I'm getting my Fiero(s) in a little over a week. My daily driver ('87 GT) has a Series II naturally aspirated 3800 (out of a 2000 Bonneville, if it matters although I don't think it does) mated to a stock 5 speed Getrag. I've never had a motor swapped Fiero, never driven anything with this particular motor and never had a 5 speed in a Fiero (4 speed in my old '86 GT).

I feel kinda stupid asking but, how should this be driven? Short shift, wind it out, easy on the gas, both feet flat on the floor? Torque down low? ??? What's best for "fun" and longevity?

You should obey all local traffic laws.

esp: that speed trap at US24 and US31.

[This message has been edited by Gall757 (edited 04-17-2015).]

It probably has a new clutch so you should drive it normally for about 500 miles till the clutch breaks in. After that wind it up. That's why you swapped engines right ... to have fun. BTW I have a 3800na 5 speed (isuzu) swap in my 87SE. It's a blast. Tons of TQ.

quote Originally posted by Gall757: You should obey all local traffic laws. esp: that speed trap at US24 and US31.

They can't help it. State Police post is there. If I were a State Trooper, that's where I'd set something up.

The engine can easily live with 4000-4500 rpm before shifting. It's pretty much the same limits as a stock Fiero. IF the swap was done right. A stock clutch package won't hold up to a lot of banging because you've just put another 50% horsepower behind it, but an upgraded assembly should do well.

quote Originally posted by fierofool: The engine can easily live with 4000-4500 rpm before shifting. It's pretty much the same limits as a stock Fiero. IF the swap was done right. A stock clutch package won't hold up to a lot of banging because you've just put another 50% horsepower behind it, but an upgraded assembly should do well.

It's got a Stage 3 (Spec 3?) clutch. I think that's upgraded but I don't know much about these things.

It's got plenty of torque down low to short shift it, but it can certainly sustain 4500-5k shifts all day long. Spec Stage 3 is plenty and will last a long time. You won't break that 282 unless you're dumping the clutch and acting like a dummy. 1st is kind of short, so just putting around town you can take off in 2nd

[This message has been edited by Slammed (edited 04-17-2015).]

quote Originally posted by Slammed: It's got plenty of torque down low to short shift it, but it can certainly sustain 4500-5k shifts all day long. Spec Stage 3 is plenty and will last a long time. You won't break that 282 unless you're dumping the clutch and acting like a dummy. 1st is kind of short, so just putting around town you can take off in 2nd

I'm 47 years old. Long ago, I learned the difference between "fun/aggressive driving" and "acting like a dummy" (especially when I'm paying the bills) long ago . I've got no problem pretending I'm a race car driver once in a while but F&F is a little beyond me.

Thanks for the reply!

[This message has been edited by Monkeyman (edited 04-17-2015).]