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A Real Mera in Paradise by Fiero-in-Paradise
Started on | : 08-18-2009 04:06 AM |
Replies | : 7120 (188724 views) |
Last post by | : Vernonmera on 01-21-2025 09:34 PM |
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Sep 27th, 2011
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Rick 88 Member Posts: 3914 From: El Paso, TX. Registered: Aug 2001
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Dan,
Odds are that any wrecking yard 3.4 PR is going to have some miles on it by now. If you look hard enough you shoud be able to pick up a good running example for $500 or less. Most yards will start them for you so you can hear them run. The 3.4 DOHC swap is more involved, but will give you that 4 cam 24 valve high rpm pull the 3.4 PR can't. However, the engine fits very tight in the compartment, and you best replace the timing belt with a new one before installing it. You will have to pull the engine again to install the belt later on. The 3.4 PR uses a timing chain which is much more durable. I would still replace it, and the gears on a wrecking yard engine. A new oil pump is also cheap insurance. The hardest part of the 3.4 PR swap is drilling the starter holes. Rodney sells a jig for this that makes it easy to do. There are many threads on Pennocks detailing the swap. Basically, you swap the complete 2.8 intake manifold, plastic vacuum lines under the manifold, valve covers, timing chain and water pump, distributor, sensors, and oil pan from your old motor on to the 3.4 The 3.4 uses DIS ignition so you will have to remove the distributor hole plug in the 3.4 block to install the 2.8 distributor. You can use your 2.8 exhaust system as well. The finished engine looks exactly like the 2.8 you removed. The stock cam in the 3.4 is exactly the same as the 2.8 HO cam in the Fiero 2.8 engine. It is fine for street use. Depending on how much of the work you actually do, the swap can be completed for well under $2000 using a wrecking yard engine and replacement parts ( new motor and trans mounts, belts, hoses, gaskets etc.) included. I'll email you a picture of my 3.4
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04:09 PM
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Mera_Cop Member Posts: 32 From: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Registered: Apr 2011
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Rick, I am using 1.25 in on the back and 1 in on the front. It drove great with the rear's on but when I put the fronts on...WOW! Like I said, it looked perfect but the wheel would shake un controllibly. I could not drive farther than one block like it was. The good news is that these rims fit my wife's Solstace perfect and she has glummed onto them. Every rim I find has positive offset and nothing with neg offset. What's a guy supposed to do??? I do have pics but no way of posting them. Ivan ... Congrats on 105 Ownage! [This message has been edited by Mera_Cop (edited 09-27-2011).]
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04:50 PM
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Wayne Wm. Peterson Member Posts: 378 From: Muskego, Wi, USA Registered: Dec 2010
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hnthomps Member Posts: 5749 From: Columbia, SC Registered: Jul 2003
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Is anyone interested in a purple Mera with a large wing? If so, get back with me and I will direct you to the source (West Coast). Nelson [This message has been edited by hnthomps (edited 09-27-2011).]
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08:25 PM
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Rick 88 Member Posts: 3914 From: El Paso, TX. Registered: Aug 2001
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| quote | Originally posted by Mera_Cop:
Rick, I am using 1.25 in on the back and 1 in on the front. It drove great with the rear's on but when I put the fronts on...WOW! Like I said, it looked perfect but the wheel would shake un controllibly. I could not drive farther than one block like it was. The good news is that these rims fit my wife's Solstace perfect and she has glummed onto them. Every rim I find has positive offset and nothing with neg offset. What's a guy supposed to do??? I do have pics but no way of posting them.
Ivan ...
Congrats on 105 Ownage!
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Ivan, you can email the pictures to me if you want. I cannot understand why the front end would shake. Normally, the steering effort is a bit higher, but that is it. Have you checked out your bushings. ball joints, and front hubs for any play? The only other thing it could be is if the spacer is not machined correctly. Also are you wheels a dual bolt pattern. The Fiero pattern is not the same as the Solstice. I will check on wheels with more negative offset for you.
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09:19 PM
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Rick 88 Member Posts: 3914 From: El Paso, TX. Registered: Aug 2001
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Look at how the front end drops down. The black divider line is at a sharp downward angle compared to the rest of the car. Possible crash repair done incorrectly.......
