I have had a ridiculously large signature for far too long, and I apologize. So, in a move "inspired" by 2000RagTop, I have decided to go with a thread with information about my car and include the link in my signature.

First of all, Vanessa was purchased with insurance money from my previous Fiero, Sheila. On 11/18/04, I was hit from behind while stopped, by a semi traveling at 45 MPH. It punted the car 20 feet and obviously totaled the car. It was a silver 1987 GT with 115k miles. It was my first car, purchased when I was 16, a car I saved for since I was 12 and decided I wanted a Fiero. I cried like a baby for 20 minutes the day after it happened.

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/036358.html

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/042594.html

I purchased Vanessa in early January, from the second owner in Washington, D.C.

This is a picture from the day after we brought her home.



This is the most recent picture from right before an autocross.



Vanessa is a 1988 GT 5-speed (one of 3799), bright red, and had 637XX miles when I bought her in the first week of 2004. She now has 95XXX and runs like a champ. She has power windows, power locks, performance sound, floormats, sunshade and bag, power decklid, power mirrors, rear wing, sunroof, black wheels, and the grey interior.

Notable items include:

Performance sound
Original, unused sunshade and bag in perfect condition
Original paint
No taillight delamination
No rear defrost (gasp!)
Cruise control worked until engine swap
Original A/C worked until engine swap
Factory floormats
No engine codes

The previous owner added:

Held Motor Sports' coilovers at all corners (springs, struts, sleeves, adjusters, and some bushings Replaced)
275 lb springs all around (Replaced)
Full polyurethane (Mostly Replaced)
1" HMS rear sway bar (hardware replaced)
Carrera shocks in front
KYB struts in back (Replaced)
Rodney's Competition short throw shifter (Rebuilt)
Rodney's select arm rebuild (Re-Rebuilt)
Window tint (Removed)
Resistive interior lighting (Removed)
Braided stainless brake hoses (Replaced)
Yokohama ES100 tires, stock sizes (Replaced)
Pioneer 1.5 DIN head unit (Removed)
Pioneer 4X10 3-way speakers
Replacement subwoofer (Replaced)
Replacement stock clutch (Replaced)
New flywheel (Resurfaced)
New balljoints with polyurethane boots
New tie rod ends with polyurethane boots
Ultimate dogbone

Since owning it, I have added/fixed:

