so basically my question is i have a stock 4 speed in an 86 gt with onlly 114k (kms ) on it and i`m wondering if a 3800sc II would tear it to pieces ( i`m looking for about 300 horses) also what choice would i have of trans missions? could i just grab the manual transmission out of the 3800 sc car? also (sorry the the huge number of questions) which cars are the best ones to get a 3800sc II out of? i appreciate all of the help and hopefully i will get to do this swap this summer thanks alot guys.. and gals!!!
Happy motoring
Ryan

Its not Horsepower that kills transmissions, its torque. Will your 4spd survive? Depends on how you drive it. Drive it hard, don't expect much. Drive it nice, it'll probably last a good while. Also, the 3800 (SC or N/A) never came with a manual transmission, only automatics. Your options are the Fiero manuals, or one of the new 5 or 6 spds that requires some customizing to make work.

Drive it easy and it will last a loooong time - I've got over 115K miles on my SC3800/ 5 sp getrag combo so far

Umm yeah, if you don't ever use more torque than the 2.8 made then sure it'll last forever.. but whats the point of the swap?

quote Originally posted by CheshireGrin: so basically my question is i have a stock 4 speed in an 86 gt with onlly 114k (kms ) on it and i`m wondering if a 3800sc II would tear it to pieces ( i`m looking for about 300 horses) also what choice would i have of trans missions? could i just grab the manual transmission out of the 3800 sc car? also (sorry the the huge number of questions) which cars are the best ones to get a 3800sc II out of? i appreciate all of the help and hopefully i will get to do this swap this summer thanks alot guys.. and gals!!! Happy motoring Ryan

yes, just dont do clutch dumps from 4+k rpms liek an idiots, slip it into gear my bra...


ohhh and buy the Limited slip differential available for the 4 speed from phantom grip, make sure you buy the upgrade kit for extra TQ handling...

If you drive it on the street and avoid clutch drops and other such hoonery, it'll last a good long time. The Muncie 4-speed is arguably the strongest manual transaxle that ever came in a Fiero - except the ones that came in '84; they've got a fragile case. The ones that I know of that have failed did so because they were worn out.

However, if you drag race the car, install a worn out transaxle, or otherwise push the limits you will break this transaxle with that engine. If it was me doing this, I'd rebuild the transaxle before I bolted it to that engine.

There really aren't any FWD manual transaxles (that fit a Fiero) that are much (if any) stronger. If you need something that'll withstand some abuse, use the automatic transmission that goes with that engine.

Its not so much "will it handle it" its more like, "will i like it"

In my opinon the gears are FAR to short and stout for the massive torque put down by supercharged 3800's. I have built both, and I enjoy my auto alot more than the manual.

The Muncie is a tough transmission, the fact that you mentioned your looking for 300 plus HP is a pretty good indicator your not going to be driving this thing slowly to Church on Sunday mornings only. I think you may be better off with the 4t65eHD that came with the 3800SC. I do like to control my own rpms--but I even managed to tear up a 3K 4t65eHD --and their one tough auto transmission. If your handy and don`t mind swapping transmissions out now and again, a manual would be the way to go, if you`d like to get it built and not have to fool with it much the auto trans may be a better selection. The best car to grab the engine from --would be 99 & up --but it basically comes down to what is available and what you can spend, don`t buy the 1st one you see ( God I sound like my Dad used to) be picky about what your installing and how you do it. Good Luck keep us posted on your progess/build..

Id go with the HD if i could.