The Turbo Buick engine....in an Opel GT?

Opel_GT_Guy · 08-11-2003, 11:57 PM

Okay...here's my whole story...
about 8 monthes ago, I bought an 85 Fiero 2M4 with the false hopes that it would be a great street car. As it undoubtibly turned out, there are only 4 performance parts for the car (I have them all now) and the car STILL SUCKS! I have yet to win a race in it...well, at least it looks fast...
So...after a lot of grumbling and ranting and raving, my father's boss comes up to me one day and says "I'll tell ya what....I'll give ya my Opel GT - Free. Stop by my place later to check it out." So I head over there, thinkin' "WOW! I'VE GOT A MINI CORVETTE!" Well, there was a catch to gettin' it - the guy shreaded the poor little 1.1 4 Cylinder to dust and left the car in his woods for 10 years.
At first, I didn't know what to do with it. But, a few clicks on some engine web sites got my mind runnin'. After a web site or two, I wanted nothing but a V8 under the hood. I wanted to have the most bitchin' ride in town. But, with the cost for all the modifications to house the enormous V8 and then the insurance for the damn thing quickly sent me back searching for a power plant.
Then, about 6 monthes ago, I meet a guy named Scott (AKA "UR50SLO")who has this little shop called "POWER CONCEPTS". I walk in there, and the 1st thing I see is his Buick GN. He says he can swap the engine/transmission from it and throw it into my Opel GT. I kinda thought "Well, not a V8, but It'll do..." Then he told me the numbers these V6's can spit out....and that got me on board. He said he'll do the engine/Transmission swap for real cheap (Which is perfect for me) So, did a few odd jobs here and there, I saved up some money and a few monthes later go back over there to pay the man to get cuttin' one my car. Power Concepts - shut down, Scott - gone. Can't find the guy anywhere.
So...now I've got two cars - one that doesn't run and another that runs worse than a Civic (Imports are Satan, so that why I didn't buy my friends Eclipse's engine and put that in the Opel GT) Which is another reason I have selected this engine. ITS AMERICAN PERFORMANCE BABY, HOORAH!
So....now that I've spat out all the cryptic bull****, I've finally got to the point of this stink burger of a question - Can this really be pulled off successfully and on a tight budget? Tight being $3,400 for a running total (plus an extra 20 dollars for selling that junk Fiero...sorry if you liked that car, but it can't break 100 MPH AFTER all the mods for it...its really worth nothing) Well, since scott decided to skip town on me, I'll have to start by finding my power plant and automatic transmission (Its gonna be auto. cuz the Fiero is manual, and I'm too much of a lazy bum for a manual sports car.)
So...what I'm asking for is some assistance in this matter (I.E., tips, tricks/tools of the trade, parts, the engine/trans. itself, ETC) That is, if you aren't all pissed off at me for rambling on for such an annoyingly ammount of time.
Well, thanks for your seemingly 2 hours of attention. I hope for some feedback!!
-Ben

scott wile · 08-12-2003, 12:12 AM

I believe you can do it for $3400 as long your doing most of the work and making your own parts. It'll be close but if you find a complete engine and trans for $2000 to $3000 like I did, your leftover money will probably all go to materials for the swap. Your best bet would be to search the boards for parts and an engine. Another idea would be to talk to the other guy on this board that has already done the same swap. Search for Opel and you should find him. Good luck.

-scott wile

Scottie-GNZ · 08-12-2003, 05:24 PM

I will go out on a limb and say it cannot be done for that $$$, IF YOU WANT TO DO IT RIGHT AND SAFE. Put the engine and tranny cost aside for a second. With even the slightest mods, the torque from this engine will twist that frame into a pretzel. You will also break the rear-end if you stare at the gas pedal too hard (besides, it has the wrong gearing). That means you will need a custom beefy rear-end, frame stiffening and a proper cage (remember I said safe). Look at my sig, then knock another 500lbs of the weight of my car and if that does not scare you, then you have no idea of what you are in for. To continue, you will need better brakes, front suspension and "normal wheels and tires are out of the question.