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09:21 PM
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Sep 28th, 2011
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batousai666 Member Posts: 4222 From: MI usa Registered: Jun 2009
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| quote | Originally posted by Mera_Cop:
Rick, I am using 1.25 in on the back and 1 in on the front. It drove great with the rear's on but when I put the fronts on...WOW! Like I said, it looked perfect but the wheel would shake un controllibly. I could not drive farther than one block like it was. The good news is that these rims fit my wife's Solstace perfect and she has glummed onto them. Every rim I find has positive offset and nothing with neg offset. What's a guy supposed to do??? I do have pics but no way of posting them.
Ivan ...
Congrats on 105 Ownage!
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i say it may needs weights....i got a ton of them glue on ones. i just got new tires early this season and had a little shimmy up front seems i lost some of the glue-ons during the intinal break in of Mera X, well when i got the new tires they checked all the weights, re-balanced and that fixed the shimmy totally. what wheels are you using?? i got very large spacers on Mera X and i cant tell any difference once i got the weight issue fixed. but i have some old aftermarket Centerlines.....my offsets are like 2.5 and 2 i think.......pics  i will go measure them today some time to verify....but i think the front for me is 2" and the back is 2.5" daniel
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09:43 AM
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batousai666 Member Posts: 4222 From: MI usa Registered: Jun 2009
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| quote | Originally posted by Rick 88:
Dan,
Odds are that any wrecking yard 3.4 PR is going to have some miles on it by now. If you look hard enough you shoud be able to pick up a good running example for $500 or less. Most yards will start them for you so you can hear them run. The 3.4 DOHC swap is more involved, but will give you that 4 cam 24 valve high rpm pull the 3.4 PR can't. However, the engine fits very tight in the compartment, and you best replace the timing belt with a new one before installing it. You will have to pull the engine again to install the belt later on. The 3.4 PR uses a timing chain which is much more durable. I would still replace it, and the gears on a wrecking yard engine. A new oil pump is also cheap insurance. The hardest part of the 3.4 PR swap is drilling the starter holes. Rodney sells a jig for this that makes it easy to do. There are many threads on Pennocks detailing the swap. Basically, you swap the complete 2.8 intake manifold, plastic vacuum lines under the manifold, valve covers, timing chain and water pump, distributor, sensors, and oil pan from your old motor on to the 3.4 The 3.4 uses DIS ignition so you will have to remove the distributor hole plug in the 3.4 block to install the 2.8 distributor. You can use your 2.8 exhaust system as well. The finished engine looks exactly like the 2.8 you removed. The stock cam in the 3.4 is exactly the same as the 2.8 HO cam in the Fiero 2.8 engine. It is fine for street use. Depending on how much of the work you actually do, the swap can be completed for well under $2000 using a wrecking yard engine and replacement parts ( new motor and trans mounts, belts, hoses, gaskets etc.) included. I'll email you a picture of my 3.4 |
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thanks for the info.....i cant wait. the appeal of the 3.4L dohc i posted is cuz it was on a cradle already and $500....oh and fast as hell  but i need all new(er) if i go with the lower power, 3.4L. that way i get to drive it long distance with the confidence of a new(er) engine. top to bottom. cept for my current intake, but in all fairness a modified 2.8 or the Truelo is not too expensive to NOT consider the benefits to me lead foot  i am looking into the 3.4 very much so for the ease of install......i would most like to find an already on cradle deal here (PFF) so i dont want to get too Gung-ho, now. its early. i just dropped the insurance down to storage on the Mera. *tears* sad! and i got a few shops i see close for a paid for install with a massage maybe from like SinisterPerformance is see they are not that far away. i need a job to fill the gap and its on!!! 3.4L copper gasket turbo with a shot of nitrous to shut them up for good...  d [This message has been edited by batousai666 (edited 09-28-2011).]
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09:59 AM
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hnthomps Member Posts: 5749 From: Columbia, SC Registered: Jul 2003
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What year is your Mera? If it is an 88 I may be able to solve your problem. Nelson | quote | Originally posted by Mera_Cop:
What is the Offset of the original rims? I've got spacers for the front and back of mine and it LOOKS amazing but drives like complete DOOKIE! I am trying to find replacement rims that will not require hubcentric spacers. Does anyone know? (this is starting to kill the pocket book and I can't drive my car.)
