Top 5 Reasons to swap a Supercharged 3800 Engine into your Pontiac Fiero

[@CarputingYT]

I have watched this video like 5 times and I still enjoy it

[@Toys4Life]

Sweet, I appreciate that, one of my favorites too;

[@devonm3400]

Not gonna lie, I've been seriously contemplating swapping the 3.8 into my GT. This video just gave me more reasons to go for it.

[@Toys4Life]

NICE!

[@V8Ferrari]

Go for it.. I had a V8 Fiero it was fast but I must say my 3800sc car is on another level.. My 3800 supercharged Fiero pulls wheelies and rips 0 to 60 mph in 2.8 seconds and 11.3 in 1/4 mile with a 1.4 second 60 foot..

[@stebecinc]

I had a 87 GT with the 3800SC. Great car. PO did some suspension work on it also. Nice package. I am looking for another.

[@Toys4Life]

You better scoop one up, they're getting harder to find!

[@Toys4Life]

@@V8Ferrari hey, that's faster than mine. Engine mod list please.

[@ktanner11]

GM never let Pontiac put a real engine in it. It would have spanked the Corvette, and they couldn't let that happen

[@Toys4Life]

I am sure that was discussed!

[@theautodidacticman_]

Corvette was their golden child.

[@DUCKSAREEVILLLLLLLL]

@@Toys4Life I'd heard it was actually tested on a track, and he's right. GM couldn't have a smaller, lighter, less expensive car than The Corvette in their lineup. It would have rendered every Corvette obsolete. From a financial standpoint, I can't blame them, but it highlights why independent competition is better for everyone in the long run.

[@TheGentlemanGamerLive]

Just bought a mint 87 GT and engine swap was the first thing on my mind to turn this thing into the absolute rocket it was always meant to be. Now I've got a good idea on what to do for that, thanks!

[@dansacco1964]

Spent years with an 86Gt. Loved that car. The 5.3 FWD from the later grand prix is a tempting swap but probably way more expensive. Those 3800s were everywhere.

[@Toys4Life]

Yeah, they made a few of those 3,800s and for good reason! I would do the 5.3 with a turbo but I can't find the transmission that's really available It's going to handle it.

[@dansacco1964]

@@Toys4Life Yeah. That is always a problem in the Transverse engine universe. You could always keep economy tires on it and just have the ultimate highway weapon to preserve the transmission. There was a place years ago that specialized in quad4 racing stuff. I think they had some cool GM transverse transmission stuff. Wish I could remember what company that was. Anyway, nice work on your rides. Thanks for the interesting vids.

[@davelowman3574]

Even with the anemic 4-tech iron Duke, they are ridiculous fun in the snow. Tons of traction and easy to control the slide.

[@raz_nick4048]

The buick 3800 v6s have the buick 3.8 lineage that includes the Buick Grand National/ GNX and it is one of the best V6s out there! Loved my 3800sc fiero but I had to let her go and now I want one with a f23 5 speed! Highly recommend any fiero owner to convert to a 3800sc

[@Toys4Life]

Amen!

[@HillBilly-1]

If you're going for power to the ground I would recommend the F40 6 speed. The Getrag F23 uses the same axels as the stock GT, makes the swap easier. But the Getrag F40 can handle more power, and has an extra gear for highway driving, but you need the larger axels. I think the stock axels in the ss cobalt are a direct fit, if it's a 6 speed. For around 7 grand they sell an Ecotec with 450 hp that fits nicely. Turn key crate motor that has complete engine all sensors ready to run, wiring harness, ecu, flywheel, fuel pump and some other stuff needed for the install. Swapping in the Getrag requires you to buy custom length shift cables. And you'll need the shifter from the 5 speed Fiero the 4 speed won't work without some modifications. 3.8 is a great motor the Ecotec is better fuel economy with the same power levels. Cobalt ss and Ion redline are cheep and have 85 percent of the parts you need. Just a thought not telling you to change your mind. But it might be easier to source parts for the Ecotec. Good luck

[@Toys4Life]

I'm all for an ecotec swap but there's no way it's going to come close to matching the low end "off idle" power that you use going stop light to stop light. One of each is in order...lol

[@HillBilly-1]

@@Toys4Life I did mine for a fun daily driver that's good on gas it only has 230hp but that's 90 more than stock. I also have a Solstice GXP. They hit peak torque early due to VVT plus turbo makes a difference

[@Toys4Life]

240 is still pretty darn good!

[@stebecinc]

I had one with the 3800 SC. That is a very fun engine to have in a Fiero! I got to get another one and got to get the wife a C5 Convertible! Then our bucket lists will be just about finished

[@V8Ferrari]

Great video.. It's getting harder to find decent cheap Fieros lately and nice ones are going up in value..

[@Toys4Life]

Indeed!

[@Greenstinger]

I have a mint 86 v6 manual for 6k 23k original miles

[@Toys4Life]

That's a time capsule.

[@thecaucasian8810]

​@@Greenstinger Are you still selling it?

[@TheFishingMusician]

If you're still selling it, I'm interested as well @@Greenstinger

[@jfu5222]

Greetings, I recently ran into a kid with a 3.8 supercharged fiero, he looked like an extra from the Joe Dirt movie! Cool dude! His car peaked my interest in a model that I always wanted. It's great to see what is being done with these great little cars. By the way, I had a Celebrity with the 2.8l V6, it's crank bearing failed because of a common problem, bad head gasket leaking antifreeze into the crankcase! I loved that car, it had enough power to drift through the corners on the dirt roads near my northern Minnesota home.