Maybe everything I said sounds like overkill, but if you intend to drive this car on the street, take it from me, do not consider doing it any other way. The acceleration is frightening (0-60 in the low-2 sec range) and you will have a shorter wheelbase. Having said all that, do as Chevota said and search for the other person who did it. I believe he is somewhere in one of the Scandinavian countries. Contact him and get the skinny. You will find everything will be custom.

BTW, not trying to discourage you, just give you a dose of reality. We are all here to help, so good luck.

Opel_GT_Guy · 08-12-2003, 10:08 PM

Thanks for all the help guys. I found the E-mail address of the Scandinavian man you all were talkin' about. Unfortunatley, the e-mail address didn't work.
Anyways...do you really have to put a roll cage in the car? I know for safety and all of that mumbo jumbo, but I think that roll cages detract from a cars natural beauty and make it less desireable as a street car (Yes, I am a stubborn Dumbass.)
Plus, other than the insane power this car puts out, can and will this still be the same car? As in, do I have to shred the car to little bits then get a ton of sheet metal and work it around the enormous engine? I am on a VERY tight budget here. Unless it truely has to be done, I can't afford to do it.
One thing I am just dieing to know is...will this thing perform? As in, if on the street, and some dumbass pulls up to me in say, a 350 Z or a Mitsubishi Eclipse and they are in "THE ZONE" thinkin' they can take me, can and will I dust them?? Just wondering....I've got quite a few scores to settle once this car is complete.
Thanks for all your continuing support guys!! Ben Chapman, Elkhart, IN

dr_grndntl · 08-13-2003, 09:49 AM

I think Scottie was recommending the cage for for safety of your frame as well as you.

If you ever want ot take the car to a track and it's capable of sub 12sec et's then you'll need a cage.

Your car when complete should be able to settle plenty of scores with a GN drivetrain successfully.

Dan

Scottie-GNZ · 08-13-2003, 03:55 PM

A 3700lb TR capable of running 12.25 is probably considered a mild combo. Now take that same combo, put it in the Opel GT, get conservative and say it weighs a hefty 2400lbs and that car would be capable of 10.50 @ 129. If you can get traction, you will be capable of a 0-60 in 2.5 secs. As was stated earlier, drag strips require a cage at 11.99 and quicker. Trust me, you will twist the frame w/o major chassis reinforcement.

Probably the most famous hybrid you can identify with is the infamous 427 Cobra. The original import that was used had major frame upgrades and your Buick-powered Opel GT would match its power and easily stomp it. So, running 350Zs, Mustang GTs, etc would really be somewhat of a waste of time.

Opel_GT_Guy · 08-15-2003, 03:53 PM

thanks for everything guys!! Well, I did some searching around on the net, and I found a web site that sells rebuilt 3.8 Liter engines and transmissions! So, I scrambled all my money together and bought the engine/trans. all for about $2000

Now...the rest of the car...You all mentioned something about a 'BEEFY REAR END' that could take all the torque and power that the engine is gonna be puttin' down. So...do you have any suggestions on what would work the best? I found a web site on the net that sells custom suspensions, brakes, tires, etc. for project cars like mine.

The engine/trans. are gonna take 2-3 weeks to get here, and the other parts I have yet to order. Thanks for your continuing support guys!!!
-Ben Chapman

P.S. Running against those 350 Zs, Civics, Supras and what not would not be 'a waste of time'. It will be sweet revenge - the American way! GM PERFORMANCE!!! usa

dlevey · 08-15-2003, 04:08 PM

You bought a rebuilt engine and trans for $2000.00 ????? Do you know what you bought ? for that price I would guess you bought a standard 231 carbed long block and a turbo 350 or turbo 200 trans, for your sake I hope my ASSumptions are wrong.

scott wile · 08-15-2003, 06:58 PM

Carbed 3.8 and 200 trans....my thoughts exactly.
I don't think you know what you're getting into OpelGT guy!!

-scott wile

Opel_GT_Guy · 08-16-2003, 12:59 AM

Okay...I'm not a idiot, allright? I've got 1/2 a brain in this giant head of mine. First off, I tripled checked to make sure that the engine and transmission were what I wanted (The same turbo engine and trans you'd find in all your custom cars). And they were both of course, NOT some whimpy 3.8 liter and 200 trans. Secondly, even if it were just a 3.8 liter and 200 trans, thats still a jump from the 1.1 liter/4 speed manual trans thats sitting in it right now shredded to pieces. You gotta remember, this things base weight is only 2,100, so any engine thats bigger than the stock one is gonna make this thing fly.

