wow impressive

Any of you Florida folks going to come out to the $2009 in Gainesville? This Fiero will only be on that corner of the country once, so if you want to check it out (and a bunch of other really cool cars at the Challenge), Friday and Saturday is your chance!

Bryce

The Fiero got 20th overall after some last minute repairs.

Updates:

http://grassrootsmotorsport...hybrid/10519/page13/

Bryce

Congrats on the best engineered award. You totally deserved that one!

Now that the events are over I'm thinking its time to swap that Northstar of yours into the back and up the power of the EV batteries. Shoot for 1.3-1.5 60ft times. What do you think of that idea? Excellant work Bryce! Later.

[This message has been edited by Fieroseverywhere (edited 10-14-2009).]

Awesome job on the car!
Congrats all around for the effort!

------------------
Red 1988 GT 5 speed
Poly all around, Koni's & Lowered
LQ1 powered

quote Originally posted by Fieroseverywhere: Congrats on the best engineered award. You totally deserved that one! Now that the events are over I'm thinking its time to swap that Northstar of yours into the back and up the power of the EV batteries. Shoot for 1.3-1.5 60ft times. What do you think of that idea? Excellant work Bryce! Later.

Well, I do have everything I need to do the Northstar swap, but I'm currently planning on dropping that into my GT this winter. If I continue developing the Formula, I will do an engine swap, but not sure what yet. In reality, it probably depends on what I can find a good deal on locally. I'm game for pretty much anything that will bolt up to the Getrag that's in the car, whether it's a Northstar, 3x00, etc. There are a lot of things I can do to improve the car (dampers, tires, engine, batteries, etc.) it's just a matter of making time to do it and prioritizing what to do first.

Bryce

quote Originally posted by Nashco: Well, I do have everything I need to do the Northstar swap, but I'm currently planning on dropping that into my GT this winter. If I continue developing the Formula, I will do an engine swap, but not sure what yet. In reality, it probably depends on what I can find a good deal on locally. I'm game for pretty much anything that will bolt up to the Getrag that's in the car, whether it's a Northstar, 3x00, etc. There are a lot of things I can do to improve the car (dampers, tires, engine, batteries, etc.) it's just a matter of making time to do it and prioritizing what to do first. Bryce

I know where you can get a 4.9 with PCM and harness for about 200. I even have a flywheel you can use for it already. Come on, you know you want even more low end torque. Hehe.

On a side note, I want to help with the N* swap. I always wanted to see first hand what is actually needed to swap one into an 88.

The Fiero has been on a bunch of websites now and so far making the Jalopnik front page was my most proud...but I think this one has them topped:

http://wheels.blogs.nytimes...ero-hybrid-for-1600/

Pretty cool!

Bryce

Congrats!
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[This message has been edited by Tony Kania (edited 11-04-2009).]

Update:

http://grassrootsmotorsport...9/page14/#post245411

Awesome. Also how is this not in the construction zone?

I know that I'm coming into this thread a little late, but having built a hybrid vehicle myself, I must say that is an amazing undertaking with a Fiero! For my mechanical design project, I designed and build a hydraulic-hybrid formula race car for the SAE formula-hybrid event. Lots of hard work there, and I hope that you are getting the recognition that you deserve. Keep building.

Thanks for the compliments guys. I'm guessing this isn't in the "construction zone" because I've been doing all the documentation on the GRM website instead of this one. I haven't been doing much work on the Fiero since I got it all fixed up last month...I'm not sure what I'll be doing with it next, there are several things that could stand to be improved (isn't there always?). I'm keeping my eyes peeled for a 3400 to drop in and some cheap (used) adjustable dampers and stiffer springs for the front.

Bryce

I finally got the car on some scales:

http://grassrootsmotorsport...9/page14/#post297221

Bryce

quote Originally posted by Nashco: I finally got the car on some scales: http://grassrootsmotorsport...9/page14/#post297221 Bryce

Wow! Time to add lightness.

Nice! It came out very well balanced. Guess that was to be expected since the weight added was all in the front. Very respectable weight considering the modifications and amount of power added. Seeing this car first hand I know that lightening it up more is going to be a difficult at best. I'm sure you have a plan though...

quote Originally posted by KurtAKX: Wow! Time to add lightness.

While it might seem a bit pudgy compared to a stock Fiero at 3040 pounds, keep in mind that I've added about 500 pounds worth of stuff for the electric motor up front. As Fieroseverywhere mentioned, I've done a LOT of decontenting already. I could get it a couple hundred pounds lighter if it was a competition car only, but I don't want to make that sacrifice, at least not yet. It still has the bumpers, door bars, stock seats, most of the interior padding (no carpets, just floormats), stock exhaust, manual windows/mirrors/locks, stock battery, stock wheels/tires, stock engine, etc. that could be ditched/swapped to help lose weight for a competition car. Since I have driven this thing (with Jessica in the passenger seat) for thousands of miles after the conversion, some of those things just aren't worth the weight savings. If I had to guess, I'd guess I could get it down to about 2800 pounds in competition-only trim....but I doubt I'll ever find out the truth, since I would much rather this car gets used for more than just competing with.

