Going back to stock (Page 1/1)
hardrock2112 AUG 03, 08:14 AM
Hello and thank you for allowing me into your forum.

As a 60 year old, I'm probably a little late to the game, LOL. That said, I just purchased a rebodied 1986 Fiero. I know nothing about suspension, other than the dozens of threads I've read here, and the last few days of using Google. I now believe I am in over my head.

The seller said it has 300# lowering coil overs, but they are not adjustable for "ride" , just height. The ride is horrific, and borderline unsafe. Even with the 350 engine, I will never race this car, and even on the interstate it will never see past 70-75mph. I need it to ride more comfortable for my aging body...LOL.

After all of the threads, I am starting to think the best bet might be to remove the coil overs and go back to an all stock suspension, and use lowering spindles to keep the ride height lower than stock, but maintain all the stock springs/shocks for some level of comfort.

a) am I thinking along the correct lines here?
b) is there a way to use the VIN number to find out exactly what the stock set up was (I understand a variety of spring rates and sizes were used?)

Thank you in advance for any light shed! (I don't know if it's appropriate to use my real name or my username in these places...LOL)
Hardrockin' Old Guy
olejoedad AUG 03, 10:07 AM
Some may disagree with this, but the cast iron 350 in the back is throwing the balance of the car off.

I have driven dozens of Fieros over the years, and I have never felt comfortable in a SBC swapped car.
Too much weight in the caboose.

Suggestions would be changing spring rates front and rear, matched front and rear sway bars, more tire on the back and ride height adjustments.
hardrock2112 AUG 03, 10:15 AM
I don't disagree with anything in your reply. Some time back, I owned a different rebody with a SMC and it drove fantastic (for my driving habits). So that tells me there "is" an answer. I just don't know how to achieve any of the things you mentioned... LOL.

If there is any Fiero suspension expert here in Northeast Pennsylvania, I'd be happy to meet up or hire you, for that matter. Thanks!
theogre AUG 03, 02:54 PM
Lowered cars and other suspension mods often have more problems then just crappy ride.

OEM springs are in See my Cave, RPO List
But if had 4 cyl then OEM rears will be "soft" at best w/ big engines. Even "best" springs for OE V6 maybe "soft" w/ heavy engine.

Likely has "upgraded" other suspension parts and brakes.
Examples:
Polly control arms often have problems even if they don't make noise. See my Cave, Bushings
Have crap brake "upgrade" like Cave, Brake Upgrade

If still have OE Control arm bushings... they go bad from old age and cause similar problems.

Worse, PA NY and all or parts of other states are heavy Road Salt users and often Fiero Body hinds a lot of rot. Make Sure the car isn't a rust bucket before doing other work. Should have done that before buying but to late now...

What tag goes it have? Antique Tag etc have rules to follow to exempt from safety inspection. #1 in most states you can't use this tags on a daily ride.
Normal tags need safety inspection at minimum in PA and can/will fail this. I think PA like NY uses private shops to inspect that put a car on a lift to look for problems. (PA, part or all, like some others may no longer have Emission Testing for cars > 25 year old.)

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)

The Ogre's Fiero Cave

fieroguru AUG 04, 07:04 AM
If your car is riding rough, first thing to do is use a camera/cell phone and see where the bump stops are to their stop for front and rear suspensions. Many people lower the car w/o addressing the bump stops and end up riding on the bump stops vs. springs which makes for a very stiff/bouncy ride.
hardrock2112 AUG 04, 08:07 AM
Thanks everyone for your feedback! Will continue to research and see how this is going to all work out. Enjoy your ride!

- Hard Rockin' Old Guy