A tale of two not so identical Fiero’s (Page 1/1)
Kitskaboodle DEC 05, 03:00 PM
Just wanted to tell this unusual story of two Fiero’s on a return trip back to the Bay Area from San Diego……
Back in 2006-2007 there was a get together of all California Fiero clubs called “Westfest”. This particular year the venue was in San Diego. After the show, I hooked up with a fellow Golden Gate Fiero member Andrew (PokeyFiero) and his girlfriend Ann. (it’s safer to travel in groups or pairs as you know) Anyways, we both gassed up at the same gas station before leaving town. Also, it was extra helpful that both of us had gmrs radios so we could be in contact with each other as we headed home. The highway of choice was Interstate 5. I still remember passing by Magic Mountain on that trip. Anyways, as we were getting toward the top of the “Grapevine”, I radioed Andrew and told him I was getting low on gas and we should stop soon. He said, “nah, I still have a third tank. I think your fuel gauge is off. Fiero’s are notorious for this. We’re almost at the top of the Grapevine and then it’s all downhill to the next major gas station. You can make it. Don’t worry”.
Well, 5 minutes later my engine started to sputter and cut out. Fortunately, there just happened to be an exit right there so I got off the interstate, made it maybe 100 yards and coasted to a stop. Man, we’re talking the middle of knowhere at the top of the Grapevine. ☹️ At this point, Andrew and Ann pull in behind me and we look my car over, looking for a fuel leak, etc when we realized that my GT is an 86. His was an 87! Duh! Somehow we didn’t think about this difference when we started out. ☹️ So, without hesitation he drove all the way down the Grapevine (maybe 20-22 miles one way?) to the main gas station, bought a small gas can, filled it up, drove all the way back up the Grapevine, helped me gas up my car and then followed me all the way back down the Grapevine to the main gas station, waited for me to gas up my car, then escorted me all the way to an Anderson’s split pea soup restaurant. (where we parted ways driving home) If they hadn’t helped me, I’d probably still be up there today! ☹️ Thank you Andrew and Ann!
Dukesterpro DEC 07, 09:53 AM
Man, I learned that lesson the hard way. My 84 had a goofy fuel gauge. I have driven over 50 miles on E and still had 2 gallons left in the tank. I assumed my 86 would be similar. When that baby hits E it means E!
Vintage-Nut DEC 07, 11:27 AM
Learn the Hard Way

Obviously, running out of gas on the road is a (fill-in the blank)
Kitskaboodle's story reminds me about my past as a young man....

Now as a 'wiser' man, I know that most of my vehicles has roughly two gallons still in the tank when the fuel gauge shows 'E'

BUT when I get my Fiero back on the road again, I need to 'relearn' the fuel gauge and I'll use the easy way.....

*What is the fuel tank capacity?
*How much gallons of fuel can be pumped when the gauge shows 'Empty'?

------------------
Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT
Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles

css9450 DEC 07, 11:39 AM
Mine runs out somewhere between "3/8" and "1/4". Any lower than that I will be walking!
cvxjet DEC 07, 07:07 PM
I track my fuel level by both the gauge and the mileage; I get approx' 200 miles range out of tank of gas on my 85 SE V6 (W/3.4 F-body long block + Getrag 5 speed) driving mainly around town- my gauge does seem to be relatively accurate.

I used to get 22 mpg around town and 28 highway- after the trans/engine swap I was getting 20 around town and 30 on the highway.