Bryce

http://grassrootsmotorsport...9/page14/#post390431

quote It's been a long since my last update! The car has been sitting dormant for several months as I have been trying to get other parts of my life ironed out. However, with the EV drags in town this weekend, I couldn't resist the temptation to get the car back in action. I had an electrical gremlin spring to life while the car sat dormant, so I started to track down the problem last week. Unfortunately, I accidentally left a drain on one of my high voltage packs for a few days and killed half of my batteries...DOH!!! So, I did some rewiring to prevent this from happening in the future and started the hunt for more junkyard Prius packs. I'll detail the changes to the high voltage system soon when I've got a bit more time. I was able to get two fresh(er) Prius packs from a local junkyard for $150 each, my best price on Prius packs to date. Funny, the more I spend on my $2009 car, the cheaper it gets (according to the official budget!). These latest packs seem pretty dang healthy, so I'm really happy with the fresh batteries despite all the heartache I had after ruining the others last week. Last night I got the high voltage system reassembled and got back to hunting down my electrical gremlin. As it turns out, the emergency disconnect switch (which resides outside the car in the elements) failed, so even in the "on" position the electronics weren't getting power. When I got power past that switch, everything came back to life and I was happy as a clam. This morning I drove the Fiero to work...I had almost forgotten how fun this thing is to drive!!! The EV drags are going on at PIR tonight and tomorrow night, any locals should come check it out. The Fiero is definitely not the main attraction, there will be some MUCH faster electric cars out. I've got some used up ex-Chump Car RT615s to go on the car and replace the nasty all season tires; I'm hoping that with the tires and the fresh batteries, I'll be in the low 14s tonight.

Bryce

Hey Bryce. Those drags are tonight and tomorrow? The woman is out of town tonight and tomorrow. Not that it matters much but it makes things easier. I'd like to catch them drags this year. What time you heading out?

C

[This message has been edited by Fieroseverywhere (edited 07-23-2010).]

quote Originally posted by Fieroseverywhere: Hey Bryce. Those drags are tonight and tomorrow? The woman is out of town tonight and tomorrow. Not that it matters much but it makes things easier. I'd like to catch them drags this year. What time you heading out? C

The gates open at 6 pm both Friday and Saturday, I'll probably be there about that time if all goes well getting prepped.

Bryce

Cool. I will try to make it out but can't promise anything. If you need help prepping let me know. Later

What is the price to get in? I would love to see your car in action and perhaps meet up with you fieros everywhere! This looks like a good time.

Almost a year later... I see this thread.
For God's sake, I towed the club's timing trailer there.
I saw that sweet looking 88 there and thought it was just a stock car.
Too bad I never got to see the car run.

I'm the guy that came over to you and probably showed you my cell phone (with Fiero emblem as the wallpaper).
Glad to see you are still developing the car.

quote Originally posted by 2002z28ssconv: I saw that sweet looking 88 there and thought it was just a stock car.

Thats one of my favortite things about this car. It looks and sounds like a stock Formula. At a glance, you would never guess there is a second motor lurking under that hood.

How did it go last night Bryce? Everything went well I assume? Ugh, its suppose to reach 95 today.

[This message has been edited by Fieroseverywhere (edited 07-24-2010).]

Well, still not much faster. 14.666 (@ 82.5 mph) is the new fast time for the car. I was fighting wheelhop, can't seem to get my 60' times below 1.8. Stickier tires plus nasty old dampers is making launches tough. The batteries are strong in the 1/8th mile, but still don't have enough current capacity to finish strong in the 1/4.

I'm not sure where to go from here. I've got some poly bushings that need to be installed, that would probably help with the wheelhop. I could really use some better dampers, but they're hard to find used and even harder to justify the price of new dampers in the $201X budget. I also have a nitrous kit and a 7730 programmed for a 3500, so I'm kind of all over the board with potentials for the future.

Bryce

Are the fronts or rears spinning. If the fronts are spinning too much, it might be because the weight transferring to rear is unloading the front tires. Stiffer rear springs (or adjustable struts on full stiff) can reduce the squat and keep more weight on the fronts. It's hard to say without seeing it. Stiff springs on the rear will make the car handle like crap at the autocross though. A tail happy Fiero is a handful and a half.

I have a hard time imagining that you're spinning the rear tires at the strip.

Why not swap the struts/coilovers from the 88GT over? Won't cost you a dime and you can buy your replacments for the GT so it won't add to your $201X budget. Just a thought I'm sure you've already considered.

quote Originally posted by Fieroseverywhere: Why not swap the struts/coilovers from the 88GT over? Won't cost you a dime and you can buy your replacments for the GT so it won't add to your $201X budget. Just a thought I'm sure you've already considered.

