Looking into making a Fiero project car w/ a 3.8SC or V8 swap in mind...

[flatlander757]

Hey guys, I'm a bit new to Fieros... but have been reading up a lot on them. Right now I own a 94 Z28, but will be selling it soon to buy some gas sipping daily driver. That translates into me being able to save up for a second car... a project

I was originally looking into V8 RX7s... but there's just something about me driving an import that doesn't mix(c'mon... I drive a Camaro ).

The Fiero GT fastbacks are one of the sweetest cars that come to mind. It will ultimately become a fun car so it needs to have a manual tranny(I'll definitely look for the 5spd Getrag when I am scouting out a car), be a very nimble handler, and ultimately a unique car to drive.

I know about V8 Archies, and I suppose that would be a good place to get V8 swap parts from, but since I will primarily be auto-xing the car, it's GOT to handle extremely well. I don't really care about what class it is in, as long as I can get some looks from people driving the higher-dollar cars.

So since handling is very important, I began thinking that maybe a 3800SC swap would be a good idea instead. I'm not positive, but I'm sure it doesn't weigh as much as a V8.

If I go for a V8, it will probably be some fairly stout longblock + TPI injection to achieve about 360 flywheel hp.

I have basic skills and most tools to do the stuff. I will need a cherry picker and a welder, but I have some friends who could lend a hand in those areas though so I should be alright.

In the end, what would be the cheapest route? I know a carbed V8 would save a ton of cash, but I'm really worried that the throttle response would be horrid since I'm used to my LT1. Gas mileage isn't a huge concern as long as it's no less than 10mpg city.

Any insight you guys can offer? Especially those who auto-x swapped cars?

I basically want it to excel in handling, put down about mid 13s at the dragstrip(on street radials), and I'll make it snazzy to pick up the ladies on my own

[Old Lar]

Those with a 3800SC do enjoy that engine in a Fiero. Lots of power and if you can shift it correctly you should get into the low 12 in the drags. Some with the 460E automatics can get down to the 11s. It would probably be a better engine weight distribution for autocrossing rather than a V8 powered Fiero. You'll need to upgrade brakes and suspension with either swap. Find a solid body 88 GT (check for rust on the space age frame) for your project.

[RandomTask]

Going the 3800 route myself I'd have to say I'm completely biased. Hell, you can do the entire swap without a cherry picker OR a welder if you wanted. Price for Price the swaps will come out to be about the same or the 3800 will be a little less. 3800 drivers average around 28-32mpg with they're swaps on some begginer mods. I'd say go with the 3800. Almost everything has had a small block shoved in it but when you can pop the hood and people see a blower, that really turns some heads.

[flatlander757]

No welder or cherry picker? Any helpful links I should look at for the 3.8SC swap?

Me and a friend are making project cars for our senior projects next year... He's using a Ford Festiva with a Mazda B6-T engine(200hp... 1800lb car!), I'll go for a Fiero so it's got at least some appeal to females

[RandomTask]

Originally Posted by flatlander757

No welder or cherry picker? Any helpful links I should look at for the 3.8SC swap?

Me and a friend are making project cars for our senior projects next year... He's using a Ford Festiva with a Mazda B6-T engine(200hp... 1800lb car!), I'll go for a Fiero so it's got at least some appeal to females

Car jacks . . . heres a thread for ya to check out. http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/053213.html