You ever just get tired? (Page 2/3)
Dennis LaGrua JUN 27, 06:39 PM
The answer is that after a days hard work on a Fiero, we all get tired but its also a fun hobby. Look at it this way; it helps one sleep better.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

Skybax JUN 27, 08:09 PM

quote
Originally posted by Additivewalnut:

I dont want to sound like I'm complaining too much here, but nobody else really gets it like you guys do since we're all dealing with the same car. But;

Man. I can't help but feel exhausted with the little thing. I put so much time and effort into getting it running again and bringing the thing back to its former glory and it feels like every single time I've got it going reliably, it shoots fire out the tailpipe and dies on the side of the road.

I've got mold in the headliner, but the new one from the fierostore doesn't get here for another couple months.. got some electrical problems that only show up sometimes so I can't really diagnose them. Just a bunch of little stuff like the cracked radio trim and the parking brake light that sometimes works and sometimes doesn't.

It's all so tiring, yknow? I want to work on the car so bad but it's honestly a little overwhelming and I feel like at the end of the day, I don't really have anything to show for it. I hate to say it but I've been neglecting my Fiero in place of a 240sx project that I've frankly been having more fun with. I guess I underestimated how hard it would be to get a 35 year old car road worthy again.

YouTube doesn't help with it either. Seeing people like Ronald Finger putting the time and effort into their Fieros makes me feel a little worse about mine. Full respect to Ron though, man did some incredible work.

I guess my big question is: Do you guys ever feel like this?




Has nothing to do with a Fiero... continually working on ANY old project vehicle can wear down even the most persistent man.

Ever build an airplane before? Talk about testing your patience.

[This message has been edited by Skybax (edited 06-27-2021).]

Australian JUN 28, 07:15 AM
I have too many projects and work very long hours. I just wish for once i felt awake energetic when actually at home instead of over tired.
Jerb JUN 28, 09:16 AM
It really helps if you can keep the car on the road through this! Couple suggestions that usually help with refresting your motivation

Throw a friend in the passenger seat, and take it for a cruise to get icecream or coffee. Make sure your spotter knows to point out how many people break their necks trying to get a look.

Pitch it into the corners on some twisty road you already know. Try to cut perfect apexs *in your lane* through the corners, see how soon you can roll back into power.

Just watch out for trying to see how it runs and pulls after you're had the intakes apart all day changing a cracked EGR tube. Officer Friendly wants an excuse to check out the car...
2.5 JUN 28, 11:17 AM
Check your engine to frame grounds and add more.

Also I always say, you need two Fieros, one to still drive and have fun with if one needs work.

That said My Fieros have been very reliable, I usually do lots of maintenance after I get one. Goodness, its been 5 years since I got one, I might be happy with what I've got for now.

[This message has been edited by 2.5 (edited 06-28-2021).]

Quadfather JUN 28, 10:10 PM
To answer your question, yes. My project to swap the Quad 4 out of my GTZ into my ‘87 coupe passed the 10 year mark on January 1st. I thought it would take me six months to make enough progress to use the Fiero as my daily driver.

If you’re bored you can read my build thread. I’ve made tremendous progress over the years, but I’m currently on an extended break from the project. Back in the spring as I was reassembling the engine I discovered a crack in the head. I don’t mind putting thousands of hours of work into the car, but the thought of spending $225 for a new cylinder head was a bridge too far, at that point. Eventually I’ll spend the money.

Instead I’ve been doing some “mental floss” as my boss calls it by working on some other projects. I rehabbed an air compressor and built some more tools and tool holders. I also got my awesome old Gravely mower back on the lawn. This thing has been a project for longer than the Fiero.



I’ve taken many breaks from the Fiero over the years, and the desire to finish it always comes back, usually stronger than it was before. I know it will come back again, but it’s taking a little longer this time, possibly because I’ve completed some of the major tasks (paint and interior).

I just keep telling myself how cool it will be to drive the thing, especially to work, where my colleagues know I’ve been working on it for a long time.

[This message has been edited by Quadfather (edited 07-03-2021).]

formulaWA JUN 30, 07:20 PM
Lessons learned from experience.

Long ago I thought I could save dollars by buying a project and fixing it myself. I learned over the years that while the initial investment maybe higher u r always better off to buy the nicest, low miles car or a car that some1 has already put copious amounts of time and money into as they will never get their investment back. I have low miles Formulas that are always ready to go and have never stranded me.
2.5 JUL 01, 10:44 AM
Additivewalnut your user name is hilarious. Is there a backstory?
2.5 JUL 01, 11:45 AM
Fiero owners theme?



Patrick JUL 01, 11:06 PM

quote
Originally posted by Additivewalnut:

It's all so tiring, yknow? I want to work on the car so bad but it's honestly a little overwhelming and I feel like at the end of the day, I don't really have anything to show for it. I hate to say it but I've been neglecting my Fiero in place of a 240sx project that I've frankly been having more fun with. I guess I underestimated how hard it would be to get a 35 year old car road worthy again.



I'm fortunate that I have several Fieros, and I've usually always had at least one driveable/insurable Fiero that I can use while working on the others. However, about four years ago, I also felt "tired" of working on a Fiero.

So what did I do?

Well... after 20 years, if I felt if I was getting tired of working on a late 80's American Domestic Market LHD naturally aspirated mid-engine RWD 2-dr coupe with 90-140 HP, then maybe I should acquire/learn an entirely new platform... a late 90's Japanese Domestic Market RHD turbo-charged front engine AWD 4-dr wagon with closer to 300 HP.

It's been a steep learning curse. I've never had a Subaru before, I've never had a turbo-charged engine before. The only thing this car has remotely in common with my Fieros is that it has a 5-spd... and it has four wheels. Interestingly enough, I use the aftermarket wheels originally bought for my '86 GT on this '98 JDM Subaru Impreza WRX STi. Same bolt pattern.




As much as this car is a blast to drive... (damn, it's fast... and it has passenger and cargo space!)... I still love and appreciate my Fieros. And I continue to work on them.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 07-01-2021).]