Hello Everyone. I have a little announcement that I thought I would share with the forum.
Formula F3800: Is my project car... my future show car... my dream.
The car was bought February of 2003, in Oregon. When the ad. popped up on auto trader, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. There had been a local 86 GT show car for sale in town, looked great but a little out of my price range; so I began looking them up all around the net and that is when I found this forum. After several months of looking, I came to the conclusion that I would want a Formula - (88 suspension, lightweight, etc). One morning I was wandering around EBay and Auto trader... came across a relatively mint condition CJB T-top, Red, 5spd. Instantly my heart was set. I called on the car... needless to say; I had the car held for an hour... within that time I transferred cash over to hold it until I could get there. A week later I packed up my things and went with a long road trip with my parents - from the southeast part of Idaho to the middle of Oregon. Upon seeing the car I instantly knew that it had to be mine... after a quick drive around the block, the papers were signed and I had my new car.
After roughly a year, as much as I loved this car to death; I felt like something was missing. While browsing the forum I came across info about a 3800SC engine swap. I bounced this swap along with a v8 swap around in my head for a while and ended up deciding on the 3800SC. Now came my next problem... Being an 18 yr old CADD student (Computer Aided Drafting and Design) I hadn't had much experience with engine work. I come from a family that doesn’t really work on cars. So trying to bounce: learning about engines from scratch, finishing high school, starting college courses while still in high school, and a 6hr a day job. I barely had time to think.
I came to the conclusion that in order for me to ever get this swap done, that I would need help. I went to local shops around town; got quotes... some of you may remember my thread "3800SC install grief". The shops wanted $15,000, detailed instructions, all the parts, etc... Basically I would be paying them $15k for the renting of their tools, and a guy to turn the wrench.
There was no way I was going to have an inexperienced mechanic lay a hand on my woman (car). Throughout my 3800 thread a few installers offered their services... I pondered over the thought and began researching the various people. West Coast Fiero, Purple Reign, Fast Fieros, etc.... sent a few e-mails and pm's back and forth, and was surprised when I got a very detailed e-mail of the swap and such forth from Loyde of Fast Fieros.
Loyde and I talked things over for a while, and I browsed his site. As soon as I saw his old 88GT project, I knew this was who I was going with for my swap. I was more then impressed by the level of professionalism Loyde has, always willing to explain things, extremely prompt with replying to my e-mails, etc... Plans were made, things were arranged... and a short while later Loyde showed up at my house with his truck and trailer ready to take in my car for her new power plant.
Now, a little while down the road... the swap is done, the car is on its way home this week, and I couldn't be happier.
One thing with this thread that I will get asked probably more then anything.... Was it expensive? and why didn't I go with a cheaper installer?
Expensive? Well for an 18 yr old student.... it was a good chunk of change.
Was it worth every penny to me to have Loyde do the install for me? You bet! I could not be happier with the custom work Loyde has done for me...doing everything he could to make me happy and kept me updated on the progress of my car.
Why didn't I go with someone cheaper? Maybe I was brought up different... but to me professionalism means everything... if you have good communication with your customers, and help people whenever you can... you will go far... and Loyde will go far with his business.
Now with all that said.... I present Formula F3800
As it says... 2000 Grand Prix 3800SC Series II 3.4 pulley FastFieros M1 PRJ fuel rails Custom concealed wiring Performance Solution Headers Cold air Intake Customized 80 series flowmaster exhaust etc...etc....
Future engine mods? Intercooler 1.9 rockers smaller pulleys etc....etc..... this list goes on.
This thread is not only going to be about my motor... but a whole buildup of my car. Things going in/on/or already in.. within the next month: Leather like vinyl racing seats, 3-point retractable racing harness, Rodney's Sport shifter and shifter rebuild kit, Grant steering wheel, new pedals, new ebrake handle to work with my bigger seats, 36 sq. ft. of Dynamat Xtreme, new black carpet, custom center console and firewall cover, IRM rocker panels, Norm's flushmount headlights, new 18" or 17/18" combo wheels (haven’t decided yet), exhaust tips, etc....