All four calipers replaced (All 4 rebuilt again)
Painted calipers red (Repainted 3 more times)
New rotors (Cut later)
New brake pads, front and rear (Replaced 2 more times)
Removed resistive lighting
Removed window tint
New alternator
New battery (Replaced again)
Rebuilt shifter
New select cable
Rodney's quick shift arm (Replaced with Ultimate shift kit)
New heater core
New marker lights
K&N air filter, recently cleaned and oiled (Replaced)
87 GT seats (I like the older style better)
SLP Hurst T/A shift knob (Replaced)
325 lb Rear springs
New, greasable polyurethane rear sway bar bushings
NGK UR5 plugs (3rd set) ***Gone with engine swap***
MSD Blaster coil (Replaced) ***Gone with engine swap***
Conrad Professional Gold Line Cap and Rotor Set (Replaced) ***Gone with engine swap***
STI 7.5mm spark plug wires (Replaced) ***Gone with engine swap***
New O2 sensor (Replaced) ***Gone with engine swap***
88GTNeverFinished taillights (Redone)
Fiero Warehouse scorpion scoop (Removed)
New E-brake cables and springs (Replaced cables 3 times)
New fuel pump and filter ***Gone with engine swap***
Fire extinguisher added
FIERO GT 3rd brake light mask
Orief's door tabs
New power mirror switch
Recall weather strip added
Performance catalytic converter ***Gone with engine swap***
New control arm bushings
New paddle nut assemblies
New EGR solenoid ***Gone with engine swap***
SPEC Stage 2 clutch (Replaced) ***Gone with engine swap***
New axle shaft seals (Replaced 2 more times)
New rear main seal ***Gone with engine swap***
Resurfaced flywheel ***Gone with engine swap***
New flywheel bolts ***Gone with engine swap***
New rear transmission mount ***Gone with engine swap***
New MAP sensor ***Gone with engine swap***
New upper strut mount (Repaired other one)
New decklid strap
New slave cylinder (Replaced) ***Gone with engine swap***
Motor oil in Getrag replaced with Pennzoil Synchromesh ***Gone with engine swap***
Replaced upper shock mount bushings with polyurethane endlink bushings
450 lb front springs (Replaced with Eibach of same rate)
New polyurethane balljoint and tierod boots
Replaced driver's side upper seat skin
Rodney's rack bushing
New inner tie rod ends
Added zerk to steering rack
Adjusted steering rack
Replaced rear studs with longer Dorman units for new wheels
Replaced center console support skeleton with strengthened unit
Rewired performance sound properly with SPDT relay
Replaced Pioneer head unit with Alpine CDA-9833 unit
Installed 1/2 DIN center channel speaker and hid amplifier in center console w/PC fan wired in
Replaced rear speakers with top-of-the-line Alpines
New Rodney sub and enclosure (Sub replaced)
Sylvania Silverstar headlights
New serpentine belt (Replaced) ***Gone with engine swap***
Repaired cigarette lighter short circuit
Replaced front passenger braided brake line (Replaced again)
Addco 1.25" front swaybar
New modified greaseable front swaybar bushings
Darrel Morse 88 rear strut tower bar
New distributor O-ring ***Gone with engine swap***
Added distributor gasket ***Gone with engine swap***
Adjusted timing to 12 degrees BTDC ***Gone with engine swap***
Ausfiero Stage 3 scoops
Removed stock silencer/water separator ***Gone with engine swap***
Fiero Store turbo window scoops
Amsoil 0w-30 Series 2000 synthetic w/Amsoil filter (Replaced) ***Gone with engine swap***
12" zinc-plated Corvette brake rotors, with kevlar/metallic blend pads (Pads replaced, rotors cut since)
16"X7" front and 17"X8.5" rear Royal Gunmetallic Rota Slipstreams, shod in: (front wheels replaced)
205/50-16 front 255/40-17 rear W-rated Kumho Ecsta ASX tires (Replaced)
Replaced polyurethane rear swaybar endlinks
Replaced Earl's lines with Fierostore DOT stainless brake lines
Replaced EGR valve ***Gone with engine swap***
Added Koni struts
3.94 Final Drive and shorter 4th and 5th gears, from: (Replaced)
Rebuilt transaxle from www.man-trans.com (Replaced)
New Spec Stage 2 Clutch set (Replaced)
15,000 mile original axles (DS replaced)
New Fierostore slave cylinder (Replaced) ***Gone with engine swap***
Dayton custom stock replacement sub (Replaced)
Another new Fierostore slave cylinder ***Gone with engine swap***
Compustar 2WSS-AS 2-way LCD remote start/alarm
Autopage AC-78 window module
Fiamm air horns
Tang Band Stock replacement sub
New coil ***Gone with engine swap***
New ignition module ***Gone with engine swap***
New pick-up coil ***Gone with engine swap***
Grant Formula GT #772 12" steering wheel
Grant 1" spacer with mounting kit
Hurst Pistol Grip Shift Knob
Rodney's Ultimate Getrag shift kit
Cleaned and reset IAC valve ***Gone with engine swap***
Adjusted shift linkage
Rodney's V6 Idler pulley ***Gone with engine swap***
New serpentine belt ***Gone with engine swap***
Rebuilt both headlighs
Recovered speaker grilles
Ground rear driver's side strut for camber
Ground front upper control arms for caliper clearance
Cleaned/greased window tracks
Tightened belt (4X)
Replaced HVAC actuator behind the radio
Fixed steering column (incorrect reassembly)
Fixed alarm's decklid switch and antenna
Cleaned/lubed brakes (again)
Installed new E-brake springs (again)
New door striker bolts
New catalytic converter (again) ***Gone with engine swap***
Adjusted/leveled suspension
Replaced front wheels with black 17" X 7.5" Rota Slipstreams and painted the rears black to match
Replaced tires with Falken Azenis RT-615 225/45-17 front and 255/40-17 rear
Replaced DS rear hub carrier

Current issues:

AC needs hooked up and charged
Cruise control need wiring fixed
HVAC assist spring broken
Driver's side rear wheel bearing need replaced

In July 2008, the engine was swapped to a 1999 3800 Series 2 Supercharged V6 with 60,000 miles on it. The following is a list of mods done at that time.

