PFF - Pennock's Fiero Forum, PDA Edition

Rebuild 3800 to 3800sc (Page 1/1)

pizzaboy98

SEP 24, 01:14 PM

This is a possibly dumb question spurred on by my local scrapyards’ lack of inventory. Are there any block differences between the L36 and L67? If someone was able to get an L36, a supercharger, and an L67 rebuild kit would it be as strong as an L67?

I can only find naturally aspirated 3800s. Some in good condition but still. Online the costs are insane, like $1700 for a 200k SC from a clearly thrashed Grand Prix. Idk, maybe I just need to look harder or wait longer. Or look for another engine. But if I’m going to go through the effort and cost of a swap I want reliable power. This car will eventually be a daily driver.

Dennis LaGrua

SEP 24, 04:45 PM

There are many differences in the 3800 N/A compared to the 3800SC. Just to name a few; different pistons, fuel rail, intake manifold, throttle body, MAP sensor, drive belts, PCM program and supercharger. The later series III N/A versions came with 200 HP. With some intake flow mods, exhaust work and a performance cam you can come close to SC horsepower.

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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 "

pizzaboy98

SEP 24, 05:17 PM

Thank you, that’s what I figured (and then some, damn that’s a lot) but would feel foolish if I hadn’t checked. I’m not starting the project for a little bit anyway so hopefully the right 3800 comes along. If not those 2.8 rebuild kits always seem in stock.

Dennis LaGrua

SEP 24, 08:01 PM

Used 3800's are usually priced right. You could start with a rebuild and go performance from there. For a bargain rebuild and assuming the crank journals are OK, you could just change the pistons go turbo and make more HP than the SC versions.

Frenchrafe

SEP 24, 09:53 PM

quote

Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:

.....you could just change the pistons go turbo and make more HP than the SC versions.

I'd say pistons and rods.
Then you'll be good for going higher power than SC.
😉😁

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"Turbo Slug" - '87 Fiero GT. 3800 turbo. - The fastest Fiero in France! @turboslugfiero
https://youtu.be/hUzOAeyWLfM

fieroguru

SEP 25, 07:00 AM

It hasn't been mentioned, but the 3800SC heads are different as well. With the SC taking up space between the heads, the injectors were moved to the heads vs. being in the intake.
When people have done this in the past they refer to it as a top swap (3800 SC heads/lower intake/SC on a NA short block).

Dennis LaGrua

SEP 25, 08:09 AM

quote

Originally posted by fieroguru:

It hasn't been mentioned, but the 3800SC heads are different as well. With the SC taking up space between the heads, the injectors were moved to the heads vs. being in the intake.
When people have done this in the past they refer to it as a top swap (3800 SC heads/lower intake/SC on a NA short block).

Good point. I always wondered why the top swap was done by a few. If you decide to change the all those components to do this you will still have the NA pistons and higher compression ratio. IMO, the simple solution for N/A power (on a good quality engine) is to change to SC pistons and add a turbo. It will be a more economical approach.