Ivan
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08:18 PM
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Sep 29th, 2011
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Mera_Cop Member Posts: 32 From: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Registered: Apr 2011
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| quote | Originally posted by hnthomps:
What year is your Mera? If it is an 88 I may be able to solve your problem.
Nelson
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88
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11:06 AM
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hnthomps Member Posts: 5749 From: Columbia, SC Registered: Jul 2003
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e-mail sent
Nelson
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11:27 AM
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PFF
System Bot
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Oct 1st, 2011
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batousai666 Member Posts: 4222 From: MI usa Registered: Jun 2009
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say what!???? awww too far.....gives me a new angle tho.....modify my current engine http://www.rebuiltcrateengi...ro-gt-v6-p-2154.htmlseems they only bored the 2.8 to 3.1 with a massage (Cam??) and get 200 hp (210 torques)....thats close to good for me  220-240 would be great. Get the weights down to 2700 lbs with me in it....and we're off!!! a little more HP bump with headders and intake, maybe a little turbo?? seems do-able. i also have a offer of sorts on a 3800 N/A here in MI......may be gettin that instead. i know  but its a steal, if it dont get stolen first  the heat will be on!! d [This message has been edited by batousai666 (edited 10-01-2011).]
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09:46 AM
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batousai666 Member Posts: 4222 From: MI usa Registered: Jun 2009
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yulp...thats what it sounds like.....yulp http://www.youtube.com/all_comments?v=1St8UKXao9Udismay, dismay......but at least it aint Spring in May  seems best bang for buck is going to be here on the PFF in the Mall. the whole thing may be in a Fiero still but the Whole thing nonetheless....... d
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10:51 AM
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Rick 88 Member Posts: 3914 From: El Paso, TX. Registered: Aug 2001
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11:41 AM
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johnyrottin Member Posts: 5496 From: Northwest Florida Registered: Oct 2007
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Today 8088 got her new speakers installed. I have buttoned her back up and she is very happy. The last thing left for her is new headliner and matching visors alll in beechwood.
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06:13 PM
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Rick 88 Member Posts: 3914 From: El Paso, TX. Registered: Aug 2001
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| quote | Originally posted by johnyrottin:
Today 8088 got her new speakers installed. I have buttoned her back up and she is very happy. The last thing left for her is new headliner and matching visors alll in beechwood. |
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Where are you going to find factory replacement 88 beechwood headliner material? Mine is starting to get loose in spots.
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07:07 PM
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johnyrottin Member Posts: 5496 From: Northwest Florida Registered: Oct 2007
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The material won't be able to be exact factory replacement but the headliner company local to me has an almost exact match. Having said that, I am probably going to go up and have Russ88TTop do my visor and headliner at the same time so they match perfectly. I love his craftsmanship and know the job will be perfect!
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07:13 PM
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hnthomps Member Posts: 5749 From: Columbia, SC Registered: Jul 2003
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10:15 PM
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Fieromaineac Member Posts: 234 From: Kittery, Maine USA Registered: Jun 2003
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That is a tight fit!!
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10:35 PM
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Oct 2nd, 2011
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hnthomps Member Posts: 5749 From: Columbia, SC Registered: Jul 2003
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But it certainly looks nice! Unfortunately I cannot take personal credit for this outstanding work. That goes to Paul Smith who added a lot of very custom touches to make this swap look this good. Nelson | quote | Originally posted by Fieromaineac:
That is a tight fit!! |
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08:17 AM
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reholmes Member Posts: 920 From: Phoenix, AZ, USA Registered: Jul 2001
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Fieromaineac, At one time you were thinking of putting your Fieros on the market--change your mind? ------------------ Dick Mera #8046 1987 GT - T-boned (RIP)
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01:28 PM
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PFF
System Bot
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hnthomps Member Posts: 5749 From: Columbia, SC Registered: Jul 2003
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$8000-$9000 may get someone a Mera on the West Coast. If anyone is interested, contact me for details.
Nelson
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07:35 PM
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Oct 3rd, 2011
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Rick 88 Member Posts: 3914 From: El Paso, TX. Registered: Aug 2001
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Nelson, which Mera got this swap?