Stay tuned for updates and pictures... I don’t have access to get my digital cam pics on here because my old computer is toast, picking up a new one tonight.
One thing I would like to add... Please, if you are going to do nothing but bash my car, take it into pm... I would be happy to talk to you in PM's about what you hate... but I want to keep this thread active and flame free for a long time...
Thanks and enjoy.
[edit] changed PCM info... totally spaced it when I was typing this up
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[This message has been edited by Nebiros88 (edited 06-08-2004).]
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05:45 PM
PFF
System Bot
IwannaIRM Member
Posts: 1607 From: Hot, hot Houston, TX Registered: Jul 2001
I got to hear your supercharger over the phone last night as Loyde test drove the car. Sounded pretty sweet mixed with the exhaust tone from the Flowmaster.
You should drive that car and it's new heart and sould to Kansas for the Wheatstock event or if that is too far Head on up to Richland, WA for the 5th Annual Northwest Fiero Fest on August 13th & 14th. Plenty of Fiero owners from the Boise area head up for this event so you won't be travelling from Idaho alone.
------------------ 84 Fiero SE, Custom Hybrid (Updated to 88 wiring throughout, t-tops, V6, 5spd, Fastback, IMSA style whale tail, Formula bumpers and Held coil-overs) Navy Blue Metallic Paint all that remains is wheels and custom lighting. 84 Fiero IMSA Widebody (Centerlines, 3800SC & T-tops being added) slow work-in-progress
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06:04 PM
FastFieros Member
Posts: 2698 From: Dallas Texas USA Registered: Nov 2000
Glad you have enjoyed the pics, emails, phone conversations, pigeon carrier.... Whatever it takes to talk with my customers and just Fiero friends I try very hard.
The PCM needs to be addressed. The PCM is now a FastFieros M1. This stands for Manual install, version 1. It is a well thought out version for the Fiero with a maunal transmission vs having the automatic.
I do include "happy knob" timing adjustment that is easy to install. NO VATs module to worry about going out. (this can only be done with my wiring) NO codes for deleted items to pass OBDII plug and check processes. SES is active and will warn of future PID's (trouble codes) I have now reduced the problem of the IAC hunting at stop signs and high speed deceleration on manual trans installs. OBDII diagnostic plug for scanning in stock location.
To address some questions I have already received in PM, the wiring will only be additional this way with custom colors and heat shrink. The FlowMaster sounds great on this car/engine combo. I cut it down to fit in the stock location then configured the mandrel bends in the stock method.
Things Matt will be concentrating on for upgrades still: Tips for the exhaust MSD 8.5 custom lenght wires that go under the engine Red optium battery
Any questions about this built up, please EMAIL me at FastFieros@FastFieros.com
All I will say is with all the custom work, exhaust, 3.4 Pulley, PRJ rails, custom PCM, ceramic coated headers, CAI, transportation costs from Pocatello, Idaho to Princeton, Texas and back.
It was just slightly over 10...and worth every cent of it.... You also have to put yourself in my shoes to understand the justification of the price...
Locally it would have cost $15k, and it would have been installed by someone who didnt have a clue, and I would have had to buy every part/hose/clamp and provide instructions...
There is more work done in this swap, then most know... a lot more then the typical 5-6k swap other installers provide.
By no means am I bashing any of the other installers... This is just simply what worked best for me.
[This message has been edited by Nebiros88 (edited 06-08-2004).]
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07:44 PM
Wholf Member
Posts: 379 From: Cleburne, Texas Registered: Mar 2003
Looks good Loyde! You are really getting the hang of the 3800sc swaps
I think "getting" is the wrong word to use.... Loyde has "got" it down Congrats Matt and welcome to the 3800 club. Like I said before Loyde, OUTSTANDING JOB on this one!
Sweet car Nebiros88, thanks for sharing the story. Now I know exactly what you have when we are in chat together.