[@tmbmx]

Back in the 80's I saw an article about the Pontiac Fierro's in the GTU racing circuit which had 475 hp 4 bangers, and they totally blew my mind back then.

[@stebecinc]

My first Fiero was a 88 Notchie with the 2.5 and manual. Now I must say on trips I would get 40 MPG. Even when it was at 180,000 miles! But it was not fast

[@Toys4Life]

My first Fiero was a 2.5 4 cylinder 1984 with the four-speed manual. Absolutely the wrong transmission for that engine. The 5-speed was much much better for the 4 cylinder in my opinion.

[@mr.2cents.846]

Yeah gas's milage was competitive in that thing.

[@Toys4Life]

Amazing being as how that 4-cylinder was pretty archaic compared to modern engines.

[@danielkatzel895]

didn't realize the 3800 would fit in a Fiero - great swap !

[@dalemihocik4732]

For me I think going with a L98 makes more sense. Had a ride in one where the owner had people on the street stunned by the performance.

[@Toys4Life]

Definitely fun!

[@RJKYEG]

I had the 2.8 V6, it sounded nice and was fine for normal daily driving ... but yeah it wasn't very good. I daydreamed about swapping a more powerful motor into my Fiero but then some guy got confused one day and took me out head on with his Chevy Lumina. My Fiero handled the collision well, and my then girlfriend (now wife) and I walked away from that accident. The insurance payout wasn't nearly enough, looking back I should have played a little hardball with the guy's insurance but I was in totally unfamiliar territory and I didn't reach out to my own insurer for advice.

[@Toys4Life]

Yeah, I've been down the same road and have learned that insurance companies are seasoned pros at not giving out money. If it's serious at all, you pretty much need an attorney. Most importantly though, you guys walked away!

[@JBsC6]

I dig your passion on this s/c 3800 fiero . Thanks for your insights . Cool ride.

[@Toys4Life]

Thank you sir, I'm glad that came through because I think these cars are pretty freaking awesome!

[@bestusernameevahhh5802]

Im here because i found a supercharged buick park avenue on marketplace. In college I had an 86 GT 5 speed. Absolutely loved that car with a passion. My moms boyfriend borrowed it and somehow broke the shift linkage internally. I parked it until I had time to pull the assembly and sort it out. Parts were insanely hard to find, and rebuild quotes from a shop cost more than i gave for the car. I started collecting parts for a 3800sc swap, as it set in my parking lot, somebody decided they wanted my wheels and jammed a bumper jack into the fenders and quarter panels. Busted a pristine body to pieces. The car had 78,000 miles. I recently wanted to dig into having another later model with better suspension and stuff, and WOW! The prices have went through the roof. If i find another GT for a fair price, ill be all over it.

[@Toys4Life]

It may take a while but they are out there - don't get a rust bucket though!

[@mr.2cents.846]

My Fiero had the original V6 boarded out to 3.2, had a turbo and a phase 2 tuning and made roughly 300hp. The Fiero V6 engine sounds pretty good though. Better then the supercharged one.

[@Toys4Life]

The engineers did get the 2.8 to sound a lot more powerful than it was that's for sure!

[@ivanarrache5154]

Change reliability for a sound 🤣🤣🤣

[@TT.Hell.]

I have always dreamed about buying a Fiero and put a better engine in it. Here in sweden we dont have so many american cars for donors, except from the Pontiac Montana which I am considering. The 3.4 188hp V6 is really a nice engine and even in my heavy bus it performs good and is decent in fuel effiency. It dont fit? Well, it should be far from impossible :) I have also thought about the Audi/VW 1.8T which also is a good engine and is easy to find cheap. But the sound from a V6 is something special!

[@Toys4Life]

Thanks for commenting, glad to hear people in Sweden have some love for the Fiero's.

[@williamsaunders1072]

Hey buddy like your video, grew up in Massachusetts and friend owned a Pontiac dealership, drove every single fiero made including the last gt and formula version, agreed 3800 supercharged, (dads park avenue ) is great but coolest ad on is the scoop that covers engine air intake and sits on the roof of the car, was developed to stop heat fires and so on 👍🏻

[@chriswallace9113]

I did a SBC swap (L98) but seriously considered the 3800SC. If I do another one I think that’s the way I’ll go.

[@Toys4Life]

Sweet!

[@billmagorian490]

I think the last year of the Fiero GT has the most attractive body. i thought it was amazing from the first time I saw one on a southern California freeway. At first I thought it was a Firebird from the rear. then I got up alongside it and wondered what it was. A built and restomoded GT seems like an economical way to have a mid engine car that wont break the bank. Just make sure you buy a rut free no accident car. If you can buy one that has already been modified all the better. These are forgotten very cool cars!

[@s.d.3236]

There really is no need to apologize for ripping on the iron duke; it should be called the iron dog. On the other hand, the 2.8 was decent for 1985; this was when corvettes only had 230 hp.

[@erinfreize]

I wonder if anyone has considered a different engine swap, my 2.0L turbo in my 2012 Buick Regal GS. I bet it's lighter, with similar power and slightly better MPG.

