I don't think there are provisions for a distributor. Save yourself the headache and either get someone to make the FI work or find a different engine if you REALLY want to go carbureted (350? www.v8archie.com ).
IP: Logged
11:55 AM
Ace McCloud Member
Posts: 167 From: Marble Hill, Missouri, United States Registered: Jul 2007
$1000 yeah right I was just wondering if it still had the distributor hole I know the 3.1 does I was not shure about the 3800. I might go check mine later.
IP: Logged
12:36 PM
Dennis LaGrua Member
Posts: 15747 From: Hillsborough, NJ U.S.A. Registered: May 2000
The 3800SC was designed to use the most modern and optimal engine management controls available in todays technology. This technology is beneficial for improved engine life , mileage, drivability and driving comfort. Instll the 3800SC and use the harness and PCM that was designed for it. You can't put a carburetor on a 3800SC but do you really want a carburetor on that engine? Going from modern multiport fuel injection to a carburetor is like getting rid of your telephone and installing a telegraph!
IP: Logged
02:14 PM
Ace McCloud Member
Posts: 167 From: Marble Hill, Missouri, United States Registered: Jul 2007
The 3800SC was designed to use the most modern and optimal engine management controls available in todays technology. This technology is beneficial for improved engine life , mileage, drivability and driving comfort. Instll the 3800SC and use the harness and PCM that was designed for it. You can't put a carburetor on a 3800SC but do you really want a carburetor on that engine? Going from modern multiport fuel injection to a carburetor is like getting rid of your telephone and installing a telegraph!
first not SC its N/A second I would not compare EFI to a telephone there are alot more wires to EFI and everybody thinks EFI is so easy why is it that nobody I know including myself can figure out how to wire the thing? If you can do it so easy the car is for sale in its almost complete condition. And now somebody is going to send me a link to annother diagram that does not mach my donor car. Does anybody have a carb RWD 3.8 they would like to trade for an EFI 3800? or 4t60 they would like to trade for a 4t60e? I knew that the 3100 could be reversed configured I want shure about the 3800.
IP: Logged
04:45 PM
Dennis LaGrua Member
Posts: 15747 From: Hillsborough, NJ U.S.A. Registered: May 2000
first not SC its N/A second I would not compare EFI to a telephone there are alot more wires to EFI and everybody thinks EFI is so easy why is it that nobody I know including myself can figure out how to wire the thing? If you can do it so easy the car is for sale in its almost complete condition. And now somebody is going to send me a link to annother diagram that does not mach my donor car. Does anybody have a carb RWD 3.8 they would like to trade for an EFI 3800? or 4t60 they would like to trade for a 4t60e? I knew that the 3100 could be reversed configured I want shure about the 3800.
If you take no value from what I say then OK try and put a carburetor on it. No sense arguing about it is there? You may be interested to know that fuel injection technology makes "plug and play" harnesses for 3800 and 4.9L EFI engine swaps for Fieros. If you feel intimated by rewiring be advised that you can do an EFI swap without rewiring anything. You buy the haness and just plug it into the PCM and the Fiero harness connectors- done. BTW, the 3.8L and 3800 share very few similarities.
------------------ 87GT 3.4 Turbo- 0-60 5.2 seconds 2006 3800SC Series III swap in progress Engine Controls, PCM goodies, re-programming & odd electronics stuff " I'M ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
IP: Logged
06:07 PM
Ace McCloud Member
Posts: 167 From: Marble Hill, Missouri, United States Registered: Jul 2007
Think of the wires like nuts & bolts in the fact that you do one nut or bolt at a time, same with wiring, one wire at a time. My Fuel injection gives great starts even when it's 15 degrees outside. I've gotten 33.5 mpg on long trips.
I never want to own another carbed car.
[This message has been edited by 30+mpg (edited 09-08-2007).]
IP: Logged
10:19 PM
craigsfiero2007 Member
Posts: 3979 From: Livermore, ME Registered: Aug 2007
You can get a 3.8 Liter engine out of a 80's Regal. The 3.8 liter engine is just a Carb. version of the 3800 minus all the new technology and electric ignition.
IP: Logged
10:27 PM
Dennis LaGrua Member
Posts: 15747 From: Hillsborough, NJ U.S.A. Registered: May 2000
$650 is more than I spent on the entire engine trans and ecm. that sucks this is why I still dont like EFI got to rich to get it.
Ace: Yes EFI swaps can be expensive if you buy rather than make everything needed. However, even a carb setup can be costly. A good carb is bound to run you $350 and you'll need to change to a new manifold, & fuel pump. If you try going with an old 3.8L chances are few that you'll find a good low mileage engine over 20 yrs old. Carbs were completely discontinued on new vehicles around 1983 so it would have to be a very old 3.8L , otherwise you'll have the expense of the new carb etc. Also the bolt pattern of the 3.8L may or may not match the Fiero trans. Whichever route you take we wish you well.