Just because I have parts laying around doesn't make them "free" to the $201X budget. Technically, I'd have to add fair market value. I could put the GT dampers on the Formula, but then I'd have to have some better ones to put on the GT.

quote Originally posted by 2002z28ssconv: Are the fronts or rears spinning. If the fronts are spinning too much, it might be because the weight transferring to rear is unloading the front tires. Stiffer rear springs (or adjustable struts on full stiff) can reduce the squat and keep more weight on the fronts. It's hard to say without seeing it. Stiff springs on the rear will make the car handle like crap at the autocross though. A tail happy Fiero is a handful and a half. I have a hard time imagining that you're spinning the rear tires at the strip.

No tire spinning. Fronts are hopping. On a prepped track with the RT615s (not the horrible all season tires anymore)...it just hooks. There isn't any spinning. I suspect the front wheelhop is a combination of crummy bushings, crummy dampers, unequal length axles, sticky tires, and lots of torque...it's basically a perfect recipe for wheelhop.

Neat car. I had a chance to take a look at it over at Lucas' place one time. Have you thought about bringing either the GRM car or your GT to Northwest Fiero Fest? Coming up Auguest 13-15th in Richland, WA, if you're interested.

quote Originally posted by Nashco: Just because I have parts laying around doesn't make them "free" to the $201X budget. Technically, I'd have to add fair market value. I could put the GT dampers on the Formula, but then I'd have to have some better ones to put on the GT.

Thats right. You told me that before. Buying something at a really good price is usually better then "fair market value".

Whats up next for this car? 3500 swap?

quote Originally posted by Fieroseverywhere: Whats up next for this car? 3500 swap?

I do have a '7730 ECM and a PROM that is custom made for a 3500 in my possession, so it's just a matter of finding a good deal on a 3500 and I could do that. Next up is suspension upgrades, probably. To be honest, the car is fairly low on my priority list now, I haven't been giving it much attention lately.

quote Originally posted by ManMadeChickens: Neat car. I had a chance to take a look at it over at Lucas' place one time. Have you thought about bringing either the GRM car or your GT to Northwest Fiero Fest? Coming up Auguest 13-15th in Richland, WA, if you're interested.

Not likely. Driving from Portland to the Tri-Cities in the middle of August with a car that doesn't have AC just to stand around and look at other cars sounds not-fun. I'm surprised you guys don't have it earlier or later in the year, Richland in August is hot!

Bryce

Byrce didn't you at one time live in the detroit metro area and a member of the Michigan
fiero club

quote Originally posted by solotwo: Byrce didn't you at one time live in the detroit metro area and a member of the Michigan fiero club

I went to school in Michigan, so I used to spend some time in the area. Never a member of any Fiero club, but I probably attended a few outings.

Bryce

I think I figured out why the car seemed to fall on its face for the last 1/8th mile. The exhaust started making some rattling the other day, and subsequently sounded like somebody stuffed a potato up the exhaust pipe. I suspect the catalytic converter has self destructed...not surprising, since it was the cheapest one I could buy a while back when I put it on to pass emissions. I'm hoping to get it fixed in time for the EV drags, which are coming back to town next weekend, and I suspect that will get me past the previous 14.666 best. I might add a second O2 bung while I've got the welder handy to prepare for the nitrous. I've never used giggle gas, so I think adding my wideband during tuning would be a good idea.

Also, GRM sent an email out with a preview of the November 2010 cover that has a headline reading, "DIY: Build your own gas-electric hybrid for less than $2000!" Looks like the hybrid Fiero will be featured in the next issue of GRM! I'm curious to see what they have to say!

Bryce

Sweet deal Bryce!! I'm interested in seeing that article. Post a link if you can when it comes out.

When are the drags this time? Schedule is insane right now but still want to see the car in action. Later.

quote Originally posted by Fieroseverywhere: When are the drags this time? Schedule is insane right now but still want to see the car in action. Later.

Same as last time, Friday and Saturday starting at 6 pm.

Bryce

http://grassrootsmotorsport...9/page15/#post421769

quote As expected, the cat wasn't doing too hot: I'll be curious to see if this explains my disappointing 1/8-1/4 mile experience, or if it is an unrelated fluke. Oh yeah, and if you're ever thinking about cutting a muffler shell open to make sure it's not full of catalytic converter chunks...stop thinking about it. That was a really, really bad idea with an OEM muffler that uses extremely thin sheet metal and me only having .035 wire for the MIG right now. I was REALLY wishing I had got more .025 when I ran out a while back!

Bryce

For those who like seeing the Fiero in print, pick up the latest issue of Grassroots Motorsports at your nearest bookstore. The December 2010 issue has a writeup on my $2009 Challenge car. At 6 pages plus a few mentions in prior issues, I think this is the most print a Fiero has seen in a long time!

Bryce

I see you complaining about suspension being "old and crappy" all over the place.. and I wanted to add that I have a total of $20 into my 120k suspension on my 10 second fiero... and it works pretty decent. I am going to be installing poly bushings soon, but other than that its stock right now.