Huge K & N cone filter
4" intake
LQ4 MAF
Northstar TB
Ported Blower
3.0" pulley
42 lb/hr injectors
Pacesetter headers
3" mandrel bent exhaust
Magnaflow high-flow cat
Magnaflow 3" in/double 2.5" out muffler
Resonated quad tips
Wide band O2 sensor
Grade 10 flywheel bolts
SPEC Aluminum 8lb flywheel
SPEC Stage 4+ clutch set
Getrag (rebuilt) with short 4th gear
Hydraulic throw out bearing conversion
NOS late-model stronger differential
Engineered Performance limited slip differential
Synchromesh friction modified fluid
ZZP 8-rib conversion
ZZP XP Hot Cam
105lb springs
Modified spring retainers
Viton valve seals
Double roller timing set
Valvoline Synthetic Oil
Various new seals and gaskets
255 LPH fuel pump
Interior gauge pod with boost gauge and WBO2 gauge
Late model electronic cruise control
R134A air conditioning

Future modifications/repairs include:

Original Leather/Suede factory seats
Whale tail spoiler
Hood Vent

Anyway, I love her, and although I have already spun it off the road, (it is an off-roading machine!), I see a long and lovely future together.

Some specs from back when it had the 2.8l V6:

135 feet 60-0 braking
16.382 @ 84.7 mph in the quarter (slow as hell!)
111.6 Rear wheel HP @ 4450 RPM
138.2 Rear wheel LB-FT @ 3700 RPM
35.2 mpg @ 70 MPH (Didn't know a 2.8 could do that...)
32.7 mpg @ 70 MPH w/ AC on full blast (Not bad either!)

I will update this thread as changes occur and I get new pictures. Thanks for looking!

One last look at my old, huge, annoying signature:

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My old 1987 GT, totalled on 11/18/03:https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/036358.html
1988 GT 5-Speed, 70k miles, Rodney's short shifter, stainless brake hoses, greasable poly bushings, KYB struts, HMS F (275lb) & R (325lb) coilovers, 1" rear swaybar, Yokohama ES100 tires, K&N filter, high-flow cat, Fierowarehouse Scorpion scoop.
Specs: 111.6 RWHP @ 4450 , 138.2 RW LB-FT @ 3700, 16.382@84.7 mph, 33.6 mpg hwy, 135 ft 60-0 braking.
Future mods: 88GTNeverfinished tails, Front mount battery, WCF 12" brakes, 16" wheels.

[This message has been edited by Bigfieroman (edited 12-01-2008).]

My new, technically still slightly too large sig:

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More info at: https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/043357.html

quote Originally posted by Bigfieroman: Code 32 Cruise control weak or fails in cold weather

Sounds like EGR / Vacumm Leak for sure. Check the vacuum lines going to the Cruise Control, Mine were cracked right there.
Your car looks damn good, and the new sig is perfect IMHO.

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I am fairly certain the 32 is just the solenoid. It only pops up at sustained speeds (highway). I know the CC is a vacuum problem...I changed all of the hoses near the can, now I need to change the others. Some go under the plenum, so I am sure with my luck, those are the ones that are bad.

Thats a pretty sweet ride you got there! ..............kind of gets me thinkin.... you only have 111 rear wheel horses from a stock cherry 88 GT? i dont even want to think about how much mine has lol

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I own an original yellow 1988 pontiac fiero GT, (wingless, currently purple) very proud also....Truly is...Driving Excitement!

Matching numbers GT
#17889 of 26,402 made in 1988

I have seen dyno results of 98 hp to 112 for a stock 2.8. My car has strong compression and runs great...I just have to reconcile the fact that the car is dog slow and it is noone's fault but Pontiac's.
The quarter is a little slow, mostly because I am a big guy. The driveline losses are right on at about 17% from 135 stock.

quote Originally posted by Bigfieroman: I am fairly certain the 32 is just the solenoid. It only pops up at sustained speeds (highway). I know the CC is a vacuum problem...I changed all of the hoses near the can, now I need to change the others. Some go under the plenum, so I am sure with my luck, those are the ones that are bad.

Yeah I've had mine off 3 times searching for a leak, no damn luck either. I can hook you up with a EGR solenoid if you want to try another one (used).

Does it work? Or don't you know for sure?

I haven't really been trying to fix it, since I know how difficult and tricky it is to track down, as well as how little effect it has on anything.

[This message has been edited by Bigfieroman (edited 07-06-2004).]

you know,

i spent a lot of time working on the code 32 problem...

quote Originally posted by Bigfieroman: Does it work? Or don't you know for sure? I haven't really been trying to fix it, since I know how difficult and tricky it is to track down, as well as how little effect it has on anything.

Well I'm not getting any codes. so it appears that my solenoid is good.

Check PMs.

Wow, you've done a lot of fixing and replacing I bet it runs great. Everythign looks great, especially the suspension set up... from those pics it sits just right, its the perfect look. Once you get those new wheels (what kind by the way?) and the new brakes on, its going to look awesome. Keep updating this thread with some more pics! I want to see the engine compartment and your interior

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1986 Fiero SE

good looking car

quote: Needs front hubs (Damnit!)