[@Toys4Life]

If there is a will, there is a way!

[@stebecinc]

What, Wait you have a Fiero & Vette? Cool. I want to get another Fiero. My last one had the 3800SC. FUN! And it was my daily driver for 4 years. Yes all year and I live in Michigan. My wife wants a C5 Convertible. She and her first husband had a 73 way back then. Wow you have both! AWESOME

[@Toys4Life]

I'm a sucker for plastic/smc body paneled general motors sporty cars. I like having the most because there's such different cars the driving experience is vastly different! Thanks for commenting!

[@smallcityhomesteaders1600]

Miss my 86 2M6......what a fun car! Always wanted todo a 3.8 swap but life happened and i had to sell her. Someday maybe ill find another and make it scary fast.

[@charleslapinski2138]

My 86 has a 4,9 caddy motor set-up Holly n it moves n l just love it!!!

[@Toys4Life]

Nice!

[@didi0100]

Hi . I'm in Australia . Have an 86 gt I'm doing up as my last project ( I'm nearly 70 ) . Has been converted to RH drive for Aus roads . I'm fitting a stock L36 up to the 5 speed gertag , just as a fun car to take me to the grave . Can't wait to get it finnished .

[@Toys4Life]

It'll be worth it sir, you'll enjoy it!

[@robertborgeson1821]

I owned a 2003 regal GS with the supercharged 3.8 years ago. Making that thing fast was tough because the weight. Now I own an 88 4banger fiero 5speed. That's tough to make make fast cuz the Duke.... Even if I came up with the money for a junkyard 3800 I don't trust myself to do the swap at all. I will continue to dream of it every night though.

[@RearEngineShop]

I love the 3800 SC swap in my 84 Fiero. 👍

[@Toys4Life]

It is soo much fun!

[@stevebarnes9694]

How hard was it....for you. Biggest challenge ?

[@RearEngineShop]

@@stevebarnes9694 wasn’t too bad. 84’s have different wiring do figuring that out was probably the biggest challenge.

[@DanoFSmith-yc9tg]

Why not go for the sideways mounted V8 found in the 2000's era Monte Carlo SS and those fwd big body buicks? I think it's called an LS4? Probably close to the same weight being all aluminum, and makes 300hp factory. Plus it's an LS, so aftermarket parts are endless for it.

[@Toys4Life]

Turbo LS4 would be great but trying to find a tranny to survive in 2024 behind it would be very tough and $$$$. 3800 SC is an easier swap and still cheaper and easier to find. If you could build a trans to hold 650hp, a turbo LS4 would be worth the effort IMO.

[@mistersomaru]

Managed to snag me an '88 yellow formula with the aero nose for 5 grand. I'm super excited!

[@Toys4Life]

If the chassis underneath isn't rusty, that's a nice deal!

[@mistersomaru]

@@Toys4Life 92k miles with an impeccable interior. Can't say the same about the paint though. Oh well, I'd rather paint it that Talbot Yellow again than have to redo the interior.

[@AdamAve93]

I was going to do stock at first but from what I saw it became easy to see I needed more. Lol so now that engine is going to be used for a go-kart.

[@Toys4Life]

A good running 2.8 is fun for a while but 135 HP vs and easy 300+ is an EYE opener for sure. Cheers!!

[@dalesmth1]

Cam’d aluminum block LS based 5.3 all the way. Rode in a V8-Archie car a while back. Now it’s on my list. A bored out and cam’d 4.8 would sound even better.

[@Toys4Life]

What transmission did that have and how much horsepower approximately?

[@dalesmth1]

@@Toys4Life Looking at an LS-4, 4.8 crank, bored to 5.4l, 4T80 Trans, built. NA, Shooting for 375-400. May later be adding a SC, and go for the 475-500 range. Anything above that, and even specialty parts have longevity issues.

[@Toys4Life]

Sweet

[@charleslowe522]

Dude I would love to find a decent example of a Fiero. I have a 2000 Regal GSE and the body has been seen better days, but the SC 3800 is in awesome shape and right now sports a 2.55" pulley, blower cam, A2W IC, E85 tuned and a stage 2 built transmission.

[@Toys4Life]

Man you're already 80% of the way there!

[@sean70729]

That 3800 engine should've been called the iron duke, it is virtually indestructible and can take some serious mods.

[@erinfreize]

As a big fan of the Fiero, I was well aware of this popular swap, but you put it together so well and concisely, I shared this on FB with my other comment about a rare swap, the 2.0L turbo from either a 1989 Grand Am SE (from Isuzu) or the more modern ones from GM, like mine in my 2012 Regal GS (with a stick, of course). In fact, I wonder if the entire drive train can be swapped, so you can row a six speed!?!

[@Toys4Life]

Likely - but I most of those grand ams were 2.3 quad 4's if I am not mistaken - and most are crushed by now. Turbo 2.0 would be hard to find and hard to mod with OBD1 PCM.

