Damn good reasons to pull the trigger on that 3800 Swap! // Video (Page 1/4)
DimeMachine NOV 06, 09:24 AM
I was so blown away with how capable and reliable Supercharged 3800 Fiero's are, I built my own.

Here is exactly why I did (with the help of this forum) - and some damn good reasons as to why you should too!



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84/87 NB, 3800SC, E-85, VS Cam, 2.8 Pulley, 4T65E-HD, HP Tuners, AEM Wideband, Regal GS Gauges, S-10 Brake Booster. 1/4 mile -11.85 at 114mph

Dennis LaGrua NOV 06, 12:34 PM
I chose the 3800SC/4T65eHD swap back in 2008 and am still glad that I did that swap. Its a reasonably easy bolt in and the PCM interface is not CAN so it is very manageable. With a few simple mods you can get the series III engine from 260 to just under 300HP. Today it can be considered a dated swap but it is fast and reliable. For anyone considering this swap today, the choice of available low mileage engines seems pretty small so a rebuild will probably be necessary.
If I were to do a swap today the LFX V6 engine would be my choice but it is a much more difficult swap especially with the automatic. It provides 300 -323 HP in stock form, as much if not more than a stock LS4 V8, and is also lighter.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

DimeMachine NOV 06, 01:23 PM

quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:

I chose the 3800SC/4T65eHD swap back in 2008 and am still glad that I did that swap. Its a reasonably easy bolt in and the PCM interface is not CAN so it is very manageable. With a few simple mods you can get the series III engine from 260 to just under 300HP. Today it can be considered a dated swap but it is fast and reliable. For anyone considering this swap today, the choice of available low mileage engines seems pretty small so a rebuild will probably be necessary.
If I were to do a swap today the LFX V6 engine would be my choice but it is a much more difficult swap especially with the automatic. It provides 300 -323 HP in stock form, as much if not more than a stock LS4 V8, and is also lighter.




The LFX V6 sounds like a fine swap Dennis. My biggest concern would be would we lose that throw you back in the seat almost make you ill low end torque of the 3800 SC. I build almost 14psi instantly which builds a TON of torque down low. I am getting the itch to do another Fiero from scratch....
Patrick NOV 06, 04:46 PM

Well done video, I enjoyed it. However, you'll never convince me that a 3800SC "sounds good".
DimeMachine NOV 06, 06:58 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:


Well done video, I enjoyed it. However, you'll never convince me that a 3800SC "sounds good".



Ha, well thanks 4 commenting! Since the sound part is subjective - I won't even try to change your mind.
Maybe that is why I like the motor quiet (94 Camero Z28 Muffler) and the blower loud.... Who knows. Cheers

[This message has been edited by DimeMachine (edited 11-06-2021).]

La fiera NOV 06, 08:40 PM
Well, I do respect everyone's choice of swaps. I'm with Patrick, 3800SC will never be my choice because my personal line of thought is that if you need boost to make power you have no clue of what you are doing. Then again I don't mean you don't know what you are doing. That is your choice and I respec that, as a matter of fact I'm subscribed to you channel because I like to see different Fieros. I'm all about sound, from idle to WOT! The 3800SC sounds "to me" like a HURT duck asking for help. It has no personality or aura.
I respect your choice, you like the wining sound drowning the displacement of the 3800; I respect that 100% because its your choice.
I like Green, you may like red and someone else may like Brown. To each their own and we should we respect eacho ther choices!
Me love you long time!
PS. I gave you thumbs up on YouTube!

[This message has been edited by La fiera (edited 11-06-2021).]

Dennis LaGrua NOV 06, 08:44 PM

quote
Originally posted by DimeMachine:


The LFX V6 sounds like a fine swap Dennis. My biggest concern would be would we lose that throw you back in the seat almost make you ill low end torque of the 3800 SC. I build almost 14psi instantly which builds a TON of torque down low. I am getting the itch to do another Fiero from scratch....



That is a very good point to consider. Yes with the 3800SC as soon as you floor the pedal, the boost comes on instantly. I run about 11 psi of intercooled boost and with a few breathing mods with a 3.4" pulley its got real power down low. That is the obvious benefit of an engine using a positive displacement roots type supercharger. The LFX dohc makes more horsepower stock it is a bit lighter but the power curve must be entirely different. It would be interesting to do a comparison but the DOHC engines seem to come into their own at higher RPM.s
I appreciate your sharing your project and posting the nice video.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

Warlordsix NOV 06, 09:46 PM
Loved the video. Loved the rationale. Loved the results.

Ernie

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'87 Fiero 4.9 5-speed

Patrick NOV 06, 09:56 PM

quote
Originally posted by DimeMachine:

Maybe that is why I like the motor quiet (94 Camero Z28 Muffler) and the blower loud...



I guess we're polar opposites then... as I want to hear the motor, but not the supercharger. To me, the sound a supercharger makes is too much like the disturbing noise an automatic transmission produces when it's on its last legs.That incessant whine makes my stomach knot up!

I posted my thoughts in regards to this sound Here at a Subie forum as well, so my aversion to superchargers isn't limited to just Fieros.

But I still enjoy your videos.
Dennis LaGrua NOV 06, 10:05 PM

quote
Originally posted by La fiera:

Well, I do respect everyone's choice of swaps. I'm with Patrick, 3800SC will never be my choice because my personal line of thought is that if you need boost to make power you have no clue of what you are doing.



Boosted engines are used all over as OEM standard equipment . Many offer supercharger and turbo options on 2021 models including Cadillac, Honda, Volvo, Audi, Hyundai, Volkswagon, KIA, Genesis, Nissan, Camaro, Dodge, Ford Mustang, and Jaguar. Its a legitimate way of making horsepower but difficult to use as an aftermarket add on especially on DI engines

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "