Engine and Clutch help

[Dr_Evil]

Hi folks.. I have been a long time lurker on this forum, and even through it's members I have discovered a fantastic shop where I can take my Fiero.

The shop in question is Tim's Service Centre in Carleton Place, which is Fiero friendly and they are very reasonable and honest.

Below is my humble plea for advice with respect to my Fiero and it's woes.

I have a 3800 Series II S/C swap and since the swap I have had a series of issues, some of which have been partially resolved through posts here and through Wes over at Tim's Service Centre.

Here are my main issues which I would like to get help with:

1) Mounting of the 3800 in a Fiero. Since the swap I have broken/replaced a couple of engine mounts and a transmission mount. It was discovered that from the swap at least one dogbone type mount was never installed at the top of the engine (passenger side, rear of car) and that would allow for a LOT of engine torquing.

My engine still 'moves' quite a significant bit, enough to cause a knocking sensation on even the lightest of accelleration. What mounts from this installation could I be missing? 

2) The clutch installed with the swap was a Centerforce Stage 3 ceramic clutch system. Since it's installation I have had the impression of slippage, but was told this is normal with ceramic.. needless to say, it has become MUCH worse and now it is absolutely terrible.

What is the recommendation for a clutch in a 3800 S/C swap? Something that will last, and obviously not slip easily.

Thank you all again.. special thanks to DGuy who first notified me about Tim's Service Centre.

[2ML67]

An upper dog bone would really help, on some modified 3800SC swaps with the manual trannies I have added a second dog bone on the opposite side for extra strength.
For a clutch I would go with a SPEC stage III, some will argue but with 15 of them in 3800SC Fiero that I have built all are still working just fine. Dan

[Dr_Evil]

Thanks for the info. This is exactly what I was looking for.

Is it possible to get the actual part number(s) so I could order the clutch?

For the extra dogbone, where exactly would that be, i.e drivers side front (towards driver), drivers side back (attached to back of car), passenger side front? The one that was added is passenger side back on the top.  Is there a place on teh engine itself where this new mount can be attached, and on the Fiero, or does this require some custom work?

Sorry for the multitude of questions. I see a light at the end of a very long tunnel and would like to get it perfect first time.

In fact.. I may even want to bring it to you for the dogbone installation asyou have done a lot of swaps already. I'd certainly appreciate the 'look over' to see if there is anything else missing/incorrect as well.

Thanks again.

[Bradtholomew]

I ordered my clutch directly from Spec.  I tried getting it (slightly cheaper) from JDS performance online, but they couldn't ship a clutch to Canada, for whatever reason.   I'd look to get one locally from a Spec dealer if I were you, mine came UPS and I had to pay almost a hundred bucks extra when I picked it up.

The part number is SC883 (for a 5-speed Getrag), or SC773 (4-speed), not sure which tranny you have.

Brad

[2ML67]

I make each dog bone bracket up from 1/4 inch plate steel right on the car with the engine installed so if you want to bring the car by I can look it over and make up a dog bone bracket for you while it is here.
Just pick a nice sunny day and come by fairly early in the day, I should have the swap I am working on done this weekend so any time after that is fine. Dan

[Dr_Evil]

Thanks guys!

This is fantastic and I really appreciate all this help.

I'll send a PM for setting up a date to bring the car over. Meanwhile I'll call around and order up that clutch.

[lsixtyseven]

Everything i order from the states i get shipped to the ups store in ogdensburg new york and i just cross the border and pick it up. No problems with paying extra for brokers or with companies not wanting to ship to Canada.

Tibs

[Dr_Evil]

I am about to order the clutch.. for a 5 speed Getrag.

One last point though I think I should cover. IF I were to require a new flywheel.. what are my best options and where to find it?

Thanks again for all your help.

[Bradtholomew]

My flywheel was from West Coast Fiero, the remachined cast iron one.

http://www.westcoastfiero.com/engine_conversions/conversion_flywheels.html

A bit of a sketchy purchase (phone order, no tracking # or updates), but it came within a couple weeks and is installed and working with no issues.

You may want to post a picture of the clutch when you get it to make sure it's the right one, Dan and I had some issues with the clutch I'd ordered.  They sent me a 5-speed throwout bearing with a 4-speed clutch.  Turns out there's some minor interference between the clutch and the bell housing on the transmission with the 4-speed clutch.

Brad

[indypacecar]

Hey there ..  I have a stage 4 clutch and a flywheel for sale,   about 600 kms on both.  If interested    Thanks Sean