[@AndieBlack13]

I would rather go with the 4.3 V6 swap myself & here's why. Granted, one will need the adapter plate to change to the SBC pattern, but considering your taking out the cradle anyways, it's no big deal. Then there iis the longevity capabilities of the transmissions & the smog-compliance issues of your particular state. You go to to your smog-sniffer station with your V8 & likely they will laugh & fail you on the spot. Now we all know those stations don't have the brightest people running them...a howling supercharger might give them pause to do a second look which could fail you as well. . I propose a marine-grade 4.3, an aftermarket fuel-injected throttle-body on an Edelbrock performance intake, some marine plastic carb covers painted in red, the valve-cover also in red to emulate a 2.8 V6...with this modern FI and some cats you can get those gasses out the back down low enough, no problem . The HP values will start you at 220 Hp & go up to just shy of 300 Hp, depending on your camshaft. I don't relish dealing with integrating of a boosted factory engine electronics into the Fieros systems with the likes of the 3800.

[@Toys4Life]

The 4.3 is a decent motor - I am not sure exactly why - but it really never caught on as a swap option. I vote yes (:-)

[@gainerman]

The marine vortec 4.3 cam adds about 50hp but generally won't pass smog the gen 1 4.3 with nodular main bearing caps as in the syclone would be a better base for mods

[@AndieBlack13]

@@gainerman I know the street smog version is rated at 190 HP & the marine version comes in at 220-223 HP...perhaps the Mercruiser FI system will get the smog-sniffer numbers under the wire...or perhaps a "universal" port-injection system would work. I've tweaked carbs & jets endlessly trying to get "passable" gasses out the back...maybe some port-work in conjunction might do the trick, dunno.

[@electric8668]

@@gainerman What states are still emission testing 38 year old cars?

[@mcampbell6651]

Great Video, I'm keeping the original 2.8L V6 in it. But I got the car from a guy who was trying to put a corvette engine into her

[@Toys4Life]

Very cool!

[@indianadave8881]

Saw one many years ago with a Northstar V8 in it... That was badass!!!

[@Toys4Life]

Those were pretty sweet although I'm not really sure why they did not become super popular. Probably not a huge supply of engines??

[@breakthechains5140]

I had an 86SE that a buddy of mine and I swapped out the engine for a 3.8Turbo from a Buick Grand National. I miss that car....

[@Toys4Life]

They have a way of making you miss them!

[@mikeminter4773]

I miss mine so much. I didn't have the money to keep it up. 18 wonderful years.

[@nathanschild2388]

I just bought a fiero, it's got a few problems, and instead of throwing money at the motor I have in it now I may just drop the 3800 in, that supercharger whine is so addicting

[@Toys4Life]

Indeed

[@johnleinen9409]

I had customers back in the 90s that had these, I made good money fixing them!

[@Toys4Life]

Clutches and Rod bearings?

[@Alex-gq3zc]

Hope I can find a nice one next year! Still building my l67 grand am, but I’ve always wanted a fiero

[@Toys4Life]

Nice 👍

[@magnusdanielsson2749]

Its very true they lack power. I did not opt for the 3800 sc my self but am building a custom 3.4 wich I hope will be somewhere around 250 hp. A much more expensive and complex project but very interesting 🙂 Other options to consider would be 1.8t from a golf 3.2 VR6 from r32 K20 or K24 from a civic or similar LS v8 Turbo v5 from golf or similar Or an Gm Atlas engine with turbo Or the 4.3 v6

[@Toys4Life]

Variety is the spice of life!

[@Dude13450]

Would the Atlas 4.2 even fit under that hood? They barely fit a V8 without serious mods/fabs, and you're talking an engine that has got to be at least a good 8-12 inches longer?

[@nomoremr.niceguy4778]

Good video. Now a pie on the sky moment. I have a 2014 Terrain with the high output 3.6 that’s rated at 301hp at 6500 and will happily twist to 7000 redline. GM sold thousands of this SUV. It’s fuel injected but no blowers. But it’s almost 4500 lb curb weight makes dancing with it like waltzing a sumo wrestler. If a guy had the money, could this power train be fitted into a Fiero and could the AWD system be kept? Has anyone tried this?

[@Toys4Life]

I believe a few are done. Decent for sure and I believe lighter! - but I prefer the SC 3800!

[@jay2012m]

The awd would be a challenge because it is set up for front engine with power going to the rear. Prob a huge effort to make it send the power to front. The newer 6 and its more-gears automatic could be pretty cool, though. But those dohc heads take up a lot of space, so things could get crowded. Yet folks have done Northstars, so might work? (Yeah, I really ought to look at date of post before replying...)

[@Njennings42]

Man, at one point in time I owned three Fieros, I wish I had thought to swap a 3800 into one of them, that would have been pretty dang sweet.

[@stebecinc]

I like the rear spoiler on your notchie

[@Toys4Life]

Thank you, I wanted something different so I built it a few years ago. Appreciate you're taking the time to comment!

[@Law19157]

I was thinking of swapping a K20A with a turbo and a dry sump oil system into this car as well making a custom body kit and diffusers. I would also restore the Iron Duke and keep it as museum art piece. This engine got some great mpg on the highway but I wouldn't get this car for the mpg.

[@Toys4Life]

I like the way you think, sir!

[@dennisearhart5453]

Where can I buy that engine and what transmission would best go with it and any other components needed.

[@Toys4Life]

I have a couple videos on my channel that talk in detail about what cars came with the engine and what are some of the things you need to consider. Check it out!