I'm at the point now where...I don't really care if its an 8 or 9 second 1/4 mile car. I just need to get a car to make up for that damn piece of junk Fiero I bought. And no, I'm not gonna put a 3.8 liter engine in that thing as some of you are probably wondering. My eyes hurt every time I look at that stupid thing. I'm gettin' rid of it A.S.A.P.

Well, thanks again for all your continueing support (and critisism)!!! -Ben Chapman

85 Fiero: Dual exhaust, Holley Big bore throttle body, K&N Air filter, OZ racing wheels, perf. cam, perf. headers, 1/4 mile - 2 years @ 94 MPH (IF it starts)

Orlando_87GN · 08-16-2003, 11:39 AM

IMO, the Fiero will be easier to install that motor into. It's been done before and you can tap into the resources here on this board from people how have been there done that. The transmission is a BOP bolt pattern, so you don't even need to convert anything or hunt down a transmission to use. The rest of the car is GM anyway. If I hadn't converted an RX-7 the Fiero was my second choice. Talk to some of the guys who have done Fieros, make an educated decision. I can tell you with the knowledge that I have about conversions now, I wouldn't attempt an Opel GT. If I were doing a race car only that would be a different story. But think about for a street car, radiator, Intercooler, exhaust, battery location, hood clearance, steering rack location, downpipe routing, motor mounts, are all going to be more difficult than normal. This means ultra custom work for each of these projects. With a $3500 budget like stated above, I foresee a car that will never get finished.....

The last thing I want to do is discourage someone from creating yet another hybrid, but in this case I would rather not see someone get frustrated and give up on a project leaving a bad taste in their mouth about the Buick V6. It will be a challenge, it will be expensive (probably $10k to do it right) and if you are up for that, go for it. Otherwise, pick a different car so you can get it completed within your budget (I would also like to add there is no such thing as a 'budget' with these) and within a decent time frame, because the other half of enjoyment is driving the car down the road!
powersix

scott wile · 08-16-2003, 02:02 PM

I apologize!! Where in the world did you find a rebuilt LC2 motor and trans for $2000? I'd like to know for future reference. Also, how complete is it? I wasn't trying to be rude, but that's a damn good deal if it is what you say it is!!

-scott wile

Opel_GT_Guy · 08-16-2003, 04:55 PM

errrrrr....sorry guys...I accidently kind of lied to you about that LC2 Motor and trans... See, I said it was a complete motor, but its not really. "MY BAD DAUGS!" as the ricers say... The trans is complete, but the engine will still need the valve covers, timing cover, intake manifold, carbs and oil pan. So I'm gonna have to probably fork out another 1,500 for all that stuff...so sorry!! Didn't mean to get your hopes up with a perfect engine/trans web site...

Anyways, no, I think the Fiero has maxed out its 9 lives it had when I 1st bought it. I'm not gonna start rippin' into a project like that. Besides, what would I do with the Opel then? The engine and trans are wasted - irrepairable. The previous owner had his jollies in that thing till he ****ed all that **** up. So, even if I were to have a good Buick V6 Fiero, that solves almost nothing really. It would be nice to avenge myself in the same car everyones been enjoying pounding my ass in. But, I wanna bigger gun, if ya know what I mean...

I'm not sayin' its a bad idea, it would just kind of be a waste of resources on my part. Cuz when the Fiero would be all done, then I still have the Opel GT sitting in my back yard collecting even more dust and rust than whats already on it* (*there is no rust or dust on the car, I'm a psycho so I wash it daily. It was just a figure of speech)But, my one idiot (I mean, SUPER INTELLIGENT!) Friend wants to actually buy that..."KICK ASS SPORTS CAR" from me for 5,900 (idiot...I told him it was european and it says in big bold letters "PONTIAC" on the back, now he's at my place every day makein' offers on it. $5,900 was his last one, I'm waitin' till the screw ball goes to 7 now, then I'll have enough to probably just finish the project on the skin of my teeth.) Some of you will say that its wrong, others bad, but I say selling it for 7,000 when I originally bought it for $2,000 is a fair trade, for me(especially when I figure in all the bull**** the car has put me through, I.E., not starting when on dates, the millions of lost races, ETC)