------------------ 87GT 3.4 Turbo- 0-60 5.2 seconds 2006 3800SC Series III swap in progress Engine Controls, PCM goodies, re-programming & odd electronics stuff " I'M ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
IP: Logged
11:08 PM
Sep 9th, 2007
Ace McCloud Member
Posts: 167 From: Marble Hill, Missouri, United States Registered: Jul 2007
What? I buy holly 600s for 50-75 bucks a pop They have all ben good carbs not always great but good. I would never expect to find a low milage 3.8 and I would never want one, all "low millage" means is "high priced". I paid $75 dollars for the 350 for my other swap (currently under development) if an engine is 20 years old it is going to need rebuilt nomatter how few miles it has on it so the cheaper the better.
IP: Logged
09:27 AM
PFF
System Bot
craigsfiero2007 Member
Posts: 3979 From: Livermore, ME Registered: Aug 2007
I have a 1986 Buick Regal with a 3.8 Liter it has the original carb. on it. Carbs. were not discontinued until 1989. They switched to throttle bodies then. The only engines that had throttle bodies on them in the early 1980's were the four cylinder engines. 3.8 liter will bolt up to the Fiero Tranny. It has the same bolt pattern as the 350.
[This message has been edited by craigsfiero2007 (edited 09-09-2007).]
$650 is more than I spent on the entire engine trans and ecm. that sucks this is why I still dont like EFI got to rich to get it.
I bet if you spent one day with someone who knew EFI you would not feel that way. It's all the same animal, just put together a little differently. A smart, capable person like yourself can understand it. If I can understand it then anyone can! lol
IP: Logged
10:17 AM
Sep 10th, 2007
Ace McCloud Member
Posts: 167 From: Marble Hill, Missouri, United States Registered: Jul 2007
I have everything from the engine to the ecm it is just all the other wires that dont make sense. And I can never find a delta 88 diagram just a park ave. and all the dealers around here keep telling me that they are the same. The big thing is that my "helper" cut all the wires that did not go from the engine to the ecm so I have an extra problem that is doing most of the holding me back I was going to trace the wire that went to the Ignition, fuel pump, ect. label with masking tape and pull all wires out cutting only where I needed to but thats what happens when you dont pay your help
[This message has been edited by Ace McCloud (edited 09-10-2007).]
IP: Logged
10:24 AM
Dennis LaGrua Member
Posts: 15747 From: Hillsborough, NJ U.S.A. Registered: May 2000
Originally posted by Ace McCloud: What? I buy holly 600s for 50-75 bucks a pop They have all ben good carbs not always great but good. I would never expect to find a low milage 3.8 and I would never want one, all "low millage" means is "high priced". I paid $75 dollars for the 350 for my other swap (currently under development) if an engine is 20 years old it is going to need rebuilt nomatter how few miles it has on it so the cheaper the better.
Ace you've got to win the prize for frugality. Is "cheaper the better" the truest statement or is it " the best always costs more". If price is the only criteria by which you chose your swap I have no idea what you'll end up with but it's an interesting approach.
------------------ 87GT 3.4 Turbo- 0-60 5.2 seconds 2006 3800SC Series III swap in progress Engine Controls, PCM goodies, re-programming & odd electronics stuff " I'M ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
IP: Logged
11:46 AM
craigsfiero2007 Member
Posts: 3979 From: Livermore, ME Registered: Aug 2007
I have everything from the engine to the ecm it is just all the other wires that dont make sense. And I can never find a delta 88 diagram just a park ave. and all the dealers around here keep telling me that they are the same. The big thing is that my "helper" cut all the wires that did not go from the engine to the ecm so I have an extra problem that is doing most of the holding me back I was going to trace the wire that went to the Ignition, fuel pump, ect. label with masking tape and pull all wires out cutting only where I needed to but thats what happens when you dont pay your help
Ok, I bet there are several folks here who could tell you where they go. You are referring to wires like the alternator and starter? Stuff that needs to be connected but do not necessarily go to the ECM? There are not that many to sort out IMHO.
IP: Logged
12:23 PM
Ace McCloud Member
Posts: 167 From: Marble Hill, Missouri, United States Registered: Jul 2007
can a 3800 series 1 be converted to carb using old 3.8 carb intake and distributor?
No, You would need a 1986 or earlier 3.8L which might require you to use an adapter plate as the 3.8L has the large BOP bolt pattern. The newer BOP is different. I am not sure if the older one just requires a modification or an adapter. Also note that the 1985/1986 carb'd 3.8L engines had slightly different heads so you would need to locate a 1985/1986 intake manifold (only 2-bbls). For the 1984 and earlier you can get an aftermarket intake manifold. The 3800 blocks were designed with FWD in mind and If I recall there is no provision in the block for a distributor. Actually if there is a spot in the block, There is not a carb'd intake that will mate with those heads.