[@nunyabizness6734]

Pontiac Grand Prix GTP... Go for the later model years and the GTP had the Series 3 3800... those engines were bulletproof. The only downside was their placement in several cars added additional labor costs to some standard maintenance items. A new set of spark plug wires required the engine to be disconnected from the rear engine mounts and rotated forward to access the rear cylinder bank in a '99 Grand Prix GT 2 door.

[@jameslaidler2152]

Hey I dont disagree with you. Mum had a 1985 2M6 for nearly 15 years, until my sister drove it to uni with the E-Break on, causing the minor oil leaks to catch fire, and gut the car. She was alright, but urgh, argh. In any case, the 3800 swap is interesting and period correct, which I like. Though I was wondering, is there a twin cam V6 GM made which would have been as good? I know the 1990 prototype they made before it was cancelled used a twin cam V6, but which one? Were it's power and fuel efficiency good? I personally prefer the fuel efficiency of twin cams and top end power delivery. I kinda like the idea of putting a Volkswagen VR6 in there. I know, gasp shock and horror. I'd love to put a transverse system back there complete with steering, get some Prelude kinda action going.

[@gregriley1708]

My father gave me his old buick riveria. It has a new air bag system and the 3800 SC engine and now I thunk I've found a great project idea for the engine (not sure if the air suspension is compatible for the fiero, but being able to drop and raise the clearance would be pretty awesome too. Thanks for sharing your experience and *if anyone knows of the air bag suspension would be feasible to fit the fiero* I'd be very appreciative of that info

[@Toys4Life]

That would be a pretty serious challenge using the air system, but the engine would fit oh so beautifully.

[@krayzietj]

Keep the riveria it will be a classic one day

[@fivepointeightnate]

With Ecotec turbo 4 cylinder options these days I don't see ever using a V6 in a car this size. You can get 400-500 whp in a lighter package and have some space under the lid. I do like that blower whine tho....

[@Toys4Life]

Turbo ecotec and a 5-speed for road racing would be fantastic. If I gave up the 3800 supercharged, I would greatly Miss the g-forces when you punch it you immediately have a ton of torque. IMO You're not going to get that low end stoplight to stop light torque with a turbo ecotec and I would miss that tremendously.

[@AGBULLIT]

Great video. This makes the Fiero a serious option as a project car.

[@Toys4Life]

Thanks man!

[@MrGreenelight]

The Mail truck body was made Grumman, but the mail trucks engine is a GM, and they run all day every day, the hardest miles which is stop and go.

[@Toys4Life]

Yep, it's a pretty good utilitarian engine!

[@paulsypersma7165]

Toyotas got a new one ,diamond battery front drive.Worth the wait.

[@Toys4Life]

Interesting!

[@ColtenHood]

Just learned about these beauties a couple months ago. Trying to find a decent fiero for my first project car that doesn't cost me an arm and a leg has been ridiculous! The waiting game is brutal.

[@Toys4Life]

These are getting kind of rare. Know what you want and be willing to travel a ways to find one to shorten the wait time for the right one to come along. Good luck!

[@ColtenHood]

@@Toys4Life there is one. It's an 87 GT 5 speed V6 with 40k miles and almost 0 rust asking 7400. It's half way across the country from me but it seems to be the only one with everything I want to get started. Just seems high. Any advice is appreciated!

[@Toys4Life]

Any car you're interested in, ask them to peel the carpet back on the driver side and the passenger side of the rear trunk area and take a look at how Rusty it is. That's the single best tip I know before you go waste your time looking at a rust bucket. If it looks clean and like nice metal, it's probably a decent shape chassis except of horse you got to still look for a crash damage.

[@ColtenHood]

@@Toys4Life I definitely know about the rust issue. The photos I received are solid. Car looks super clean in all the important places. Looks straight but hard to tell from photos. There is a subtle low tone rattle that I'm curious about. At first listen it could be a super minor engine knock but after going back it could be exhaust echo... I'll link you the video I uploaded a couple to my channel. Would appreciate your thoughts.

[@ColtenHood]

@@Toys4Life kzbin.infoQzMYOUMOe7A?feature=share

[@bodyshotjake7475]

Hey that’s my in-laws neighbor! Great video!!! I have a question. With the 3800sc platform aging a bit and getting harder to find without needing a rebuild. Are there any more modern DOHC V6 engines/transmissions that work well for the swap? I know the 5.3 in the lacrosse special, impala SS, GXP will swap along with the north star, but some of the new DOHC V6s sound as exotic as the Fiero looks.

[@mikepetersons1319]

if you get a l32 supercharged variant out of a 04-05 grand prix gtp it's 260hp and 280tq that's alot more power. also a gen 2 or gen 3 2.0t ecotec is a viable swap. it's 4 cylinders and turbo instead of supercharged. some variants of the 2.0t have good power a gen 2 is rated at 260hp 260tq all the way up to 345hp 310tq. the gen 3 2.0t has lower numbers overall but most push 270+hp and 290+tq.

[@Toys4Life]

Lots of possibilities and directions a guy can go;

[@JBsC6]

Wouldnt the cobalt ss turbo motor and transmission work in the fiero chassis? Just asking and Im sure the 3.8 supercharged v6 with transmission is more readily available and less expensive to boot. Investing too much into a rather cool but somewhat older sports cars does have concerns. Just curious what motor trans of the 3.8 sc cost as well as parts to complete the swap? The toyota mr2 turbo wapped in with a high performance v6 seen on smoking tire was a nice competitor too.

