Ottawa Fiero Club Forum

Hey
I was wondering where people have bought their 3800SCII, and how much it cost. What were some things you ran into during installation?

Also, would an import's manual transaxle, say a Honda Prelude's, fit the engine? I dunno how a GM trans feels, but I know Ford's feel like transport truck tranny's and I LOVE the feel of some of those Japanese cars (short, quick, and notchy)

Some of those transmissions spin the wrong way.  I’m sure you can find one that will work but it’s going to be a lot of work to get it in and working, and it still won’t take the abuse of 300+ hp to REAR wheels.  Remember that rear wheel drive transfers much more force to the ground than front wheel drive.

But do notice that I didn’t say that you can’t do it or that you shouldn’t do it. That is all up to you, it depends how much you want it and how hard you’re willing to work for it.  I know how you feel about it, my car shifts like shit.

Aaron

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Wreckers usually want around $1,700 for a 3800SC engine and around $1,200 for a 4T65E HD tranny. PCM's go for around $100 and ignition modules $150. Wiring harnesses are around $150 as well. Or as a package for around $3,500 including taxes for all. Dan

Aaron: Guess that means GM tranny's are no better than Fords? :) Damn I hate that big truck feel...Guess I might go automatic then :'(

2ML67: Thanx...I suppose they take the engine and tranny out for you at the junk yard (never have had to buy anything that extensive from a junker...)

The problem is with the transverse mount.  None of the big manufacturers seem to make a front wheel drive manual transmission that can take a lot of power.  Go figure, they think that most people wanting to make power will use a longitudinal mounting motor.

You can get a racing transmission built for you for about $5000 to $6000, if you want.

On the other hand, you can abuse your transmission a lot before it goes on you.  I have about 300 hp to mine and it’s holding up just fine.  I just can’t rev then pop the clutch, instead I have to drop the clutch and then hit the gas.  It’s all the same though with that much power.  The tires just spin, but it’s safer to do it that way.

Aaron

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Hmm, well, I think I can live without the clutch drops :)
Don't think I'll go the route of a racing trans...

May I ask what trans you are using then? Does it too feel like a transport truck?? So difficult...I just want a 5 speed Fiero with power :)

I used the Getrag 282, but not one from a Fiero.  It was from an 89 Corsica I think.  If you come to the meet on Saturday you can feel what the trans feels like and decide for yourself.  Some people have transmissions that feel realy good when shifting, others don't.  For example, Brian's white car has a really nice light feel to it.

I think it has mostly to do with the cables, because the levers on the transmission itself feel really nice.  I'm gonig to work on my cables and see if I can get a better feel.

As my cables get broken in the feel gets better.

Aaron

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I understand that one of the Porshe's trannys will fit in, are robust, but are expensive to find. My white one shifts well even with the short shifter (revers is a little stiff though. The yellow 3.8 blower equiped auto shifts even better  :D 

Problems with reverse?  Put the car in 3rd then quickly into reverse.

Aaron

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aaron88: Hey, thanks. I'm planning on trying to get out there...But it all depends on how things work out :) Oh, i don't know if this will make you retract your offer, but I haven't driven stick for a few months now...

Hmmm....Porsche...Any idea WHICH one will fit in?

I would have to do some digging on the web. Those tranys arn't exactly cheap anyws.

Now lets not jump to conclusions; I said you could feel the transmission not drive the monster.


Aaron

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This 6 speed looks intereesting http://www.westcoastfiero.com/transmission/transmission.html

These are with an adapter plate to a SBC 
Porche 944 ---- www.renegaehybrids.com/944/htm
Porche G-50 5 speed --- www.ultimasports.co.uk/spyder/specification.html

Now lets not jump to conclusions; I said you could feel the transmission not drive the monster.


Aaron


Can't blame me for trying can you? :lol:

GoFast: Thanx! Wonder what the junker has in the way of porsches... :)

I bought and resold a 3800SC motor, wiring harness, starter, alter., exhaust manifols, motor mounts, and a few extras for $1300 and then the matching trans for an additional $550 a few months back. I have a guy that buys wrecks and repo. from all over and parts them out. Let me know and I'll have him shop for what you want.