I read an earlier topic discussing the differences between '87 and '88 Fieros where the author pointed out that parts were more readily available for the '87 since the '87 shared many parts with earlier model years. Is there any difference between the 1986 1/2 GT and the 1987 GT? I was considering selling my '86 1/2 for an '88 but now I am not so certain. I know now that the 88 handles better and the engine is "balanced" but the parts issue makes a lot of sense.

They are essentialy the same car ('86/'87), but the '87 has a larger gas tank (11.9 gal vs. 10.2) and the '87 has the upgraded headlight motors (same as '88s). The only other difference is the upper intake plenum.....the '87 has the engraved "Fiero" while the '86 has a sticker.

One more thing is all '87 GT's (except autos.) came with the 5-speed Getrag......'86 GT's came with either a 4-speed or the 5-speed Getrag (only 2000 or so had the Getrag, so they are sort of uncommon).

Anyways, that's all moot.......BUY THE '88!! The difference between the '88 and the early Fieros (stock vs. stock) is well worth the added effort/expense of the parts (which aren't as hard to find as many people make them out to be).

Mrfiero is right parts wise, but the way to tell them apart is the difference in colors between the years.

quote but the way to tell them apart is the difference in colors between the years.

not true--Black, silver, white, and gold were the same for 86 and 87.

buy the 88' better brakes better suspension rarer car. what else would you want?

[This message has been edited by atarian (edited 07-24-2002).]

quote Originally posted by fiero_sc: not true--Black, silver, white, and gold were the same for 86 and 87.

Expanding on that, Blue and Medium Red Metallic (Maroon) were available in '87 but not in '86. Red was available in '86 but not '87 (except for an alleged handful of cars that made it out of the factory as red '87s).

I'm also with mrfiero. Buy an '88! The parts really aren't hard to find. Cheap '88 coupes turn up all the time and almost all the important '88 suspension bits are shared with the Formula and GT.

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Doug Chase
Duvall, WA
'88 Fiero Formula 5-spd (autocrosser)
'88 Fiero GT 5-spd (daily driver)
'85 Fiero GT 4-spd (rally car)

there is one other difference that hasn't been mentioned, yet. on the v'6 cars, there is a change in the routing of a coolant hose to the water pump. in '86, it was routed in a channel that runs along the tire well and under the battery and comes out beside teh altenator and attach's to the top of the water pump. in '87 and '88's it connects from the back to the side of the pump.

as for buying a car... you can buy a nice '87 or '86 GT for around $3500, and upgrade the suspension for about $1200. also, bearings are easier to find (really the only thing that would probably keep me from ever buying an '88)

i have an '86.5 with a rebuilt suspension, owned teh car for 13 years, and i can telll you she handle's like a dream!

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hoop
Red
'86 GT
5 speed
Borla Exhaust
Eibach's/Poly/Kyb's

quote Originally posted by bHooper: as for buying a car... you can buy a nice '87 or '86 GT for around $3500, and upgrade the suspension for about $1200. also, bearings are easier to find (really the only thing that would probably keep me from ever buying an '88)

I'm assuming you are referring to the front wheel bearings. While new front '88 wheel bearings are impossible to find, good used ones are not. Besides, you don't have to change them very frequently (sometimes not at all), so that is really no reason not to buy an '88.

I have owned dozens of '88 Fieros over the past 12 years....anywhere from brand new ones(282 miles) to high mileage ones (150,000 miles).....and I have only needed to replace one faulty front wheel bearing.

Anyways, aside from personal preferences, there is no reason not to choose an '88 Fiero over an earlier one (and vice versa).

[This message has been edited by mrfiero (edited 07-24-2002).]