My 3800 SC1 swap

Well I got the exhaust installed and trunk all patched up and finished and that is all fine and dandy.

But now I think theres something wrong in the transmission.

I got a permit today and started driving around and it is really really sluggish when I start moving. The SES light came on I believe when it was shifting while going uphill.
It seems like there is a lot of slippage in the transmission, it takes much longer to get going when its uphill.
Any ideas? I will hopefully get to borrow a scantool tomorrow so I can run the codes and see what the computer has to say. I also couldnt get the speedo working so wonder if its possible the sensors not working, would that cause any isssues like this?

Here's a video I took today with the exhaust installed
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-685gWXNsb0

4t60e from the 1995 oldsmobile 88 obd1.

Or is that an old truck in the background (with probably its engine in the foreground)?

Patrick wrote: So, are you sharpening your skills on the Fiero so that you can use them on the tractor?

D_sensitized wrote:

 

Just yank the VSS, and spin it up with a drill while watching the speedo and your scan tool (to make sure they're BOTH seeing it!).

I hate CV grease.  Bleah.  That sh*t gets everywhere, and is like spray on glue!

Oh yeah, and if you don't see a reading on the computer or speedo, hook your volt meter up (on AC) to the vss and spin it up again.  At least then you'll know if it's the unit, or the wiring.

Grab an electrical diagram if you can, then that should help you pinpoint exactly where your fault lies.

So I have done everything else and decided there is something wrong with the ECM. So off to pick-a-part again this weekend and hope there is a superchaged series 1 car with the ECM still in there.

I found a nice intake hose last time I was there off a '91 pontiac 6000 that is almost a perfect fit. One end just needed a little modifying to fit over the airbox outlet because it was too small but otherwise fits great. I have a picture on my camera but that is in langley at the moment so I will get that on later this week.

I am currently working on a stronger alternator bracket since my current one has too much flex in it and make me worry about the lifespan of the alternator with all its wobbliness. Borrowing a cutting torch from work tomorrow so I can cut the steel plate I have for it.

I have also been trying to figure out what I can to for a dog bone mount or equivalent.

This is what I had on one of the transmission mounts. I took it off today and it seems pretty worn. I plan on replacing it with a steel rod with an adjustable stop and see if that has much of an affect on engine movement.
Here's a short video of the movement that happens just when shifting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SdW_mbdkLI8
One of these days I will take a video with an actual camera and not just the iphone.

Hopefully tomorrow I will get the alt bracket and mount modifications done.
I was down in Washington all weekend but have Septembers meeting marked on the calender so I will be there hopefully with a driveable fiero this time.

Well I could use the "U" piece that bolts to the dogbone, but I would have to fab up the rest of the bracket down the the cylinder head. That was my first plan, my dad suggested the torque rod down low. So if that doesn't work, I'll build a dogbone up top.

Today I did get that torque bar done and installed, no pics and i will have to finish my alternator mount before I can test it again but it looks pretty good so far. It is still adjustable if I need to change it.

I got the fiero back together yesterday, I had the right rear axle out to replace a boot and seal on the trans.

I also figured out why that wheel kept binding in the same spot. There wasn't enough clearance between the axle and that box thing where the control arm bolts into for the connector part of the CV boot clamp. So that would also explain the noise coming from there and why I kept tearing through clamps. The metal in the cradle was quite worn away in that one spot. I ground it down much further and shimmed up that side of the engine about 1/8" to give it enough clearance but if I ever replace the mounts I will move it a little further forward I think.

Here is how much clearance I now have:


I also installed a small transmission cooler in front of the right rear wheel. Won't do a whole lot till I put a scoop on that side to get air moving but will be ok for now.






And here is that torque rod from earlier:


Still have to get the speedo hooked up and might have to replace the O2 sensor. Still need to do some testing on that.

If all goes well I should be able to get it to the meeting this weekend.

 

D_sensitized wrote: IT IS COMPLETE! ...everything is done.

Oh you silly silly fellow, you have so much to learn about Fiero ownership!

D_sensitized wrote: I might try to make it out this saturday to the autocross just to spectate and check things out a bit as well.

The first time I went out to the track (in August) I also went as a spectator, and I hated it. I hated it because after about two minutes I wanted to be out on the blacktop spinning my tires as well!

However, I had a legitimate excuse not to be driving as I had Frankie (the hound) with me.

Don't just come out to be a spectator. Drive your car! Honestly, it won't be hard on your car. You won't get out of second gear, you'll probably only be doing a maximum of 50 mph or so on the short straights, and you'll only be zipping around for a minute at a time. If we're all lucky we'll get perhaps eight trips each around the course.

If you only come out to watch, you'll regret it!

 

A quick video I just made of the exhaust like everyone else does :P

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pf4UB5HoaG8