IP: Logged
01:17 PM
rogergarrison Member
Posts: 49601 From: A Western Caribbean Island/ Columbus, Ohio Registered: Apr 99
I like carbs better myself, so I know where your coming from. I dont buy/ build hot rod performance cars for gas milage. My carbed 383 V8 was lucky to get 8mpg but didnt bother me in the slightest. Ease of maintanence, adjustability and just plain simple was why I liked it. AFB style carbs can go for years without any problem. My 66 Dodge has the original carb on it and it works perfectly except for the non working choke. Simple to just put a cable on it and be done. It starts with the touch of the key now. I can adjust the idle if I need to with a screwdriver which you cant even do that with FI. Im really looking closely at a new generation 426 Hemi from Indy Cyl Heads for my Magnum that comes with wire harness and Thermoquad 4 bbl carb. It also has no distributor. You can go on all day back and forth about both systems. ASA Stock Car Assn tried EFI on its cars in their series which went belly up within 2 years. Nascar still manages to run just fine with carbs, rwd, and solid axle rear ends. The only thing electronic in them is the ignition system which always manages to put out at least a few cars each race with electronic glitches.
IP: Logged
03:29 PM
PFF
System Bot
Sep 11th, 2007
30+mpg Member
Posts: 4061 From: Russellville, AR Registered: Feb 2002
craigsfiero2007:I have a 1986 Buick Regal with a 3.8 Liter it has the original carb. on it. Carbs. were not discontinued until 1989. They switched to throttle bodies then. The only engines that had throttle bodies on them in the early 1980's were the four cylinder engines. 3.8 liter will bolt up to the Fiero Tranny. It has the same bolt pattern as the 350.
The engine & tranny pictured above (along w/ the ECM & part of the harness) were from an 1988 Buick Park Ave. SFI rules!
[This message has been edited by 30+mpg (edited 09-11-2007).]
IP: Logged
08:57 PM
30+mpg Member
Posts: 4061 From: Russellville, AR Registered: Feb 2002
Ace McCloud:I have everything from the engine to the ecm it is just all the other wires that dont make sense. And I can never find a delta 88 diagram just a park ave. and all the dealers around here keep telling me that they are the same. The big thing is that my "helper" cut all the wires that did not go from the engine to the ecm...thats what happens when you dont pay your help
Buy a Factory Service Manual for your year of Delta 88. 15 listings on Ebay from $14.95 to 44.95. The factory service manual for the car the donor engine came out of is one book no swapper should be without if the engine is computerized. Wiring diagrams, diagnostic charts & a whole lot more. Worth every penny, especially for the mechanic who has too few pennies to spare. 17 items found for delta 88 service manual in eBay Stores eBay Stores. Learn more about eBay Stores. Item Title Price Store Listing has pictures Factory 1986 Oldsmobile Service Manual Firenza Delta 88 Buy It Now $14.95 THINGS OF INTEREST Listing has pictures Factory 1985 Oldsmobile Service Manual Delta 88 Royale Buy It Now $14.95 THINGS OF INTEREST Listing has pictures Factory 1985 Oldsmobile Service Manual Delta 88 Royale Buy It Now $14.95 THINGS OF INTEREST Listing has pictures Factory 1988 Oldsmobile Service Manual Delta 88 Royale Buy It Now $14.95 THINGS OF INTEREST Listing has pictures 1988 Oldsmobile Service Manual Delta 88 Ninety-eight Buy It Now or Best Offer $14.95 THINGS OF INTEREST Listing has pictures 1989 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme,Delta 88 Service Manual Buy It Now $18.50 Gregory&Sons Manuals&Memorabilia Listing has pictures 1988 OLDSMOBILE DELTA 88 & 98 Mfr's Service Manual Buy It Now $19.95 OldToysToo Listing has pictures 1988 Oldsmobile Delta 88 98 Ninety Eight Service Manual Buy It Now $19.95 Z's Factory Service Manuals
1988 Oldsmobile Chassis Service Manual (Delta 88 Roya.. Buy It Now or Best Offer $21.45 The Fairchild Reading Room Bookshop Listing has pictures 1982 Oldsmobile Cutlass Delta 88 Toronad service manual Buy It Now $25.00 Emus Automotive Listing has pictures Oldsmobile 1988 Delta 88 Service Manual - ORIGINAL! Buy It Now $27.95 Johnson's Auto Literature Listing has pictures 1987 Oldsmobile Delta 88 98 Cutlass Service Manual Set Buy It Now $29.95 Z's Factory Service Manuals Listing has pictures 1988 Oldsmobile Delta 88 Ninety-Eight SERVICE MANUAL 88 Buy It Now $34.95 Manuals-n-More Listing has pictures Oldsmobile 1989 Delta 88 Service Manual - ORIGINAL! Buy It Now $36.95 Johnson's Auto Literature Listing has pictures 1986 Oldsmobile Delta 88 98 Cutlass Service Manual Set Buy It Now $44.95 Z's Factory Service Manuals Listing has pictures 1972 Oldsmobile Chassis Service Manual-Delta 88-Vista Buy It Now $60.00 Historical and Collectible Books Listing has pictures 1988 OLDSMOBILE CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL, DELTA 88, 98 Buy It Now or Best Offer $99.00 OLD TRACTORS CARS
Spend some bucks, stop complaining & start fixing.
[This message has been edited by 30+mpg (edited 09-11-2007).]
IP: Logged
09:11 PM
30+mpg Member
Posts: 4061 From: Russellville, AR Registered: Feb 2002