[@Toys4Life]

I think so, although I'm not super familiar with four cylinders offerings as I do most of my cruising on the street I like that low RPM instant torque that you can only get with displacement and a root style blower

[@keithrussell2307]

Been in a 1987 Pontiac fiero gt with a 4.9 turbo swap with a stick that was a absolute basket case Frankenstein car . Scared the living hell out of me when the nose went up 1-2 the. came down on the front wheels . Pinned u

[@rod509558ify]

loved the video.... i would love to rebuild a Fiero with your specs.. you have listed parts you can suggest? Thank you in advance

[@Toys4Life]

Thank you! I am doing my best to provide a bunch of useful 3800 swap content - see other Fiero vids on my channel - there are several of them and the Fiero tips series (1,2,3) have tons of specific info. Good luck!

[@lejeffe1663]

im doing an f40 replica build so this engine might just be what i need thank you!!

[@Toys4Life]

Thanks for the thanks!!

[@V8Ferrari]

Highly recommend..

[@thomasouellette8870]

I owned a 3800 SC in a front drive Regal GS, terrible version of such a great V6. The SC blew by every seal and the intake seal would blow on the drive home from the shop where it was just replaced. Custom racing gaskets would probably solve this since nothing was available while I owned the car. A 4.8 LS swap would be a cool alternative, the right cam, exhaust etc. could make 400 HP.

[@Toys4Life]

Nothing wrong with an LS, but in the Fiero I'm a 3800 guy.

[@thomasouellette8870]

@@Toys4Life 3800 Fiero route is much like a Dino Ferrari if you have a manual transmission.

[@Toys4Life]

My other car has a 6-speed manual, so I kind of like this one having an automatic for drag racing but I hear what you're saying, I just need a bigger shop to hold more cars!

[@Restorology]

Thanks for sharing! Is it worth swapping a non-super charged 3800 in it if I've already got one lying around not being used? Bought the car it came in for $1 and it only has 90K on it.

[@Toys4Life]

I did that exact same thing, I loved the 3800 so much and got so greedy that I found a supercharged engine another year or two later. Swapping to the supercharge version was a lot easier than the original swap.

[@chriskirby4408]

What about the 2 liter direct injected turbo engine that makes 260 hp and was available in fwd vehicles ?

[@Toys4Life]

Next Swap?

[@SGTJDerek]

I think I still have the Hot Rod mag with the Bumblebee Fiero on the cover. I know I still have the one with all 4 bangers from the big 3. Seen a couple of builds lately that got the wheels turning. 1 was an OG Bug pushing north of 5. Same guy is working on a Corvair with the most unloved LS ever. I've been a Fiero fan since they debuted so 🤔. TT LS out of a Montie SS. Anyone?

[@Toys4Life]

I vote yes!

[@Bobster986]

As a purest, I love my all original 86.5 Fiero GT, but would really love to someday buy another car just to do all the modifications like yours. 😊

[@Toys4Life]

One of each works for me!

[@johnschutt9187]

Can you tell us more about this 3800 engine? When was it made? What was it put in? Do you get them used or new? I know nothing about them. Thanks.

[@Toys4Life]

I love talking Fieros! Here are the answers to the questions you just asked. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q6HOfKauhbaknNk

[@nunyabizness6734]

Buicks Regals and Pontiac Grand Prixs are probably your best bet as they were transverse mounted. If you get a 3800 out of a firebird you might be in for some trouble as I think they had a different block for mounting longitudinally.

[@Toys4Life]

@@nunyabizness6734 agreed!

[@MrWhat-ef1xr]

In my past, I owned 3 Fieros and I pounded the crap out of them. All were 4 bangers. One particular time, I blew a fan belt and drove the car 2 miles I totally thought the engine was cooked. Put a new belt on the next day and the engine ran great without smoking. Those Iron Dukes are a great engine.

[@Toys4Life]

They were durable, that is for sure!

[@gainerman]

Wasn't the 3.0 mercruiser stroker with the non emissions cam a popular upgrade on those for a while ? It's already fiberglass right ?lol

[@Toys4Life]

Not too sure about that! lol

[@joshboss5962]

The 3800 is a rock solid engine.

[@Toys4Life]

Indeed!

[@Hircine101]

What do you think of a Ls swap? Or even bolting on an electric motor for a performance hybrid?

[@Toys4Life]

LS and 3800 are both limited in upper HP levels by transmission options - which is why I would go with 3800. If there was a tranny option to support 700 hp, a turbo LS would be nice.... But to my knowledge, there is not.

[@williamkiernan1581]

@@Toys4Life what about a Porsche transmission

[@Toys4Life]

Might as well take the engine and computer as well! I'm not familiar with Porsche drivetrains but I'm guessing they're pretty expensive?

[@tiaseanetherton8626]

@@Toys4Life even with money put of the equation, i dont think a porsche transaxle swap is feasible. Porsche uses a longitudinally opposed transaxle which sets the engine behind the rear tires. Youd basically be cutting thr back half off the fiero and hanging an ls out the back like a dune buggy

[@chuckfiero]

@@Toys4Life If you went with the F40 trans, it should hold out. Using a 6T75 should also be an option.

