Fairly new owner (Page 1/1)
88Soarin2.5 APR 20, 04:34 PM
I'm a fairly new owner of a 1988 Pontiac Fiero leading base model that I had bought from a junkyard fully complete for $1,400 for whole taxes, title, and license on 3/23/2021. It's been kinda love at first sight because I knew someone who owned one and it was gorgeous, the junkyard had this model that I bought for a bit over a year and they wanted way more than what it was worth with 244k miles and a few blemishes on the front bumper. Got it to a buddy's home for him to give a prognosis of the car, engine is seized and I have engine/tranny waiting to be replaced (going with the original 2.5 Iron Duke as I'm ironically using for fuel economy).

Now, here's a few things that I'd like to brush up on with mine is that I would like a remote start/immobilizer unit installed, cruise control, and an electronic latch motor. There is also the matter of my cluster gauge, I would like to have a custom cluster backdrop that needs to be printed from scratch. I have no equipment or the software to create the designs and put what I want for the backdrop. I had come across someone who does it for specific cars, but he didn't even seem to express an interest on doing for a Pontiac Fiero. I've run into a few others that are potential candidates, but I would like some guidance and recommendations on who will do this for me for my car.
Included in the photos is the day I got Soarin picked up, others are examples uploaded by the guy who does custom cluster backdrops. Thank you in advance and hope to be able to enjoy the many wonderful people and my Fiero soon.



Dennis LaGrua APR 21, 05:47 PM
Good luck on the 88 coupe purchase. Fiero's are fun cars for sure. Before you load it up with options, I would like to ask. Is this car an auto or a stick? If it is has the 3 speed auto performance will be sluggish and gas mileage won't be great. It is its a stick you have more leeway. With the 5 speed and a good engine you can get up to 50 hwy MPG. The 88 Duke engines were a unique one year design but with a bit of search you may find one.
There are very few shops left that will work on a Pontiac Fiero. For custom items some interior parts are available but you can also find a few fiberglass parts as well. Your best shot is to post a message in the mall section and see what returns.

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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 "

88Soarin2.5 APR 21, 06:57 PM
Yeah, it’s an automatic. Never learned to drive an anti millennial theft device, I had a car that was a 5speed V6 Camaro....that was as good as a lawn ornament because I had no contacts to help me get it running so I could learn standard. The engine transplant is another Iron Duke, it’s one year off...a 1987.
Shops to work on my Fiero? Yeah, no thanks, not if I can help it anyways. I think that’s how my 88 engine seized up in the first place, there is no indication from the shop that they removed the oil pan to check for fragments, only service description was that they removed timing cover, replaced gears, and cleaned timing cover/chamber. I wrench and do maintenance on my Jeep for the most part and I would really like to learn wrenching on this little car.
I don’t trust shops much, last shop I went to accidentally gave me a free Snap-on ratchet and didn’t bolt down my fuse box.
I’ll definitely check the mall, see where that leads me and hope I have someone willing to work with me on this.

I’m looking forward to having some fun with my car and the community.
theogre APR 22, 07:01 PM
Power Truck Lock
See my Cave, Trunk Release


88 engine "seize up" can be any normal things...
Plus often 88+ engine died because of died internal balancer...
That is driver by the crank have "anti vibration" shafts and oil pump and oil filter in the oil pan.

Used 88+ w/ balancer can to same w/ little notice or warning.
Only 87 is "direct swap" w/o the balancer problems.

Vin R for 87 to 92 have many changes just about years year and have problems swapping unless you have whole engine including intake manifold and maybe more.
Even then you have to switch some parts for FWD car to fit Fiero.
See my Cave, DIS L4 Replace

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Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

88Soarin2.5 APR 29, 03:08 PM
Thanks Ogre, now that it comes back to memory....sorry for taking a long time to respond. But according to the guy that will be working on my Fiero, he had advised me that the motor was locked up tight and he thinks that it is seized at the crank rod bearings. Now, how he tested it is beyond my best guess as the engine hadn't been torn down and hadn't been put of the lift as of yet, waiting for the guy to put wheels on his so he can wheel his off the lift.
Patrick APR 29, 03:17 PM

quote
Originally posted by theogre:

engine "seize up" can be any normal things...



It's always great when a "seized engine" turns out to be a locked up alternator.
88Soarin2.5 APR 30, 09:23 AM
Patrick Best solution is to hit it with a wrench, it works in video games after all, my dad would slap the glass tube monitor of a computer if it froze. What's the difference? Lol
If it's supposed to move, but doesn't, use WD-40.
If it moves but isn't supposed to, use duct tape.
If it still moves, you didn't use enough duct tape, use more or use zip ties.

In all seriousness, with my work schedule and living in new apartments, can't make it look tacky and like a mechanic shop, otherwise I'd do it all myself if I could afford a home with a garage and a lift.