Sorry I'm so stubborn guys...I'm that one American car fan you all hate because he's sooooo ****in' stuborn

Thanks for all of your continuing support and feedback!! ^_^
- Ben Chapman

Orlando_87GN · 08-16-2003, 10:56 PM

Carbs? These are fuel injected motors and don't use carbs. I think you need to do some serious research on the subject. I feel (and I don't think I am alone on this one) that you might be way in over your head. If you can get $7900 for the Opel that you descibed to us I would run to the bank. Then go out and buy yourself a GN to get familar with the Buick drivetrain. Drive the Buick and be done with most of your goals. powersix

Opel_GT_Guy · 08-16-2003, 11:21 PM

::SHRUGS:: Well, shiot....I dunno every little bolt, weld, and nut to these engines, okay? I picked the engine cause 1. unlike MOPAR cars of the same engine size, this one can easily be turbo charged and raced, and 2. a guy I know said he'd help me out with the project since he'd done a similar project with another Opel GT (Only he didn't put a turbo/intercooler on it) Plus, me and my one friend Wayne have only worked on MOPARs. So basically, we're just goin' by whatever this guy tells us (apparantly from your yelling and hollering, he hasn't told us the whole story.)
And plus, I just copy/pasted the list of the 'Parts not included' from the engine web site, so don't yell @ me - yell @ them. As wayne always says "HEY MAN! DON'T YELL AT ME, I ONLY WORK HERE!!" Now that I've got the engine/trans on the way, the guy who 'supposidly' is gonna help me better not croak on me. If he dies suddenly in a drag race accident or some stupid shiot like that. Basically, I made a deal with the guy. I do the body/interior work and get the engine/trans, he does the rest. When it comes to GM's, FORD's, AMC's, and anything other than MOPAR, I pretty much try to steer clear of it.

(Geez...people are gonna be pissed at me now...) yeah, so...now that I've pissed every GN owner off from the east to west coasts, the counter will break on this page. And my e-mail will be flooded with pissed off Buick hybrid owners (Though I should be thankful for that - it'll be a relief to get e-mail from actual CAR owners and not pissed off Ricers) ::OPENS STEEL UMBRELLA:: well, keep on sendin' the replies, and I'll do my best with this stink burger of a project!!! -Ben

08-11-2003, 11:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
Opel_GT_Guy CHAPMAN!!! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Elkhart, Indiana Posts: 139	The Turbo Buick engine....in an Opel GT? Okay...here's my whole story... about 8 monthes ago, I bought an 85 Fiero 2M4 with the false hopes that it would be a great street car. As it undoubtibly turned out, there are only 4 performance parts for the car (I have them all now) and the car STILL SUCKS! I have yet to win a race in it...well, at least it looks fast... So...after a lot of grumbling and ranting and raving, my father's boss comes up to me one day and says "I'll tell ya what....I'll give ya my Opel GT - Free. Stop by my place later to check it out." So I head over there, thinkin' "WOW! I'VE GOT A MINI CORVETTE!" Well, there was a catch to gettin' it - the guy shreaded the poor little 1.1 4 Cylinder to dust and left the car in his woods for 10 years. At first, I didn't know what to do with it. But, a few clicks on some engine web sites got my mind runnin'. After a web site or two, I wanted nothing but a V8 under the hood. I wanted to have the most bitchin' ride in town. But, with the cost for all the modifications to house the enormous V8 and then the insurance for the damn thing quickly sent me back searching for a power plant. Then, about 6 monthes ago, I meet a guy named Scott (AKA "UR50SLO")who has this little shop called "POWER CONCEPTS". I walk in there, and the 1st thing I see is his Buick GN. He says he can swap the engine/transmission from it and throw it into my Opel GT. I kinda thought "Well, not a V8, but It'll do..." Then he told me the numbers these V6's can spit out....and that got me on board. He said he'll do the engine/Transmission swap for real cheap (Which is perfect for me) So, did a few odd jobs here and there, I saved up some money and a few monthes later go back over there to pay the man to get cuttin' one my car. Power Concepts - shut down, Scott - gone. Can't find the guy anywhere. So...now I've got two cars - one that doesn't run and another that runs worse than a Civic (Imports are Satan, so that why I didn't buy my friends Eclipse's engine and put that in the Opel GT) Which is another reason I have selected this engine. ITS AMERICAN PERFORMANCE BABY, HOORAH! So....now that I've spat out all the cryptic bull****, I've finally got to the point of this stink burger of a question - Can this really be pulled off successfully and on a tight budget? Tight being $3,400 for a running total (plus an extra 20 dollars for selling that junk Fiero...sorry if you liked that car, but it can't break 100 MPH AFTER all the mods for it...its really worth nothing) Well, since scott decided to skip town on me, I'll have to start by finding my power plant and automatic transmission (Its gonna be auto. cuz the Fiero is manual, and I'm too much of a lazy bum for a manual sports car.) So...what I'm asking for is some assistance in this matter (I.E., tips, tricks/tools of the trade, parts, the engine/trans. itself, ETC) That is, if you aren't all pissed off at me for rambling on for such an annoyingly ammount of time. Well, thanks for your seemingly 2 hours of attention. I hope for some feedback!! -Ben __________________