[@3613jeremy]

Those 2.8L where a joke seeing the 2.5l was more dependable with almost as much HP and better fuel mileage but that 3800 is one of the best motors ever built for dependability mpg and HP for the $ I've seen a couple with the Northstar engine and it killed me all that work to fit it with very little return from it

[@Toys4Life]

I've had both back in the day, the 2.8 felt so much better though cuz it actually revved a little bit, until the day it didn't, thus the durability issue you point out. Also, the 2.8 actually sounded really decent the way they tuned that exhaust, the 2.5 never sounded that great.

[@3613jeremy]

@@Toys4Life I've driven my 84 with a manual 4 speed and a friend's 86 2.8l with an automatic in the fiero and have worked on several other cars with those engines. I've Hurd the manual vs auto had a big difference in the power feel in the fiero. But fast wasn't a option in any car in the 80s when you consider cars like the corvettes and Ferrari of that time could barely touch 300hp but the biggest thing that always impressed me for being a light low car was how well it did in the snow

[@trossk]

what did a honda civic redline at in 1984?

[@Toys4Life]

6500

[@miketee2444]

I know V8s are a possibility but you've got me thinking a 4.3 would really be nice for the power to weight ratio. Of course it would need a bit of massaging to beat the 240hp number but would be really happy making a reliable 350 HP even in NA form. Throw some extra pressure to a half worn out junk yard motor and 400 isn't a stretch at all. Next that Chevette front suspension would need some help.

[@Toys4Life]

The 4.3 was a decent motor but not sure why it never really caught on as a swap. I know why the 3800's did. Came in FWD platforms, adapt easily, make a TON of low end torque - 3.8 liters with boost oh my! Good fuel mileage. Keep this in mind, a 3.8 with 7psi of boost is very similar to a 5.7 liter in low end torque.

[@american4890]

You know some of sb chevy heads fit the 2.5 I think they use them in midget sprint racing

[@forestfishburne7900]

Personally, I think the Series II 3800 NA engine with 205 hp and 230 lbs/ft torque is the best engine GM made in the last 60 years, and more than enough for a Fiero. That’s the path I would take for simplicity’s sake.

[@Toys4Life]

I actually started with a 3.8 series 2 N/A. I agree, it was a vast improvement. But a year later I wanted more and well you know how that goes.

[@forestfishburne7900]

@@Toys4Life LOL!! All too very well my friend!! Never enough until you can’t control it!

[@forestfishburne7900]

I need those boundaries in my life.. (;

[@timmarsh8730]

Why not put the early 90s caddy 4.5 v8 fed?

[@Toys4Life]

Respectfully, I will turn this question around on you . Why would you and where would you find one?

[@ShayneHuber-s4k]

Would a 3800 supercharger engine fit in to a 2002 se Pontiac Sunfire

[@kennethkuehl4270]

Had an 88 with a 3800 supercharged swap. Like a go cart on steroids. Cracked flex plates was its weak link

[@Toys4Life]

I have not heard about that week was before, I'll be sure to check mine out the next time I pull it apart.

[@3613jeremy]

If it was snapping the flex plate something had to be misaligned between the trans bell and engine

[@user-jx3jk3lp4w]

Any How-To videos on this swap?

[@Toys4Life]

Yeah there's several other videos on my channel about things to consider.

[@neatt3815]

Are these supercharged 3.8's the same ones we have in Australia? Here, these engines came in some Holden VT Commodores and other models. My friend had one that he cammed, put on a smaller pulley, front mount intercooler, full exhaust and tuned (probably some other stuff I'm forgetting) it made 350hp at the wheels. Unfortunately he never took it to the drags but we did lots and lots of burnouts lol

[@Toys4Life]

I believe so. And I'm glad to see this vid reaching you in Australia! I hope to visit there someday for an extended time!

[@henryfernandez4357]

Where do you recommend doing an engine swap in the Los Angeles area? What about the transmission on a manual? I assume that needs to be swapped as well.

[@Toys4Life]

California doesn't allow modifications.

[@henryfernandez4357]

@@Toys4Life Researched this and you’re correct. Should have known commiefornia would not allow it. Is there anything that can be done to the stock V6 to push it beyond 200hp without breaking it? I absolutely love the body on this car and that mid-engine but the engine is very lackluster. Was seriously thinking about picking up on these cars but won’t if I have to live with the stock setup. Thanks for saving me from massive disappointment.

[@mowerbro4212]

How does it fit? What mods have to be done? To make one fit.

[@Toys4Life]

It fits as good as the 2.8 Fiero V6 in my opinion.

[@edsauer4702]

I have a 98 firebird with the 3800 in it. What are the cost associated with putting in a supercharger?

[@Toys4Life]

I'm not sure, does anybody offer a kit for that. Probably more cost-effective just to go with a V8 in that platform.

[@Jeff.Slavich]

had an '88 back in the day, but got married sold it, you know the story. Would love to get another one and just now starting to look. Any thoughts on a Fiero as an autocross option? Also, I'll check your site, but what was involved in the swap? Any idea on cost? Thx

[@Toys4Life]

88 best fiero for autocross (1 year awesome suspension) - but 84-87 have 10x more parts availability.

