Basics of Clutch Needed for 3800 Swap (Page 1/1)
rehoward JUN 19, 02:24 PM
I guess I posted in the Mall instead of here where I thought I was. Sorry about that. I find that navigating this site to be a little confusing at times.
Great site though and great people too.

I have a 1986 Fiero with the manual 5 speed trans and 2.8 V6. I am planning to put a 2004 3800SC motor in it this summer.
I have read thread after thread on what flywheel to use for the swap and it seems that there are a lot of varying opinions on
this topic.

I was hoping that someone can cut through all the mud and just say what needs to be done. It looks like I can use a stock 3800
flywheel if I have the face thickness machined down. If true, machined to what dimension? After machining will it need to be surface ground?
I have also read that it will need to be rebalanced. Rebalanced to what spec? I assume the average machine shop will have no clue regarding this
so what can I do?

And lastly, I would like to put a higher performance clutch disc in it and also a pressure plate with increased pressure to handle the SC's torque.
Where can I find these without breaking the bank? And while I am thinking of it, will the 3800 throw-out bearing, throw-out fork, and linkage work
for the swap?

I am retired and on a tight budget so I need to get this done without buying high priced racy stuff with an expensive name. I don't have extra money to spend
for fancy names.

I was considering buying a new flywheel from Rock Auto, which are cheap, and having it machined and balanced. Maybe a factory HD clutch exists for a 3800 or something
similar and which is more affordable than name brands?

I plan on tweaking the SC with a smaller pulley and incorporating an intercooler. Need cheap alternatives for these items as well.

So there it is. Horsepower on the cheap. I am sure there are items out there that will work without paying the high price of fancy names. Help me out here.

Thanks!

Randy
jpeeler JUN 19, 04:47 PM
Easiest and probably most economical is to just order a FieroRog flywheel that comes ready to bolt on to the 3800. You can get mounts from him as well. I have experienced both Spec stage 3 and Spec Stage 3+ clutches on my swap. The 3+ is much more streetable in my opinion. It is full face and not puck style.
longjonsilver JUN 19, 05:50 PM
i agree with Jpeeler. i bot a used flywheel and had it machined down and balanced for use with a 4 speed tranny. It ended up costing me more than a FieroRog flywheel and LOTS of hassle. i also have a spec 3+ clutch.

------------------
Astronomy says we will find a coded signal from outer space. Then we'll KNOW that life exists there, for coded signals aren't by chance.

Biology says there are coded genetic signals in every cell, but we KNOW that no intelligence created life.

I'm the original owner of a white ' 84 2M4 purchased Dec 10, 1983 from Pontiac. Always garaged, no rust, 3800SC, 4-wheel drifts are fun!

jelly2m8 JUN 19, 09:59 PM
I'll 3rd that. Save yourself the hassle and money and get a ready to go flywheel from FieroRog. You use the clutch and release bearing for the Transmission you are using, not the engine. Can't go wrong with the Spec Stage 3+ it will hold the power and feel like a stock clutch.
Additivewalnut JUN 21, 02:19 PM
The fierorog flywheel in my car hasn't given me any issues, and it was easier than trying to tell a machine shop what I needed. I have a spec 3+ and it bites hard, doesn't feel too heavy. There's a little bit of chatter but that's been going away some as the miles go up. Find Fierorog on facebook, he's a real nice guy