New Fiero Driver (Page 1/1)
Patman JAN 27, 12:38 PM
Hi everyone! I just recently got a 1987 Pontiac Fiero. The dealer I got it from got an oil change, smog checked it, recharged the A/C, and recharged the battery. All the parts inside and out are original, and I would like to keep it as much like that as I can, while also keeping it safe. Does anyone have any ideas as to what might need to be replaced?


P.S. if anyone knows a good place that checks out Fieros in Northern California, that would be greatly appreciated!
RichLo1 JAN 27, 03:00 PM
Welcome to the community! Is it a 4-cyl or v6? Manual or auto?

Besides the engine placement, there's not much different on a Fiero than any other 80's GM car so most any auto shop will be able to do work for you, or check it out further. If its going to be a daily driver, make sure the suspension/steering is tight, brakes are newer and the engine and trans has a fresh tune-up.
cvxjet JAN 27, 08:07 PM
I would like to state that the one thing that can take you by surprise with the Fiero handling is the Drop-Throttle-Oversteer (DTO); You enter a turn a bit too fast and then Cut the throttle, and then the rear end comes around. The Fiero's is very mild, but it is something to be aware of. Simply apply a bit of throttle and some slight counter-steer and the car will stabilize.

Back in the early 90s when I was driving home after work every day I would exit onto a cloverleaf turn....It had a bit of a kink in it- you would tighten the turn just a bit- I would deal with it by chopping the throttle...the rear would step out slightly and then I would get back on the throttle. (A BMW 3-series driver was tailgating me once and when I did this maneuver- he "Disappeared"...at the next intersection, I was turning the radio back on and saw him (Slowly) coming up alongside me- he was white as a sheet!

I liked to practice it to keep myself aware of how to deal with it (A lot of 911 drivers crash because of the DTO- the 911 is Notorious for bad DTO)

[This message has been edited by cvxjet (edited 01-27-2023).]

Patrick JAN 27, 11:39 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patman:

I just recently got a 1987 Pontiac Fiero.



We all appreciate that you're excited... but there's no need to post the same thing twice.
hyperv6 JAN 28, 09:38 AM

quote
Originally posted by Patman:

Hi everyone! I just recently got a 1987 Pontiac Fiero. The dealer I got it from got an oil change, smog checked it, recharged the A/C, and recharged the battery. All the parts inside and out are original, and I would like to keep it as much like that as I can, while also keeping it safe. Does anyone have any ideas as to what might need to be replaced?


P.S. if anyone knows a good place that checks out Fieros in Northern California, that would be greatly appreciated!



Just treat it like a normal car. These cars were built with few needs.

Might flush the radiator but uUnless something is leaking or worn it should be good to go.

If it is high mile a change a change of sensors may be good. Even with low miles they can fail with age.

I had an air control valve stuck at 40,000 miles.
Patman JAN 28, 09:09 PM

quote
Originally posted by RichLo1:

Welcome to the community! Is it a 4-cyl or v6? Manual or auto?

Besides the engine placement, there's not much different on a Fiero than any other 80's GM car so most any auto shop will be able to do work for you, or check it out further. If its going to be a daily driver, make sure the suspension/steering is tight, brakes are newer and the engine and trans has a fresh tune-up.



Thank you for the warm welcome! It’s a 4 cyl automatic. All the parts are original and only with ~9,000 miles on it. And as you said to do, I will be getting it fully checked and will get new parts like, for example, brakes if needed.
Patman JAN 28, 09:11 PM

quote
Originally posted by cvxjet:

I would like to state that the one thing that can take you by surprise with the Fiero handling is the Drop-Throttle-Oversteer (DTO); You enter a turn a bit too fast and then Cut the throttle, and then the rear end comes around. The Fiero's is very mild, but it is something to be aware of. Simply apply a bit of throttle and some slight counter-steer and the car will stabilize.

Back in the early 90s when I was driving home after work every day I would exit onto a cloverleaf turn....It had a bit of a kink in it- you would tighten the turn just a bit- I would deal with it by chopping the throttle...the rear would step out slightly and then I would get back on the throttle. (A BMW 3-series driver was tailgating me once and when I did this maneuver- he "Disappeared"...at the next intersection, I was turning the radio back on and saw him (Slowly) coming up alongside me- he was white as a sheet!

I liked to practice it to keep myself aware of how to deal with it (A lot of 911 drivers crash because of the DTO- the 911 is Notorious for bad DTO)



Gotcha, thank goodness I have this community as well as my mom with experience in this car to help me lol.
Patman JAN 28, 09:12 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:

We all appreciate that you're excited... but there's no need to post the same thing twice.



I just joined the forum when I posted it and didn’t realize it happened twice, my bad lmao

Maybe I’ll get twice the advice??
Kitskaboodle JAN 29, 07:20 PM
All original parts on it?
I would check the dog bone rubber condition.
Engine drive belts.
Gas filter too.
Make sure master cylinder brake fluid is clear.
I’m in San Jose. (South Bay)
Kit