I'm swapping in a 2002 Regal 3800SC Automatic into my '88GT. Was curious how you all handle the shifter hookup. Being that the original was only 3 speed.
Can I get all 4 gears with the original Fiero shifter or do I need to change it for a 4 speed version?

you won't be able to shift to first gear.

quote Originally posted by beaumontracer: I'm swapping in a 2002 Regal 3800SC Automatic into my '88GT. Was curious how you all handle the shifter hookup. Being that the original was only 3 speed. Can I get all 4 gears with the original Fiero shifter or do I need to change it for a 4 speed version?

I believe the Fiero auto shifter has an extra position for a forth speed selection but why do you need this in the first place? Even since I had my swap I just used the shifter to select P, R, N and D. Never saw a need for 1 and 2.

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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 "

I intend to drag race it as well as street drive. Just want to get all I can out of the performance increase.

quote Originally posted by richard in nc: you won't be able to shift to first gear.

Incorrect.

The console shifter in mine with the 4T65E is un modified and I can pull it all the way down into 1st gear. Now the gear indicator does not align exactly to the correct gear past the D, but there is a positive feel and engagement for the 3 gears below that, well until I stuck down the 4 speed indicator strip from the donor car.

[This message has been edited by jelly2m8 (edited 10-01-2023).]

That would be great!

quote Originally posted by beaumontracer: I intend to drag race it as well as street drive. Just want to get all I can out of the performance increase.

Ideal shift pressures and WOT shift points can be programmed into the PCM. No need for any manual action.

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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 "

quote Originally posted by beaumontracer: I'm swapping in a 2002 Regal 3800SC Automatic into my '88GT. Was curious how you all handle the shifter hookup. Being that the original was only 3 speed. Can I get all 4 gears with the original Fiero shifter or do I need to change it for a 4 speed version?

I cut an extra "cog" or "tooth" or "detent" (what ever it is called) into the ratchet mechanism. It will stretch the shifter "boot" to it's extreme limits, but will reach.

All of the auto Fiero shifters we have seen have detents for the four speed autos.
The transmissions also have detents built into the shift arm shaft (inside the transmission) that match up perfectly the the Fiero shifter detents, when using the proper length shift arm on the transmission.

No bell crank assembly needed.

This is a bit Ghetto, but I pulled the donor car's console apart and taped the Shift indicator strip down over the Fiero console