Originally posted by Corpsmen Ed: I am just looking for the straight dope on transmission, so I can make an educated purchase for the swap.
I would love a manual, but worry about stregth and gearing issues I have heard about from other forum members.
The Auto would be good, but less fun.
I don't plan to use it for racing or autocross. Mostly just a fun cruiser. It would be nice to have the option of getting on it, if the need arrises.
Any additional suggestions?
How much are you willing to spend, to get the transmission in and working with the 3800?
If you're willing to spend up to $5K to get the transmission in and working with the 3800, get an F40.
If you're not willing to spend much money to get the F40 working with the 3800, then make a choice between the F23 and the Getrag. The F23 is stronger, but requires more work to get installed and working, so will be a bit costlier. The Getrag will almost certainly be fine as well, if you're not going to abuse it. A newer getrag with the hydraulic throwout bearing will be a better option to go with, but does need some adapting to connect the Fiero hydraulics and cables.
And if you want to swap to auto, then stick with the 4t65 that's bolted to the 3800. Simply freshen it up and call it a day.
That's really all the info you need. All you have to do with it is make a decision. The F23 and Getrag are plenty strong to handle a close to stock 3800 SC. There are enough of them running on the roads all over the country to validate it.
Anybody have any experience with a 3800SC in longitudinal arrangement? Maybe mated to an Audi transaxle? Or maybe even a C6 corvette transaxle & bell-housing.
Still debating whether to do a frame stretch, and if so, if I should go ahead an make the move to the longitudinal setup?
I myself have wrestled with this question over, and over, and over again. Everyone who has a healthy engine, especially in the V8 swaps, seems to lean towards the F40. I am inclined to believe at this time the F40 has the best reliability and hp capabilities than any other transmission available. Yes they are more exspensive but you asked for the best transmission for your build. For my money that is the F40. All the big builders agree on that. If there was anything better they would have found it. Good luck with your project. Will, Bloozeberry, even Archie uses the F40.
------------------ Diamond Dave (The real DD not the rocker dude) 84 Enterra Vipre (The only One) 88 Formula 2.8 (soon to be Enterra Vipre)
[This message has been edited by Diamond Dave (edited 04-02-2014).]
The manual trans seems popular here but I would go with the transmission that GM designed to work in your powertrain. In the case of the 3800SC its the 4T65eHD. That may not satisfy the manual aficionados here but it makes a swap a less work .
------------------ " 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 "
In the old post by Dark horizon he says that his Getrag was holding up to 500 HP. But he had modified his driving technique so as not to blow the gearbox.
Today, many years later, I am running a Getrag behind 407HP 3800 turbo engine. And have been for the last 10 years or so. It's the clutch that takes the pain with my driving technique. (And I suspect Dark horizon's as well?)
You can run manual gearboxes behind a 3800 as long as you are not a high revs/bouncing off the limiter and drop the clutch type of driver!
------------------ "Turbo Slug" - '87 Fiero GT. 3800 turbo. - The fastest Fiero in France! @turboslugfiero https://youtu.be/hUzOAeyWLfM
