Looking at a Fiero today... advice?

[ejp2fast]

good luck htchbck! it'll be something new...

[htchbck]

Well, its been on the road for almost a month now, no major problems except I didn't put on a lock washer when I installed the new alternator bolt and the nut backed off a bit so the alternator got crooked and ate a belt. Now there's a lock washer and tension nut on it, so it shouldn't be going anywhere. Still need to do motor mounts but its not horrible yet. She's loving it, already put almost 1k miles on it since the end of July, and we were out of town for a week in the Miata last week so she's averaging over 300 a week. I like it too, but she doesn't let me drive it much, probably cause she knows I'll try to keep it for myself lol.

[iceracerdude]

i know alot of them caught fire and the body is plastic

No, "a lot of them" didn't catch fire. A very few caught fire, in the very first half of 84, they figured out what that was about and corrected it. I'm sure his won't be catching fire, and yes, the body is plastic...which what? Somehow makes you "Master of the Obvious"

[htchbck]

Haha yep, she's hating the plastic body, nowhere to stick the magnetic antenna for her satellite radio Probably going to pull of the pass side fender and stick some kind of metal plate to the back side so she can put the magnet to that I guess. Nowhere to put the magnetic "Papa Johns" car topper light when she delivers pizza either :lol:

[FestYboy]

well since it's a southern car, it's got no rust (except for the battery tray which always falls apart).

good thing: the Iron Duke is a stout engine with religious maintenance.
bad thing: it can still eat the rockers in the head.
good thing: that gives you an excuse to do an engine swap.
bad thing: almost anything fits, so it's a hard decision.
good thing: the chassis can easily handle 400+ hp/tq without mods (except tires)
bad thing: once you choose you're better engine (like maybe a turbo Ecotec w/ 350+ hp) you'll never keep your foot out of it and burn through tires like they're oil changes... actually, that's not really a bad thing :grin:

i mentioned the Ecotec because it's all aluminum and will lighten the car and also keep the car more ballanced (fieros are rear heavy and easy to get out of hand). But i've seen everything from BBC, Northstar, Ecotec, SR20DET, M5 v8, VR6, 3800SC, 4GE, and a host of LSX swaps done among others, so really, anything is possible with these cars!

[92festie]

i mentioned the Ecotec because it's all aluminum and will lighten the car and also keep the car more ballanced (fieros are rear heavy and easy to get out of hand). But i've seen everything from BBC, Northstar, Ecotec, SR20DET, M5 v8, VR6, 3800SC, 4GE, and a host of LSX swaps done among others, so really, anything is possible with these cars!

damn thats alotta options to play with!!

[htchbck]

Not planning any engine swaps, other than maybe a 4 banger saturn Ecotec if the iron duke does die, but probably will just put another duke back in it. Oh and BTW, it hasn't always been a southern car Working on replacing some rusty front end stuff now, but the chassis itself is solid at least. Since its the wife's car and she doesn't feel the need for speed too often (which is a good thing, and also safer that way ) it makes sense to keep it a 4 pot and try to save a little bit on gas anyway, maybe someday she'll feel comfortable enough with a stick shift and save even more gas but we'll see lol.

[Festiva_Fred]

There's a kid that I'm going to Tech School with and he has 4 Fiero's, drives one of them to school almost everyday. My instructor has one too that he's going to fix up sometime.

[93festiva]

The drive train is actually a front wheel drive from X-body cars of the 80's. Up here in Wisconsin they didn't fair too well in the snow and slush. The cables that ran to the back of the car coroded and became a nightmare. I bought one that was abandon for the towing cost and took the seats out and put them in my Datsun 280Z. I thought they were the great with speakers built into the headrests. Then sold what was left of the car for 4 times what I paid. I guess that makes it a pretty good car.
Bill

[microflea]

If I can be of help,let me know.I currently own an 87' GT 5 speed and have owned a total of 3 GTs' and 2 notchies.I'm pretty well versed in them.Btw,you can exchange the notchback panels for the GT panels,if you prefer that look.I've seen quite a few,were people have changed just the nose or rear section to geta different look.PM me if I can help with anything.Also join Pennock's Fiero forum.Lots of great info.Good Luck!!

[iceracerdude]

You talking about mileage, reminds me how that old school three speed auto is what really holds it back. The trick to more mileage AND power is to swap in a 4 speed auto from a 4 banger similar Buick Century, Pontiac 6000 or Chevrolet Celebrity from the same era...up to I think 90 or 91.


After that, the transaxles became computer controlled. There's got to be plenty of them around for cheap.

[stevewl1164]

I remember a recall or something with oil related fires as well. I think it was because the oil was over-filled when set to factory recommendations.

[festivaWES]

fire-o's!!! I'd do a 3800 GTP,or V8 archie swap if i ever owned one.

[htchbck]

hmmm thats interesting to know about the 4 speed I will start keeping an eye out. Already on Pennock's and yep, there's a ton of info on there.