------------------ Red 88 GT T-Top 3800 INTERCOOLED SUPERCHARGED White 88 GT Stock Please give me a rating if you appreciate my contribution. History of Skitimes Car
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09:11 PM
Black-Azz-GT Member
Posts: 2326 From: Florida Keys Registered: Oct 2003
I'm glad to finally be a member of the 3800 club. hahahah I remember when I first came to the chat... everyone thought I was a dumb newb "blah blah this engine blah blah that engine" constantly asking questions trying to find out what I wanted...
I could tell from the response I got that no one actually thought I would end up getting a swap or doing anything with my car for that matter. Now I have proved that wrong... =P
Thats IT!!! Thats what I'm after!!! I hope to make my motor look just like that,,,, Ohhh nice.. ok back to reading!!! WOW Outstanding... and good write up! I like imformation.. information gets my motor in..LOL Just got 4 big boxes of toys again today (tuneup items and struts) OK Im inspired again.. back to work!!! Times a ticking!! ------------------ Ferrari 308 GTB rebody on a modified 86SE chasis Soon to have a highly hooped up 3800SC..Ohh yeah baby!! Contacts _ AIM / Zildjianfx _ Yahoo / djdraggin Remember, always brush your milk, drink your teeth, dont do sleep and get eight hours of drugs.
[This message has been edited by DjDraggin (edited 06-09-2004).]
I'm glad to finally be a member of the 3800 club. hahahah I remember when I first came to the chat... everyone thought I was a dumb newb "blah blah this engine blah blah that engine" constantly asking questions trying to find out what I wanted...
I could tell from the response I got that no one actually thought I would end up getting a swap or doing anything with my car for that matter. Now I have proved that wrong... =P
thanks again
It looks very clean. I am jealous! You just made me double my 3800 hunting efforts.
If you think it is clean now... wait until next spring. This winter my plan is to take a few things off (the supercharger, valve covers, etc...) and powder coat, polish, and chrome misc. parts... This is the "before" stage right now. =)
That's truly a beautiful car. Congratulations on your persistence and thorough research. I do remember your thread regarding the clueless local mechanics.
You ended up with a very sanitary installation. (I loved the "traction control" comment on Loyde's site.)
As for the engine work, all I can say is...
Loyde, Do you take VISA?
Nice work, guys.
------------------ Raydar 88 3.4 coupe........... Coming soon... 88 Formula, presently under the knife. Read Nealz Nuze!
[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 06-09-2004).]
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06:59 AM
FastFieros Member
Posts: 2698 From: Dallas Texas USA Registered: Nov 2000
Sorry it took me so long to reply... been out driving too much.
1 word.... AMAZING
It’s a totally different car... nothing like it...
Loyde's work is amazing... more then I could have asked for... I've been out showing it off around town and everyone is extremely impressed by the install.
I pulled up to the gas station we met at and got out with a huge grin on my face because I could see everything just gleaming in the light. Loyde, you are one hell of a driver my friend... I was literally scared when you got on it... I didn’t ever expect it to have that much power... it makes me wonder how much that cop saw
I just got back from taking my dad for a ride... I gave him a ride of his life too.... he was literally holding on for dear life >=) He is an old school corvette lover... I showed him a new world.
My friends are ecstatic; they love everything about it, especially the custom exhaust. It is definitely an attention getter now... I drive around and get the funniest looks and thumbs up, and people asking me if it has a turbo (shhhhhh) of course I say no and then get on it when the light changes... making them wonder and look on in disbelief
I could not be any happier with the work Loyde did for me... I woke up the next morning and what do I get? an afternoon call by Loyde, still on the road back home, making sure I was happy with the car and if I had any troubles... There my friends... is true customer service and satisfaction.
Keep up the amazing work Loyde; we'll keep in touch
[edit] By the way... everyone stay tuned... updated pics, video, the works... soon to come out
[This message has been edited by Nebiros88 (edited 06-13-2004).]
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02:13 PM
Jun 14th, 2004
Fie Ro Member
Posts: 3735 From: Soest, The Netherlands Registered: Sep 2001
I decided to go with the oval tips because they will fill the gap and look the best I think.
