Performance (Page 1/1)
FixItAgainTony JUN 29, 04:49 PM
Reading over information on the Fiero (i.e. Wikipedia page) tells me that the car itself, performance-wise, wasn't up to snuff with its expectations from the designers until about the last year of production in '88. Earlier Fieros seemingly suffered from compromises in all aspects, power, handling, performance, etc. but slowly graduated into what engineers and designers initially envisioned.

My question is, what are my options for upgrading a cheap '84 Fiero to make it on-par with later revisions? I'd love to soup up an '84 as much as I can while keeping it as true as I can and not ricing it out. I love the look of the standard, boxy Fiero model, but if there are better aftermarket options for certain things then I wouldn't be opposed. Generally, I just want to give it as much of a performance boost as I can. I love the look and I'd love to have a cool, fun car to play around with that has plenty of cheap, spare parts out there.

Obviously I'm aware all of this will cost quite a bit to do, so I just want to do one thing after the other. I'd love to keep one and make it my main project car.

I'm not a "car guy" by any means, and I'm also a (fairly) broke college student, so I thought buying a beat-up old Fiero for cheap might make a good starter project as someone who wants to get into cars and mechanics as a hobby. 80's mid-engine sports cars are my jam, and Fieros are seemingly plentiful and cheap. I don't need to start with performance stuff, at first I'd just like to build one up nicely back to stock configuration and go from there.

Again, I know this is a lot for a broke college kid, but I don't intend to do anything big right away, and financial-wise I've got a stream of money to put into a project. I know it sounds silly for someone who doesn't know much about cars to have all of these fun ideas, but we all start somewhere and I just want a Fiero. I don't see why I can't start by changing a few small components and working my way up with a service manual. I also have a very reliable daily driver with low mileage in good condition I plan on riding out for a very long time. That is not a concern. I want this to be a fun car.

Anyway, I don't know how many of these improvements from '84-'88 are due to non-interchangeable parts, different frames/layouts of the car, etc. It seems you can swap the stock I4 or V6 for a 3800, but that's as far as my knowledge goes. Could I swap the transmission on a less-desirable model for a manual Isuzu or Getrag, even if the car comes stock with an automatic? What about the improved suspension/brakes/etc. on the newer models of Fieros?

Sorry if it's a silly question, like I said, I don't know the first thing about cars and/or mechanical stuff. Dumbed-down replies would be appreciated. And sorry for the blogpost. Thanks for reading if you got this far, lol

(You might have seen, but I posted this on a Facebook group several days ago. Just want opinions from people who probably know a little better than me)
skywurz JUN 29, 07:43 PM
The 84 never came with a V6 or a 5 speed. The 84 has some differences that makes swapping some stuff more challenging. Id not start with an 84 but an 85 minimum. As far as ricing out a l4 iron duke it isn't happening. "performance" would be gained with a v6 (available in 85) or a v8 swap. With an engine swap you have to get nice and cozy with your local regulations or else you may not be able to register your car after. but you say "performance" what are your trying to do? Contrary to popular belief ebrake turns do not impress anyone.
Patrick JUN 29, 07:45 PM

quote
Originally posted by FixItAgainTony:

I'm not a "car guy" by any means, and I'm also a (fairly) broke college student, so I thought buying a beat-up old Fiero for cheap might make a good starter project...



You'll end up spending more money on a "beat-up old Fiero" than if you bought one in decent shape in the first place. And don't worry, you'll still have plenty of opportunities to learn automotive repair stuff, as these are 34+ year old cars.

IMO, if you like the look of the notchback models, buy an '85-88 notchie with the 2.8 V6 and a manual transmission. You'll thank me later.
cvxjet JUN 29, 08:27 PM
there are several different directions you can go, depending on what you want; Getting a later car that is in great shape will trim the amount of work you need to do......But it can cost you more, depending on what kind of a deal you get.

The 84 Fiero did not come with a V6...A number of 84s have had engine swaps...I am no expert but any engine swap will take a lot of labor and it goes easier with MORE knowledge.

I prefer keeping a car as light as possible, so my ideas for engine swaps are different from some...The 3800 is a GREAT engine- but it is heavier that the Fiero engines. Same with the Chevy small block. Best engines that address the weight issue are the original 2.8 and also the 3.4 F-body long block mod, the Cad 4.9 V8, the LS V8 (Especially the LS4 which is the transverse version)...My Fav tho is the New 4.3 V6, which is all aluminum and weighs 300 lbs so takes 70 lbs off the rear end. (It does have 285 HP and 300 Lb/Ft torque)

Suspension; There are some minor improvements over the year for the (Basically) first-gen suspension....the major improvement that the 88s had was the REAR suspension- and this is a (Relatively) easy swap...better ride and (Mainly) eliminates bump steer. Vented brakes come with that but then you need to swap in vented brakes up front. I also went with Sluppy123's aluminum front hubs which kept the weight gain down with the brake swap (Had to use 12" Vette discs)

Don't go nutsoid with your wheel/tire selection; Adding wheel/tire weight can make the car feel club-footed. I went with 16 x 7" wheels that weigh only 14 lbs each, then G-Max tires which are lighter than some competitor's tires (Sizes 205/55 front and 225/55 rear (These sizes were very popular on several cars so there are numerous choices/option) Compare the sizes to the C7 Vette, which weighs 3600 vs Fiero 2700 lbs; the 205 front tire then equals a 275 on the Vette, while the rear 225 equals 300.

Here is a very good road test of an 87 GT by Peter Egan- one the best auto-journalists; https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/099448.html
Dennis LaGrua JUN 30, 02:54 AM
The key here is the line by the OP "I'm also a (fairly) broke college student" . If he ends up buying a beat up 38 yr old vehicle it will cost more in repairs than if he had purchased one in good shape.This was already pointed out. I would also not recommend any vehicle this old as a daily driver. As for modifying an early model Fiero for better handling, that can be done buy adding a rear sway bar but again on a 38 yr old vehicle suspension bushings, shocks, tie rods and even the steering rack would be suspect. There is also little that you can do to modify the four cylinder Duke engine for more horsepower. Its an economical commuter car engine and even if you tried to modify for more power the cost vs power gain wouldn't justify the work.

------------------
" 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 "

olejoedad JUN 30, 09:41 AM
If you buy a Fiero you will be a very broke college student.

Find a decent Honda or Toyota, get done with college and find a good job.

Then find a decent Fiero.....