PFF - Pennock's Fiero Forum, PDA Edition

3800 swap - buying a marketplace motor that's already been pulled? (Page 1/1)

Kameirocco

NOV 15, 05:28 PM

Tomorrow I'm driving to check out a Fiero, 5 speed, iron duke... it runs, but it has issues going into gear when it's running... which i have a feeling is just the hydraulic system, so that' l be an easy fix at some point.
it's going to be in the garage for awhile while i work on getting it road worthy (ball joints, tie rod ends, mounts, interior work etc.) and during this time i'm also looking at motors to potentially throw in as well.

There are no cheap full cars around me with the 3800 (they're all in the $2,000 range). however, there is a full swap with harness, ECU, manifolds, flex plate, etc.everything looks great... it's $500... however... I know the 3800 is relatively bulletproof, but how far can you trust a motor that you cannot hear running?

it looks like it's been carefully removed and its sitting on a rolling pallet which is good for me, but i'm still leary

shemdogg

NOV 16, 09:27 AM

$500 is a deal but its a gamble. I got 2 junkyard motors and both were knocking. Still a good price for all those components. You would need a custom flywheel for the manual trans, and to get the ecu programmed from ryan at sinister. Easy swap

shem

cliffw

NOV 16, 09:54 AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Kameirocco:
... I know the 3800 is relatively bulletproof, but how far can you trust a motor that you cannot hear running? [QUOTE]

That's on you. Can you not look at in person ? Check the oil condition. Take a battery and crank it to check compression ?

Talking with the seller should give you an inkling on if the guy is trust worthy.

As others have said, all included is worth $500.00 even if the engine is bad. At least to me it is. If you decide against it, let me know.

Dennis LaGrua

NOV 16, 11:45 AM

All 3800's we have bought as a junkyard engine were in the totaled cars when we purchased them. Most did not start as the gas tanks were punctured and drained,so we just checked the odometer (60K miles or less) pulled the plugs, looked in with a fiber-optic camera and hoped for the best. When they arrived here we did a cylinder leakdown test and removed the oil pan to check for metal particles. As luck would have it all were good engines.
This is not the best way to buy a used engine but in many cases the junkyards pull them and shelve them. Most yards provide a 30 or 60 day warranty so if you get a bad one they will make good for it.
A word of caution. The 3800SC engine was discontinued in 2004 making them 20 years old. IMO chances are slim that you will find a good one but rebuilt short blocks are available.

------------------
" 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 "

cliffw

NOV 17, 10:34 AM

quote

Originally posted by cliffw:

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Kameirocco:
... I know the 3800 is relatively bulletproof, but how far can you trust a motor that you cannot hear running?

That's on you. Can you not look at in person ? Check the oil condition. Take a battery and crank it to check compression ?

Talking with the seller should give you an inkling on if the guy is trust worthy.

As others have said, all included is worth $500.00 even if the engine is bad. At least to me it is. If you decide against it, let me know.[/QUOTE]

Kameirocco

NOV 20, 09:40 AM

So far as of today, this engine is gone

ah well. Thanks everyone for the advice, appreciate it!

Dennis LaGrua

NOV 20, 11:10 AM

quote

Originally posted by Kameirocco:

So far as of today, this engine is gone

ah well. Thanks everyone for the advice, appreciate it!

Its beginning to look like the six cylinder GM 3800 engines popularity is becoming similar to that of the SBC V8 engines but the future seems to be leaning towards DOHC designs..