I am "considering" a 3800sc engine swap; at this point I am gathering as much info as possible before I even begin...

The Fiero in question is an 88GT 5spd, just in case it matters...

QUESTION:
What donor vehicles should I be looking for? Year, make and model? Any pro's & con's between donner motors/vehicles. Which is the best?

Obviously, I would like to get the newest motor (lowest mileage) possible. But do not know if doing a series 3 is so much more difficult to do that it may prolong the build longer then I can bear. Would also prefer an entire salvage vehicle so I have all the lil nick-nacks I may need?

BTW, I did search through the first 10-12 pages using the search function and different key words; but did not find anything. So if this has been discussed before and a thread exists, please do not flame me. Just point me in the right direction

Thanks,
AL

The thread exists somewhere.... I forget where it is.

Anyway, I pretty much will use anything except a 96 if I am doing an auto (because it comes with a weird 60e trans). Anything else is pretty much fair game.

Ideal swap motors are probably any of the wbody IE regal/grand prix/intrigue, but the rest work ok with a few tweaks.

Try this post it has several options in it. I searched 3800 donor.

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/A...060811-2-072137.html

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Sad to say this is the best looking part of the car so far!

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/080998.html

Donnie

[This message has been edited by donnie072003 (edited 07-01-2010).]

When looking for an engine for a swap into a Fiero I start with cars like the Buick Park Ave Ultra and the OLDS LSS first because they are usually better maintained by their owners. Then I look for Bonneville SSEi's then Regal GS and only settle for a GTP engine if I can not find any others as they are usually the worst driven and poorest in the maintenance department of all the 3800SC cars. Dan

Well, I just bought a 98 bonniville motor which has 58,000 miles on it. Owner said the engine ran great when removed. It comes with all of the accessories including the starter, ECM, wiring harness, and cat converter... I paid $500 for it... Would have rather bought the whole donor car; but I have been keeping an eye out for 3800sc's w/ low mileage and there hard to find (cheap). Came across this one earlier today and jumped on it... Hope I don't regret this

A 98 3800sc is considered a series II, right? Whats the stock hp from this motor?

When I pick it up, are there sertian things I should look for; things that I must get w/ it and know problem areas. Even things I can check on-site before I hand over the cash?

The motor shold be able to turn over with a breaker-bar, right? Any things I should check on the blower?

ANY info would be greatly appreciated

AL

[This message has been edited by ALJR (edited 07-01-2010).]