08-12-2003, 12:12 AM	#2 (permalink)
scott wile Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Upland,Ca Posts: 310	I believe you can do it for $3400 as long your doing most of the work and making your own parts. It'll be close but if you find a complete engine and trans for $2000 to $3000 like I did, your leftover money will probably all go to materials for the swap. Your best bet would be to search the boards for parts and an engine. Another idea would be to talk to the other guy on this board that has already done the same swap. Search for Opel and you should find him. Good luck. -scott wile __________________ '89 Toyota truck - 231ci, Accufab 70mm T-body and plenum, 160 lb inj, XFI, Powerstroke IC, Fluidyne radiator, powerglide, 9in 3400 stall TC, LE 70GTQ, GN1's, 3.42 gears, 3000 lbs 8's@160+ http://lc2toyota.tripod.com/

08-12-2003, 05:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
Scottie-GNZ Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Orlando, FL, USA Posts: 1,563	I will go out on a limb and say it cannot be done for that $$$, IF YOU WANT TO DO IT RIGHT AND SAFE. Put the engine and tranny cost aside for a second. With even the slightest mods, the torque from this engine will twist that frame into a pretzel. You will also break the rear-end if you stare at the gas pedal too hard (besides, it has the wrong gearing). That means you will need a custom beefy rear-end, frame stiffening and a proper cage (remember I said safe). Look at my sig, then knock another 500lbs of the weight of my car and if that does not scare you, then you have no idea of what you are in for. To continue, you will need better brakes, front suspension and "normal wheels and tires are out of the question. Maybe everything I said sounds like overkill, but if you intend to drive this car on the street, take it from me, do not consider doing it any other way. The acceleration is frightening (0-60 in the low-2 sec range) and you will have a shorter wheelbase. Having said all that, do as Chevota said and search for the other person who did it. I believe he is somewhere in one of the Scandinavian countries. Contact him and get the skinny. You will find everything will be custom. BTW, not trying to discourage you, just give you a dose of reality. We are all here to help, so good luck. __________________

08-12-2003, 10:08 PM	#4 (permalink)
Opel_GT_Guy CHAPMAN!!! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Elkhart, Indiana Posts: 139	Thanks for all the help guys. I found the E-mail address of the Scandinavian man you all were talkin' about. Unfortunatley, the e-mail address didn't work. Anyways...do you really have to put a roll cage in the car? I know for safety and all of that mumbo jumbo, but I think that roll cages detract from a cars natural beauty and make it less desireable as a street car (Yes, I am a stubborn Dumbass.) Plus, other than the insane power this car puts out, can and will this still be the same car? As in, do I have to shred the car to little bits then get a ton of sheet metal and work it around the enormous engine? I am on a VERY tight budget here. Unless it truely has to be done, I can't afford to do it. One thing I am just dieing to know is...will this thing perform? As in, if on the street, and some dumbass pulls up to me in say, a 350 Z or a Mitsubishi Eclipse and they are in "THE ZONE" thinkin' they can take me, can and will I dust them?? Just wondering....I've got quite a few scores to settle once this car is complete. Thanks for all your continuing support guys!! Ben Chapman, Elkhart, IN __________________

