Basic Performance Improvement for 87 GT (Page 1/3)
Gryffindad AUG 20, 03:13 PM
Hey guys,

Just purchased a clean 87 GT with a stock 2.8 v6 in it and 53k miles. About 20 years ago I owned an 88 with the Iron Duke and it's been in my head ever since I sold it back then to get another one and it finally happened.
It's worth noting I'm not a mechanic, so I'll be taking things slow and easy and working with a local shop where needed.

I've been reading a lot about performance upgrades to the 2.8, different engine swaps, the lack a feasibility (from a cost standpoint) for adding a turbo or supercharger, etc.

Really what I want to do is stay stock(ish) as much as possible but push 175-200HP. Seems like the most cost effective way to do that would be the 3.4 swap from the 93-95 Firebird/Camaro and do some enhancements on that?

I plan to work on things incrementally but I had a couple of additional questions:
- Should I just assume that the motor mounts need replaced?
- Are the suspension kits from Fiero Store worth getting? https://www.fierostore.com/...rowse.aspx?d=331&p=1
- Are there any resources in the DFW area? I've read some bad things about fastfiero on here
Fripp64 AUG 20, 03:49 PM
I'm sort of in your boat. Not a mechanic but have friends---ha ha
I just bought an '87 GT with 45k miles. I had a friend who is a certified mechanic come over and give her the once over. He said even though she's clean as hell the rubber gaskets/bushings/mounts are all 33 years old and she's riding like she has a tired suspension. I want to keep mine as stock as possible since it' so clean. On his advice I did order the suspension kits from The Fiero Store along with new tie rods bushings, ball joints, new coolant hoses, and due to a slight leak at the rear main seal we're going to replace that and do the clutch kit while we've got it apart. As he said, with no real service history it's better to assume nothings been done and start from square one with the car....oil change, coolant flush, new filters and then address the stuff that's just getting old. I hope that helps a little. CONGRATS! I'm back in a Fiero for the first time in 35 years.

J.
Gryffindad AUG 20, 04:01 PM
That's awesome! I haven't had mine checked out professionally yet so I'll be doing that first.
Agreed on some of the basic replacements, the car is definitely up there in age.

Which suspension kit did you go with?
Fripp64 AUG 20, 04:12 PM
When I said suspension kit I meant I went with the Poly bushing kit sold through the Fiero store. When I get to shocks I'll probably go with the KYB since they're just a little stiffer then the Monroe. I'd like to slightly improve the handling.
Jon88GT AUG 20, 05:16 PM
Congratulations on your purchase! I also just bought a 1988 GT, 5-speed with 51k. Unless the engine goes bad, I don't see me replacing it for awhile. I have another pleasure car that I'm putting money into as well....so pretty much only whatever is needed to be replaced. I am curious about a lightly modified 3.4 when the time comes. Reading through threads on here, I get the sense it may not be too worthwhile trying the beef up the 2.8.
fierofool AUG 20, 05:36 PM
For a straight drop in that will retain the stock appearance, the 93-95 F-body 3.4 will start you out at 160 hp. Roller 1:6 rockers and or a mild cam can get you another 10 or so hp. For the 86 and 87, the only thing you would need to purchase would be a neutral balanced Beretta 3.1 flywheel available from Rock Auto. For the 3.4 would require a starter relocation jig from Rodney Dickman to move the starter to the other side of the engine. All Fiero bolt-ons transfer directly to the 3.4 They are identical blocks, except for starter location.
Spadesluck AUG 20, 05:39 PM
My advice would be to enjoy the car how it is. Fix what breaks as you go. Do routine maintenance like any other vehicle and call it a day. Once you start on the "upgrade" train you may find yourself never driving the car at all.
cvxjet AUG 20, 05:57 PM
The 3.4 F-body swap only nets you (approx') 20 more HP....But it feels like more because it is at a lower RPM...kind of like installing a better rear-end ratio...My car does 0-60 in 6.5 and the quarter in 14.8- yet I get better MPG freeway driving.

Don't lower it too much- the Fiero is limited in suspension travel so you need to be careful or you'll be riding on the bumpstops. To improve steering response and turn-in while also eliminating some of the Drop-Throttle oversteer try my Stabilizer bar mounting theories...Link; http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/140674.html

Also, I wouldn't switch to poly bushings; They tend to cold-flow so after a few years they will develop problems....

[This message has been edited by cvxjet (edited 08-20-2020).]

Gryffindad AUG 20, 06:16 PM

quote
Originally posted by cvxjet:

The 3.4 F-body swap only nets you (approx') 20 more HP....But it feels like more because it is at a lower RPM...kind of like installing a better rear-end ratio...My car does 0-60 in 6.5 and the quarter in 14.8- yet I get better MPG freeway driving.

Don't lower it too much- the Fiero is limited in suspension travel so you need to be careful or you'll be riding on the bumpstops.



That might be nice on the 3.4, as I understand it's a relatively easy swap to do.

I was planning to get one of the suspension kits from the fiero store, looks like they lower the car by about 1 inch is all.
pmbrunelle AUG 20, 08:15 PM
I wouldn't bother with taking out a perfectly good 2.8 L just to add another 0.6 L to it.

To me, increasing the displacement makes sense when your engine is broken, and then "while you're in there" you rebuild it with more displacement.