Supercharged 3800 for $2000? Plus 5 speed trans, 88 cradle, and harness (Page 1/1)
ragoldsmith DEC 01, 10:34 PM
Hey everyone, the same person I just purchased my 86 GT from is also selling a supercharged 3800 from a Grand Prix with only 1800 miles on it. Comes with a cavalier 5 speed tranny, 88 cradle, and harness. Do you guys think $2000 is a fair price? He already has it set up to go in the GT, just one of the projects he didn't have time for. I wouldn't be surprised if he's actually a member of this forum, too! Oh, he'll also sell me chrome headers for $400. Thanks for any input!

[This message has been edited by ragoldsmith (edited 12-01-2020).]

skywurz DEC 01, 10:55 PM
Only thing i can say is from the recent readings putting an 88 cradle in a pre 88 car is more involved than one would think... Matter of fact im not even going to try it anymore.. but im more of a purest. Most ill probably do is put a 3.4 with the stock intake. But also im in Ca and engine swaps required paperwork and a pita im not sure i want to try my hand at. (3.4 can look stock enough not look like a swap)

Its all about what adventure you want to try to go on. I would take some time and do some reading. See what's going to be involved with said swap and how much more you are going to have to spent to complete it. Or you can take some time and enjoy your car for what it is. Its a really comfy car to drive. As someone who has been trying to sell off fiero parts. this package is probably not going to be gone tomorrow lol.

Also im not sure if you have mentioned if your car is a manual or auto. That swap is also involved and requires more parts than one would think.
ragoldsmith DEC 01, 11:06 PM

quote
Originally posted by skywurz:

Or you can take some time and enjoy your car for what it is.

Also im not sure if you have mentioned if your car is a manual or auto. That swap is also involved and requires more parts than one would think.



Thanks for the input, I really appreciate it!

I currently have the Muncie 4 speed. He has someone else ready to buy the whole setup. He's willing to wait a bit for me to make a decision because he always wanted to see that engine in the car. I'm pretty confidant he's not just trying to get more money out of me. He certainly didn't look like he was hurting. He really is a Fiero enthusiast. Anyway, my plan was to buy the engine (and extras), but not start on the swap for at least a year or so.
Patrick DEC 02, 12:34 AM

quote
Originally posted by ragoldsmith:

...supercharged 3800 from a Grand Prix with only 1800 miles on it. Comes with a cavalier 5 speed tranny, 88 cradle, and harness. Do you guys think $2000 is a fair price? He already has it set up to go in the GT...



We need some feedback from people who've done this swap... but it seems like a heckuva deal to me.
olejoedad DEC 02, 07:12 AM
That's a good deal, and the 88 cradle swap is very easy.
Yes, I have done SEVERAL swaps.
ragoldsmith DEC 02, 12:31 PM

quote
Originally posted by olejoedad:

That's a good deal, and the 88 cradle swap is very easy.
Yes, I have done SEVERAL swaps.



Thanks for the feedback, olejoedad! Good to hear from someone who has actually done it (more than once!) I read through a bunch of people's posts who have done it and basically came to the conclusion that it wouldn't be too tough.

Anyone know what the rated horsepower is for the 3800 SC? From what I could find it's around 260? The guys selling the setup to me told me 340, does that sound right? Maybe he has it tuned for more hp?
Notorio DEC 06, 12:09 AM
My question is does the engine actually look like it only has 1800 miles on it? Where has it been all this time? Taken together with the 340HP claim my little 'caveat emptor' alarm went off ...
ragoldsmith DEC 06, 01:41 AM

quote
Originally posted by Notorio:

My question is does the engine actually look like it only has 1800 miles on it? Where has it been all this time? Taken together with the 340HP claim my little 'caveat emptor' alarm went off ...



Yeah I know what you’re saying about the 340hp comment. The engine does look brand new, though.
OntarioKev DEC 06, 04:57 AM
I wouldn't touch a rebuilt 3800 with that low miles on it. Many of them spin bearings after a rebuild. Once they hit 5k miles you are pretty safe, but before that you run the risk.

Also to be dynoing 340 hp it needs to be pretty seriously modified. Intercooler/cam/injectors. Most likely headwork too.
bjc 350 DEC 06, 02:06 PM
Factory rated HP depends on the year. Early ones, were 240 hp. Later ones , like the 2007 engine I have in our 84 was rated at 260 hp. Mine has an aftermarket throttle body and WC Fiero's tube header system. Still doesn't feel more than that 260 rating to me. It has a mail order tune, though, which could be holding it back. I did not do the install, but it was well done and very clean. You will like the change, car will have a whole new personality!