08-13-2003, 09:49 AM	#5 (permalink)
dr_grndntl Registered User Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Windsor, ON Posts: 495	I think Scottie was recommending the cage for for safety of your frame as well as you. If you ever want ot take the car to a track and it's capable of sub 12sec et's then you'll need a cage. Your car when complete should be able to settle plenty of scores with a GN drivetrain successfully. Dan __________________ 1987 Grand National, GT6131E, 3" ATR d/p, 42lb, Walbro 340, Hotwire, Taylor Pro 409 Race wires, 160 t/stat, RJC Powerplate, Adj fuel reg. SM 2.1, stock everything else.

08-13-2003, 03:55 PM	#6 (permalink)
Scottie-GNZ Registered User Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Orlando, FL, USA Posts: 1,563	A 3700lb TR capable of running 12.25 is probably considered a mild combo. Now take that same combo, put it in the Opel GT, get conservative and say it weighs a hefty 2400lbs and that car would be capable of 10.50 @ 129. If you can get traction, you will be capable of a 0-60 in 2.5 secs. As was stated earlier, drag strips require a cage at 11.99 and quicker. Trust me, you will twist the frame w/o major chassis reinforcement. Probably the most famous hybrid you can identify with is the infamous 427 Cobra. The original import that was used had major frame upgrades and your Buick-powered Opel GT would match its power and easily stomp it. So, running 350Zs, Mustang GTs, etc would really be somewhat of a waste of time. __________________

08-15-2003, 03:53 PM	#7 (permalink)
Opel_GT_Guy CHAPMAN!!! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Elkhart, Indiana Posts: 139	thanks for everything guys!! Well, I did some searching around on the net, and I found a web site that sells rebuilt 3.8 Liter engines and transmissions! So, I scrambled all my money together and bought the engine/trans. all for about $2000 Now...the rest of the car...You all mentioned something about a 'BEEFY REAR END' that could take all the torque and power that the engine is gonna be puttin' down. So...do you have any suggestions on what would work the best? I found a web site on the net that sells custom suspensions, brakes, tires, etc. for project cars like mine. The engine/trans. are gonna take 2-3 weeks to get here, and the other parts I have yet to order. Thanks for your continuing support guys!!! -Ben Chapman P.S. Running against those 350 Zs, Civics, Supras and what not would not be 'a waste of time'. It will be sweet revenge - the American way! GM PERFORMANCE!!! usa __________________

08-15-2003, 04:08 PM	#8 (permalink)
dlevey Registered User Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: solon,oh Posts: 218	You bought a rebuilt engine and trans for $2000.00 ????? Do you know what you bought ? for that price I would guess you bought a standard 231 carbed long block and a turbo 350 or turbo 200 trans, for your sake I hope my ASSumptions are wrong. __________________ Dave Levey 87 GN 10.23@135-sold 86 WH1 90 RX7 VERT GN POWER 10.18@119 & 10.44@135

08-15-2003, 06:58 PM	#9 (permalink)
scott wile Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Upland,Ca Posts: 310	Carbed 3.8 and 200 trans....my thoughts exactly. I don't think you know what you're getting into OpelGT guy!! -scott wile __________________ '89 Toyota truck - 231ci, Accufab 70mm T-body and plenum, 160 lb inj, XFI, Powerstroke IC, Fluidyne radiator, powerglide, 9in 3400 stall TC, LE 70GTQ, GN1's, 3.42 gears, 3000 lbs 8's@160+ http://lc2toyota.tripod.com/

