buy (the one on it is broken or I would simply rebuild it). Long story short. I love this car. PBJ and the guys also came out for a BBQ and helped me out.
I know where there are 2 more fieros sitting for sale and a couple of engines, so I am thinking I'd like to take this new hobby to the next level eventually.
As for E-testing. Yes we do have it for cars 20 yrs old or newer.
------------------ Jay Brintnell Owner / Design Lead WordMark.ca Communications
[This message has been edited by Eclipse (edited 08-12-2004).]
well im sort of looking to do a swap my self and i sort of wanted to know which swap would be easier the small block swap, caddy engine, or 3.8 sc. by the i got a 5 speed tranny and i would like to keep it that way.
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09:25 PM
Eclipse Member
Posts: 2040 From: Woodstock, Ontario Canada Registered: Jun 2004
Arn! lol. I figured you'd be lurking somewhere :} Let's do coffee again and talk. I'll call you tomorrow. I was engine scoping at Shaw Auto on Wednesday. :}
------------------ Jay Brintnell Owner / Design Lead WordMark.ca Communications
I have wired a 4.9 so I know it isn't difficult to do as long as you #1 get over the SHOCK of seeing that many wires #2 are some what knowledged in wiring and how electricity FLOWS #3 can read and UNDERSTAND diagrams and #4 can use two different sets of diagrams harnesses and fit them together.
Both motors have the majority of wires going to the ECM and never have to be touched. Both motors can bolt to the transmissions already in the Fiero (Archie kits work with 35's on the SAME tranny and they hold up fine) Both will require the transmission controls DELETED from teh ECMs if they are hooked to a manual. The 3800SC requires PassKey modual to be made. 4.9 doesn't have it. Rockcrawl burns chips for a VERY good price for the 4.9's 4.9 uses a distributor the 3800 uses an ICM with coil packs and can give up suddenly especially when a battery charger comes into the picture. (ASK WHOLF) So my bet is the 4.9 would be the cheaper, and very slightly easier install. Cheaper being the motor cost. BUT you have to factor in upgrades if you want massive upgrades then you'll need to either make them yourself OR pay a fortune for them OR go the 3800SC direction but it will cost more to get started with.