Since there Held's front hubs, ouch!!!!!!!

One of mine went bad on me, costing me $100 buck.

quote Originally posted by Bigfieroman: Check PMs.

IAfter droping my car of I pulled it for you, now we just have to get it to you. I could ship but that won't be free.

The hubs are not HMS modified, they are stock 88, aka $180 each...hence, damnit.

The wheels are the Beretta GTZ wheels from my old car...I love them. I am going to be refinishing them with actual polyurethane wheel paint so they won't chip the moment they hit the pavement.

Here is a nice pic of my old car I found...the last before the accident, and I think the most beautiful.

Holy Crap! I totally forgot, thank you so much for the signature, Ausfiero! My post was so long, I completely forgot to referance/thank/credit you! Thank you so very much!

[This message has been edited by Bigfieroman (edited 07-06-2004).]

Not long ago I met up with Bigfieroman and got to see Vanessa. A sweet car, especially the suspension. Man, so sad to see how nice your old car was before it was plowed.

I noticed you've removed the tint. I'm not certain how well people have had tint hold up on the sail windows but if you consider having it done or just the back window (cut down on headlight brightness) check out Michigan window tinting here in Flint on Saginaw St, near Atherton.

[This message has been edited by Tigger (edited 07-06-2004).]

The tint was actually professionally done and was in excellent condition, despite being 3 years old. I did not really like it though, and did not want the sail panels tinted, so I removed it. I want to see the semi coming next time...(old car did not have tint, just saying that for comedic value)

Very nice GT. I'm out looking for 88 info again. You listed everything else so please email me your VIN#. Was your silver car an 88 also. It's mono, unless it was a repaint. If so please send all of the info on it also so it can be listed as deceased.

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Notchbacks RULE

"It's cool to have a car you just have to look back at."

The 87 was a repaint. Are you the 88 database guy?

those wheels are great.
cant wait to see them on the red GT

Thanks buddy.

Bump

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Was anyone else expecting pictures of a girl? lol well this is nicer then most girls, i'll give ya that : Thumbs up

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Custom Fiero 2M4 - 3800 Swap Coming Spring....

i just have one question for you. you glad i steered you away from the guy in ohio with the black 88? and post some pics of your engine and interior.

James

I am absolutely glad. I feel sorry for whomever got screwed. Although there was a crapload to fix on this car because the previous owner beat on it and only drove it a couple of times/month, it does not have any major structural damage or anything.

my wife gets jealous enough of my car without me giving it a feminine name too!

great car though! looking good

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Techbot's Site

Current Project: '86 Fiero 4cyl - the ol IRON DUKE baby!

Heres my fav Vanessa...........

shes a 1985 model, 115 pnds, 5'3, 34-24-35, single and incredibly hot, no known defects ...lol

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http://my.core.com/~ferrari1/MyPhotos
http://groups.msn.com/RogersCarPhotos

Roger,
1985??? Come on now, you coulda been her dad back then too.

You STUD.

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SSFiero@Aol.com Support Mental Health, or I'll Kill Ya!!
Yellow Formula Signature

• 88 Yellow FORMULA
  
• ZZ3 HSR, 345hp, 390lb-ft. Est to be done one of these days.
  
• V8 buildup thread
  
• My Shower Cam

quote Originally posted by KissMySSFiero: You STUD.

I wish !!!........! sorry to say. Her and her sister are just good friends.

quote Originally posted by rogergarrison: Heres my fav Vanessa........... shes a 1985 model, 115 pnds, 5'3, 34-24-35, single and incredibly hot, no known defects ...lol

Now if I could find a dealership here in town for that model...

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Techbot's Site

Current Project: '86 Fiero 4cyl - the ol IRON DUKE baby!

interesting, my g/f has a skirt just like that...

lol, she wanted to match the car.

quote Originally posted by rogergarrison: lol, she wanted to match the car.

Do you have lime green seatcovers too..??

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Custom-Shaved HandBuilt!!
FIRST-EVER-- CHOPTOP--WIDEBODY GT!!
4.9L-V8--5-Speed starting swap soon

She was mostly barefoot, but they do go with the grass,

quote Originally posted by NotAFieroAnyLonger: Do you have lime green seatcovers too..??

you actually noticed her flipflops? man i had to stair at the pic looking for lime green to find out what you were talking about

ya know roger, i happen to be around her age, and singler myself. not to mention i don't live to terriably far away from you... So, if she wanted to fix that single thing, i volunteer to take one for the team...

no seriously, i'll date her. i promise...

-Fish