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The following is a basic recap of the build - granted it will not include every single nut and bolt - but we wanted to give everyone and idea of the journey that the car took from a stock 1986 5 speed GT to a 3800SC-powered machine. The project unofficially and unknowingly began in August 2020 when Matt & Jennifer Goss picked up the car in Culpepper, VA after seeing it advertised on Facebook. Matt had intentions of turning it into a "test mule" for some upcoming projects but the car had not yet advanced to that point in the G3 Fieros queue. When discussion surrounding doing this project for Matt McGowan began, the initial intention was to convert his Medium Red Metallic 1987 GT into a manual 3800SC car; however, Matt's original car needed much additional work and the team knew that time was a lot tighter after last year's experience with the "Colin Build." As Matt and Jen recently acquired another fastback, the decision was made to donate this white 1986 GT to Matt McGowan via the project and installation of the 3800SC which was being donated and built up by Pickardt Performance. 2Ps does not traditionally do 3800SC swaps but a car they purchased had the power plant and the Pickardts knew it was the perfect way to help make Matt McGowan's longtime dream come true.
Thursday, October 28
The weekend started unofficially started on Thursday afternoon when Wes Shiring arrived from Indiana, PA. Wes helped Matt get things situated in the garage to finish preparing to remove the stock 2.8. While the guys set about on this work, Jen began removing pieces of the interior and was soon joined by Deb Salada who helped Jen strip the majority of the interior by the evening's end. Ashleigh Goss was also a big help, fetching tools and helping Deb clean interior pieces as they were removed. The evening also saw the arrival of Greg Cox (aka "Cow S. Patoot") who helped both with interior and engine removal as the evening went on. The crew made great progress and by evening's end, the engine was out and sitting on the garage floor.
Friday, October 29
Truthfully, Friday got off to a bit of a challenging start. En route to the build, the Pickardts were involved in a multi-vehicle accident outside of Richmond and their arrival, and the arrival of the engine was significantly delayed. Additionally, Matt & Wes had to hitch up to the cargo trailer and go on a retrieval mission bringing Gary, his tools and the other pieces-parts back to G3 in the early evening shortly before the arrival of Tami George and Vin O'Mara. Cody Kline was also delayed by work and Matt McGowan had a tough day physically which delayed his ability to travel. Still, the crew that was there made the best of it. Joining the group from the previous night was new member, Greg Tripp of Rochester, NY, and by mid-day, Paul Kolbus of Cleveland, OH, had also arrived. The team finished dis-assembling the interior and began to prep pieces for paint. They also dismounted the 2.8L engine and transmission from the cradle and then separated them from each other. By the time Gary made it safely with the 3800SC, the group was ready to help with assembly of that engine, as well as preparation of the compartment for the new motor. Working well into the night, much progress was made and Saturday's installation appeared to be on track.
Saturday, October 30
Saturday was far more productive. Cody spent most of the day in the paint both, getting interior parts looking spiffy. Unfortunately, the interior black was not available via the local paint store and the substituted Black Cherry was a little too "cherry" which looked cool but ultimately, didn't pair well with the rest of the interior, including the beautiful seats Deb covered with Fiero interiors seat covers. This would be a post-build task Matt Goss would complete. As the crew awaited Matt McGowan's arrival, work was done with rust preventative on various pieces of the car and a new floor pan plug was printed to replace one that had rusted out. The 3800SC was built up and nearly ready for install just before Matt McGowan arrived early afternoon. Although due to his health issues Matt became aware the car was for him, he had no idea about the 3800SC. He was surprised, grateful and overwhelmed and was happy to supervise the remainder of the day. Shortly after his arrival, Craig & Yvonne Kunz arrived from New Jersey with their adorable pup, Zoey, who fit right in as an honorary garage dog the rest of the weekend. Ralph Branch and Curtis Driscoll also came up from Georgia to pick up some engines but stayed to help for the duration of the day.
Saturday, October 30
The original plan for Sunday AM was to turn the key and hear the 3800 purr; however, as seems to be typical with Fiero projects - things did not go according to plan. As some members of the build team began to pack up for long drives home, it was discovered that the engine would not turn over. The likely cause? A flywheel that had not been properly turned down despite being advertised as ready for the swap. It was decided to continue moving forward with finishing the brakes and suspension while installing the interior pieces that could go back in post-paint. Other members of the team worked to clean up the chaos and by mid-afternoon, the last members of the build team dispersed with Matt McGowan eagerly awaiting a post-surgery delivery.
TO BE CONTINUED
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