I'm ordering my new ADR Formula rims sometime this week so hopefully those will get here soon... My flushmount headlights should be on there way soon from Norm.
now my next decision I need to make... I need scoops of some kind to give that CAI a little more air... any suggestions???
these are the 3 i'm kind of toying over in my head: Mecham (is there anywhere to still get these?), Archie's IRMs, or Fierowarehouse full panel scoops (the ones that Amir [Rare87GT] has I believe)
any thoughts suggestions?? I really like the IRMs but without a GT front and rear I dont think they would look good. thanks
[edit] This week/weekend I will be getting the dynamat, insulation, carpet, seats, belts, etc put in so new pics will be coming... also I will be taking a little video... I know how much everyone loves to hear a car rumble. =)
[This message has been edited by Nebiros88 (edited 06-14-2004).]
Well... since there isnt as much interest in this thread yet I thought I would bump it with a few updates...
Here is a pic to give you a little idea on some of what I have planned...the parts are slowly arriving.
I want to put a nice shout-out to The Fiero Store...great parts and execellent customer service. Although some of you think some of their parts are a little $$; I would far rather spend a few extra bucks and get the parts within a week, rather then put your trust in another fiero owner and wait for months to get parts.
Currently being shipped, yet to arrive: Aero body kit, Flushmount headlights, Custom project from Aus, Archie's Rocker panels... etc... stay tuned
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06:51 PM
FastFieros Member
Posts: 2698 From: Dallas Texas USA Registered: Nov 2000
its a short teaser video... just a little vroom vroom... this is my first attempt of video taking/editing and the video is taken with a digital camera not a video camera so the sound muffles when it revs...
[This message has been edited by Nebiros88 (edited 07-16-2004).]
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02:39 AM
mrfixit58 Member
Posts: 3330 From: Seffner, Fl, USA Registered: Jul 99
something I've been meaning to find out... Whats with the lack of the black three plug vacume thingy up by the PCV cover?? On this motor theres no stock tubes(normaly rotated) and it looks as if theres nothing there, just a hole with no cover plate or anything. thanks
BTW...Love that video... and that sound ohhhh weeeeee sweet.
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01:19 PM
FastFieros Member
Posts: 2698 From: Dallas Texas USA Registered: Nov 2000
I will answer the question about the vacuum tree on the supercharger...
Again, in an attempt for the cleanest install possible, I find ways to reroute without hindering function.
The brake booster line is where the EVAP was. Since EVAP is deleted on my installs, the brake booster line is there.
The boost bypass solenoid is also deleted. So, no vacuum is needed for that area.
The last outlet is usually pluged anyway.
So, remove the tree (black thing) on top of the supercharger and you find a really large hole there. In racing builders always find a way to use money in pluging holes. So, I inserted $.25 in the hole to plug it, then filled it with RTV ultra black. I have planned to get some aluminum plates made with FastFieros engraved on them for my installs to have a signature.
quick question Loyde.. where did you get the little cap do jigger over the oil fill? I forgot the name, but I was reading in the ZZP instructions I'll need it for the IC.
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02:31 PM
FastFieros Member
Posts: 2698 From: Dallas Texas USA Registered: Nov 2000
AutoZone and Pep Boys carry them here in McKinney area. Its a spectro brand. I can get the part number if needed. I have a couple in stock.
I also carry PRJ fuel rails now in stock. There has been a design change since even Matts rail stands that are real nice laser cut pieces that work with Series III or Series II.
If there is interest in a GROUP buy of 10 units, I can get the price per unit package about $350 shipped for FIERO only and the new FPR that is on the PRJ site combo deal. Maybe even a little cheaper if I talk some more to him about it. The FPR he was using is really nice, but very hard to get from Kirban. Matt's car got the KirBan. Paul asure's me the stock regulator or the Casper adjustable in his new FPR work very well.. Here is his website > http://www.prjperformance.com/home/
