First Fiero, now what? (Page 1/2)
DocJones MAR 09, 12:22 PM
I am a new owner of an '88 Formula (automatic) with 110,000 miles. I'm a novice vehicle mechanic, although I have a good mind for electrical and mechanical work from my career maintaining aircraft. What are some of the first things I should do?

Any inspections recommended? Or maybe insight on personal experiences and lessons learned after purchase? I.E. (If only I had checked blank from the start)

The car starts and runs well. I'm very excited to be a part of the community! Thank you for any input!

Edit: I will try to find time to reply and take more pictures! Here are a few quick ones.

[This message has been edited by DocJones (edited 03-09-2023).]

David Hambleton MAR 09, 01:44 PM
Welcome to the fun!

First: Entry to the club requires pics (or it didn't happen, lol!). After all, we can't be sure what the car looks like... Feel free to include any history details, alterations etc.

Second: You'll get advice from "Replace every rubber part, moving part, ignition part, fuel system part, brakes, sensors, fluids etc." to "Drive it and fix it if it breaks".
Full disclosure: I'm in the latter category with a 1984 SE 4 speed since new with 396,000 km; a 1986 2.5L 5 speed coupe since 2011 with 147,000 km and a Formula 5 speed since 2008 with 48,000 km.
I do all the work that I can, resorting to a local classic car garage if necessary.
Your vocation qualifies you to make decisions you're comfortable with.

Third: Use the search feature to find a wealth of information herein. I find the factory service manuals very useful particularly when they actually match what you're looking at.

Enjoy!

ps Ensure the HVAC system is free of debris; some Fieros have burned down from the blower motor resistors igniting leaves and/or mouse nests.

[This message has been edited by David Hambleton (edited 03-09-2023).]

hyperv6 MAR 09, 02:22 PM
Pull the plugs on the back side. Too often they get rusted in so check them now.

Then replace every year or two.

Just one area that generally can cause issues if you live in a non dry climate.

A swivel handle ratchet makes it easy. No the deck lid does not need to be removed.
TheDigitalAlchemist MAR 09, 02:27 PM

quote
Originally posted by David Hambleton:

Ensure the HVAC system is free of debris; some Fieros have burned down from the blower motor resistors igniting leaves and/or mouse nests.




This is essential! I have yet to come across a Fiero that didn't have a decent amount of stuff in there. Also make sure the engine bay is "free of debree" leaves and whatnot.


Pics of the engine bay and underneath can help us offer morearmchair advice.


check under the corners of the trunk (pull up the carpet) just to check for rust...

WELCOME!
Jake_Dragon MAR 09, 02:52 PM
Drive the snot out of it?

I will assume rust and damage are not an issue.
How does it drive?

Check all lights are working
Check tires for age and defects
Change the oil, air filter and fuel filter
Spark plugs and wires
Brakes, brake fluid.
Check the fluid level for the clutch
Check battery and power distribution blocks for corrosion and broken or burnt wires

Start there, drive more snot out of it.
Patrick MAR 09, 05:03 PM

quote
Originally posted by DocJones:

What are some of the first things I should do?



Check for spare change inside the console. It's often a goldmine down there!



Usually lots of goodies under the seats as well.

By the way, congrats on doing a good job posting images. It's amazing how many people totally screw up the process and have images in the middle of sentences etc.

[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 03-09-2023).]

zkhennings MAR 09, 05:13 PM
Nice car, check your grounds! 80s electronics are sub-par, if the block and heads are not grounded well it causes all kinds of gremlins.

I would maybe toss a new belt on there or at least in the trunk so it doesn't leave you stranded. Try and find a NOS ICM, they are a known common failure item, it is good to have one on hand.

There is also a 2 wire harness that goes from gray plug on ignition coil to the ICM, this is a common failure also (these things are all right next to the exhaust). It is a good wire to jiggle first if it cuts out on you at some point. You can buy them new from Fierostore or make your own.

And finally, there's a nest of PLASTIC vacuum lines under the top intake manifold, they are notorious for getting brittle and cracking and causing issues. I think I made new ones out of brake line back in the day.

I would also do a visual inspection of everything else to make sure nothing is obviously wrong with it, things being loose, things leaking, things missing clamps, soft or rock hard hoses, unacceptable rust anywhere - especially the front legs of the rear subframe, the design holds water.

Good resources for specialty parts are the Fierostore and Rodney Dickman, as well as various members.
Kitskaboodle MAR 12, 08:07 PM
Always make sure your dogbone is in good order.
Cap, rotor & ignition wires in good shape?
Fuel filter old? Replace if not known.
Water pump bearing/shaft nice & snug? No weeping? Front wheel bearings tight?
Oil/ antifreeze / tranny fluid leaks?
Tranny filter serviced in last 30-40K? If not known, change pancake filter and fluid.
Kit
fierosound MAR 14, 10:36 AM
DocJones... Welcome...

You've got some reading to do.
Manuals in PDFs.
https://fieroinfo.com/

FIERO by Gary Witzenburg is a good read.

------------------
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3.4L Supercharged 87 GT and Super Duty 4 Indy #163

Raydar MAR 14, 01:02 PM
Very cool!
One of my favorite Fieros, in one of my favorite Fiero colors.
Welcome to our obsession!

Since it's running and driving, I'd just pay attention to thumps and noises.
Fieros are known to clunk from the front. Frequently it's sway bar end links or bushings, or the bushing in the right end of the steering rack.
I'd check the ball joints. The last ones I replaced actually rattled after I removed them. (But I expected that, going in.)

If the brakes "creak" (an 88 malady) when you press and release the pedal, it's probably just the sliders need lubed.
All of my cars have had some or all of the suspension bushings replaced with poly.

As others have already mentioned, pull out the fan motor and the blower resistors, and make sure there are no mouse nests, or other debris, where it can cause trouble. (More then one Fiero has burned down because the blower resistor torched off a mouse nest.)

It's normal for the Fiero to get very warm (235F) before the radiator fan kicks on. Rodney Dickman sells low temp fan switches.
Also, filling the coolant is... interesting. It has to be topped off from the rear. Preferably with the rear of the car elevated a bit.

Otherwise, it's mostly just like any other 80s GM car.

[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 03-14-2023).]