[@robertwalsh5461]

What doner cars had the 3800 supercharged engine? What is the name of the company that makes the adapting motor-mounts and a list of necessary adapter plates for a stronger 6 or 7 speed manual transmission? I know the Porsche 911 6 speed gearbox can handle 600hp+ but what is your recommendation? Like another commenter here I also believe an aluminum LS1 with it’s 6 bolt splayed mains is a well proven (fully bulletproof) 350hp in bone stock configuration, power plant and would be even more interested in adaption kits to fit it in a late model Fiero…any recommendations there? Best, R. C. Christian

[@Toys4Life]

Grand Prix GTP, Regal GS and a host of other ultra's Riverias etc.

[@Bobster986]

I like my all original 86.5 GT with manual 5 speed and only 41k mile, but this video has made me think of buying a project car to do this to. 😃

[@Toys4Life]

Sweet!

[@robertborgeson1821]

I'm trying to talk myself into it. I'm on an extreme budget. Will the 3800, which was designed for OBD2, be able to mate up to my stock 5 speed and/or will it freak out about anything else? If this swap was as simple as just bolting everything together I would be on my way to the junkyard right now but nothing is ever that easy

[@Toys4Life]

I think you can make it work with the v6s 5 speed. That having been said I believe the stock donor engines transmission which is a four-speed automatic is much more durable.

[@casualcarmeets5695]

I have an 86 GT with the 3800 supercharged swap. its awesome. Im getting water coming out of the exhaust in a big way, I changed the intake gaskets and supercharger gasket but it still does it. anything I should check before I do the head gaskets?

[@Toys4Life]

Pressure check your radiator. If it doesn't hold pressure and coolants not flowing on the ground, there's only one other place it can go.

[@casualcarmeets5695]

@@Toys4Life thank you. the rad is ok, is there any way coolant can get into the upper intake/supercharger? I think its sucking in water up there somewhere ?

[@Toys4Life]

@@casualcarmeets5695 keep in mind, especially Iif it's humid, water is a byproduct of combustion so it's normal. The only water would be coolant, or a rainwater. If you're not losing any coolant, have you been driving in the rain?

[@casualcarmeets5695]

@@Toys4Life no, im sure its sucking in coolant from somewhere in the intake, but its not the intake gaskets or the sc gasket as far as I can tell ( I changed all of that)

[@anthonymacaluso1488]

Do you have any take off fuel lines that you have built for this swap, my journey has started, you have a whole hell of a lot to do with my motivation to make this happen

[@Toys4Life]

Glad you're motivated! I'm not sure I understand what you're asking.

[@stevengagnon4777]

I'm sitting on a 2004 GTP and and wondering what to do with it. Its under side was exposed to metropolitan wisconsin winters and I lived in it too. But I can't bring myself to crush it because of the super charged 3800 with 125K on the odometer. It never occurred to me that it could go into a Fiero. Stock would be plenty of power. More so what does that extra weight do to the handling? I assume the suspension also needs to be upgraded. Can the transmission from the GTP be used to keep things simple?

[@Toys4Life]

There's several Fiero videos on my channel that talk about what goes into a swap. I think you'll find most of your questions answered.

[@CaffeinatedFrostbite]

"if you have one swap it. if you dont have one get one" i like this mentality

[@anthonyrita4366]

Would a Subaru 2.5 sti engine work 🤔 size Wise? Because they can be built into the 800hp range and a stock 2019 had 305hp or even more crazy 🤪 the 3.8 gtr engine 😜

[@Toys4Life]

I'm not sure, but for someone who's contemplating a swap, definitely something to think about but not well documented so you'd be forging A New path.

[@hailstorm1986]

What about swapping to the 3.4 DOHC from the Lumina Z34???

[@Toys4Life]

I love that idea with a manual for a track car. Now, try to find one??? They didn't make very many unfortunately.

[@hailstorm1986]

@@Toys4Life yeah that's true. I remember reading somewhere that the prototype for the proposed second generation was supposed to come with that engine and supposedly they were in favor of the 3.8 instead.

[@RusticShine]

im currently in a interesting situation. I have a 1993 cutlass supream with the 3.4l DOHC and its only got 84k miles but the engine has never been touched. It's a ticking time bomb till that timing belt is the alkalis heel. Is it possible to drop the 3.8l supercharged engine and transmission into a 93 cutlass?

[@Toys4Life]

I'm not sure, but I think that 3.4 dual overhead cam engine might be worth some money 🤑

[@1313skr]

I’m currently doing up a fiero for a friend and had to show him this video because I told him modifying the tec 4 in his 86 is a waste of time and money. And now he believes me

[@Toys4Life]

Good work!

[@kennethmysliwiec7701]

I swapped a 4.9 cadillac into mine. Not as good as the 3800 but you can't beat the sound.

[@Toys4Life]

I bet, V8 always sounds better than a six!

[@44werewolfnomore]

Do they make a 5 speed transmission that will work with the 3800?

[@Toys4Life]

There's a couple five speeds that will work and maybe even a 6-speed perhaps. I don't have anything against manuals, but for this particular vehicle I just prefer automatic since I do a lot of drag racing with it.

[@Casuallz]

Hey I got to be the 1000th person to like the video. I’ve always thought that Fiero needed more power that engine swap sounds great.

[@Toys4Life]

Thanks for that - much appreciated!