08-16-2003, 12:59 AM	#10 (permalink)
Opel_GT_Guy CHAPMAN!!! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Elkhart, Indiana Posts: 139	Okay...I'm not a idiot, allright? I've got 1/2 a brain in this giant head of mine. First off, I tripled checked to make sure that the engine and transmission were what I wanted (The same turbo engine and trans you'd find in all your custom cars). And they were both of course, NOT some whimpy 3.8 liter and 200 trans. Secondly, even if it were just a 3.8 liter and 200 trans, thats still a jump from the 1.1 liter/4 speed manual trans thats sitting in it right now shredded to pieces. You gotta remember, this things base weight is only 2,100, so any engine thats bigger than the stock one is gonna make this thing fly. I'm at the point now where...I don't really care if its an 8 or 9 second 1/4 mile car. I just need to get a car to make up for that damn piece of junk Fiero I bought. And no, I'm not gonna put a 3.8 liter engine in that thing as some of you are probably wondering. My eyes hurt every time I look at that stupid thing. I'm gettin' rid of it A.S.A.P. Well, thanks again for all your continueing support (and critisism)!!! -Ben Chapman 85 Fiero: Dual exhaust, Holley Big bore throttle body, K&N Air filter, OZ racing wheels, perf. cam, perf. headers, 1/4 mile - 2 years @ 94 MPH (IF it starts) __________________

08-16-2003, 11:39 AM	#11 (permalink)
Orlando_87GN Resident Idiot Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Orlando, FL USA Posts: 10,285	IMO, the Fiero will be easier to install that motor into. It's been done before and you can tap into the resources here on this board from people how have been there done that. The transmission is a BOP bolt pattern, so you don't even need to convert anything or hunt down a transmission to use. The rest of the car is GM anyway. If I hadn't converted an RX-7 the Fiero was my second choice. Talk to some of the guys who have done Fieros, make an educated decision. I can tell you with the knowledge that I have about conversions now, I wouldn't attempt an Opel GT. If I were doing a race car only that would be a different story. But think about for a street car, radiator, Intercooler, exhaust, battery location, hood clearance, steering rack location, downpipe routing, motor mounts, are all going to be more difficult than normal. This means ultra custom work for each of these projects. With a $3500 budget like stated above, I foresee a car that will never get finished..... The last thing I want to do is discourage someone from creating yet another hybrid, but in this case I would rather not see someone get frustrated and give up on a project leaving a bad taste in their mouth about the Buick V6. It will be a challenge, it will be expensive (probably $10k to do it right) and if you are up for that, go for it. Otherwise, pick a different car so you can get it completed within your budget (I would also like to add there is no such thing as a 'budget' with these) and within a decent time frame, because the other half of enjoyment is driving the car down the road! powersix __________________ Check Out MikesStuff4Sale.com to view my used parts! ------------------------------------------------ 1987 Buick Grand National Budget 4.1, 204/214 cam, TA-49 Turbo, Stockish Heads, V4, MSD50's, TH DP, JayJackson 62mm TB, Translator plus Extender powered. 3680# with pilot ------------------------------------------------ 1993 Mazda RX-7 4.1 Buick Powered 11.20 @ 128mph (2.4 60')!

08-16-2003, 02:02 PM	#12 (permalink)
scott wile Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Upland,Ca Posts: 310	I apologize!! Where in the world did you find a rebuilt LC2 motor and trans for $2000? I'd like to know for future reference. Also, how complete is it? I wasn't trying to be rude, but that's a damn good deal if it is what you say it is!! -scott wile __________________ '89 Toyota truck - 231ci, Accufab 70mm T-body and plenum, 160 lb inj, XFI, Powerstroke IC, Fluidyne radiator, powerglide, 9in 3400 stall TC, LE 70GTQ, GN1's, 3.42 gears, 3000 lbs 8's@160+ http://lc2toyota.tripod.com/

08-16-2003, 04:55 PM	#13 (permalink)
Opel_GT_Guy CHAPMAN!!! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Elkhart, Indiana Posts: 139	errrrrr....sorry guys...I accidently kind of lied to you about that LC2 Motor and trans... See, I said it was a complete motor, but its not really. "MY BAD DAUGS!" as the ricers say... The trans is complete, but the engine will still need the valve covers, timing cover, intake manifold, carbs and oil pan. So I'm gonna have to probably fork out another 1,500 for all that stuff...so sorry!! Didn't mean to get your hopes up with a perfect engine/trans web site... Anyways, no, I think the Fiero has maxed out its 9 lives it had when I 1st bought it. I'm not gonna start rippin' into a project like that. Besides, what would I do with the Opel then? The engine and trans are wasted - irrepairable. The previous owner had his jollies in that thing till he **ed all that ** up. So, even if I were to have a good Buick V6 Fiero, that solves almost nothing really. It would be nice to avenge myself in the same car everyones been enjoying pounding my ass in. But, I wanna bigger gun, if ya know what I mean... I'm not sayin' its a bad idea, it would just kind of be a waste of resources on my part. Cuz when the Fiero would be all done, then I still have the Opel GT sitting in my back yard collecting even more dust and rust than whats already on it* (there is no rust or dust on the car, I'm a psycho so I wash it daily. It was just a figure of speech)But, my one idiot (I mean, SUPER INTELLIGENT!) Friend wants to actually buy that..."KICK ASS SPORTS CAR" from me for 5,900 (idiot...I told him it was european and it says in big bold letters "PONTIAC" on the back, now he's at my place every day makein' offers on it. $5,900 was his last one, I'm waitin' till the screw ball goes to 7 now, then I'll have enough to probably just finish the project on the skin of my teeth.) Some of you will say that its wrong, others bad, but I say selling it for 7,000 when I originally bought it for $2,000 is a fair trade, for me(especially when I figure in all the bull* the car has put me through, I.E., not starting when on dates, the millions of lost races, ETC) Sorry I'm so stubborn guys...I'm that one American car fan you all hate because he's sooooo **in' stuborn Thanks for all of your continuing support and feedback!! ^_^ - Ben Chapman __________________

08-16-2003, 10:56 PM	#14 (permalink)
Orlando_87GN Resident Idiot Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Orlando, FL USA Posts: 10,285	Carbs? These are fuel injected motors and don't use carbs. I think you need to do some serious research on the subject. I feel (and I don't think I am alone on this one) that you might be way in over your head. If you can get $7900 for the Opel that you descibed to us I would run to the bank. Then go out and buy yourself a GN to get familar with the Buick drivetrain. Drive the Buick and be done with most of your goals. powersix __________________ Check Out MikesStuff4Sale.com to view my used parts! ------------------------------------------------ 1987 Buick Grand National Budget 4.1, 204/214 cam, TA-49 Turbo, Stockish Heads, V4, MSD50's, TH DP, JayJackson 62mm TB, Translator plus Extender powered. 3680# with pilot ------------------------------------------------ 1993 Mazda RX-7 4.1 Buick Powered 11.20 @ 128mph (2.4 60')!

08-16-2003, 11:21 PM	#15 (permalink)
Opel_GT_Guy CHAPMAN!!! Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Elkhart, Indiana Posts: 139	::SHRUGS:: Well, shiot....I dunno every little bolt, weld, and nut to these engines, okay? I picked the engine cause 1. unlike MOPAR cars of the same engine size, this one can easily be turbo charged and raced, and 2. a guy I know said he'd help me out with the project since he'd done a similar project with another Opel GT (Only he didn't put a turbo/intercooler on it) Plus, me and my one friend Wayne have only worked on MOPARs. So basically, we're just goin' by whatever this guy tells us (apparantly from your yelling and hollering, he hasn't told us the whole story.) And plus, I just copy/pasted the list of the 'Parts not included' from the engine web site, so don't yell @ me - yell @ them. As wayne always says "HEY MAN! DON'T YELL AT ME, I ONLY WORK HERE!!" Now that I've got the engine/trans on the way, the guy who 'supposidly' is gonna help me better not croak on me. If he dies suddenly in a drag race accident or some stupid shiot like that. Basically, I made a deal with the guy. I do the body/interior work and get the engine/trans, he does the rest. When it comes to GM's, FORD's, AMC's, and anything other than MOPAR, I pretty much try to steer clear of it. (Geez...people are gonna be pissed at me now...) yeah, so...now that I've pissed every GN owner off from the east to west coasts, the counter will break on this page. And my e-mail will be flooded with pissed off Buick hybrid owners (Though I should be thankful for that - it'll be a relief to get e-mail from actual CAR owners and not pissed off Ricers) ::OPENS STEEL UMBRELLA:: well, keep on sendin' the replies, and I'll do my best with this stink burger of a project!!! -Ben __________________

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