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05:22 PM
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hnthomps Member Posts: 5749 From: Columbia, SC Registered: Jul 2003
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One of the 1988s is the resting place of the 383. This specific Mera was initially acquired in Orlando about five years ago and has been in pieces since then. I found it sitting uncovered in a driveway in the Florida sun and rain. Needless to say, the car was in bad shape on the exterior and the interior had a Beechwood interior that had been covered in red and black vinyl (at great expense). It was undoubetedly the worst looking interior that I have ever seen in a Fiero. Nelson | quote | Originally posted by Rick 88:
Nelson, which Mera got this swap? |
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[This message has been edited by hnthomps (edited 10-03-2011).]
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05:35 PM
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reholmes Member Posts: 920 From: Phoenix, AZ, USA Registered: Jul 2001
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| quote | Originally posted by hnthomps:
$8000-$9000 may get someone a Mera on the West Coast. If anyone is interested, contact me for details.
Nelson |
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It would be nice to know the details for our knowledge base. ------------------ Dick Mera #8046 1987 GT - T-boned (RIP) [This message has been edited by reholmes (edited 10-03-2011).]
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07:22 PM
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bjc 350 Member Posts: 967 From: Astoria Registered: Oct 2005
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This may be the Mera being refered to as being for sale out here in the west. If it really is painted Black Cherry as has been refered to in other ads I have seen, the pics do not do that color any justice. http://cars.oodle.com/view/...980496-escondido-ca/
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11:31 PM
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Oct 4th, 2011
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reholmes Member Posts: 920 From: Phoenix, AZ, USA Registered: Jul 2001
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Thanks, BJC, I've seen this car in several ads--one said the color was black--personally, really like the color! The seller hasn't made a convincing argument that the car is a Mera.
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12:08 AM
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hnthomps Member Posts: 5749 From: Columbia, SC Registered: Jul 2003
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This is an 88 if I remember correctly and I identified it as a Mera a year or two ago, spoke with the owner, diagnosed a problem that he corrected, and confirmed that it was running properly. It was for sale at $5000 in either a Craig's List ad or somewhere else. I really did not want the San Diego car because of having to convert it back to a Mera configuration, get rid of the large spoiler, transportation to the East Coast, paint color, etc., but I agreed to pay the asking price. The owner never got back to me and I saw the ad again a couple of months later at a higher price. That turned me off on the "deal". The owner recently contacted me via e-mail to ask if I still wanted the car but it was now priced at around $6500 but I think that it may be somewhat negotiable. This was supposedly because of some $1500 suspension work and a few other things that had been done to the vehicle. I am not really interested in paying an inflated price for work that I could have easily done myself so my interest has declined. However, I have e-mails with pictures from this time around as well as some of the original ad pictures. If anyone is interested, I will be happy to e-mail the e-mails/pictures to you if I have an address. Nelson | quote | Originally posted by reholmes:
It would be nice to know the details for our knowledge base.
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[This message has been edited by hnthomps (edited 10-04-2011).]
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10:34 AM
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hnthomps Member Posts: 5749 From: Columbia, SC Registered: Jul 2003
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This appears to be the same car. Nelson | quote | Originally posted by bjc 350:
This may be the Mera being refered to as being for sale out here in the west. If it really is painted Black Cherry as has been refered to in other ads I have seen, the pics do not do that color any justice. http://cars.oodle.com/view/...980496-escondido-ca/ |
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10:43 AM
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reholmes Member Posts: 920 From: Phoenix, AZ, USA Registered: Jul 2001
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Nelson, Thanks for the info. The car's been on the market too long--gotta be a reason. Any idea what the serial number is? ------------------ Dick Mera #8046 1987 GT - T-boned (RIP)
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11:14 AM
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hnthomps Member Posts: 5749 From: Columbia, SC Registered: Jul 2003
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The Mera number is 808?. It could be either a 6. 8, or 9 but my photo is not good enough to tell for certain. Nelson | quote | Originally posted by reholmes:
Nelson,
Thanks for the info. The car's been on the market too long--gotta be a reason. Any idea what the serial number is?
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02:48 PM
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PFF
System Bot
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reholmes Member Posts: 920 From: Phoenix, AZ, USA Registered: Jul 2001
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I think John's is 8088
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03:01 PM
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batousai666 Member Posts: 4222 From: MI usa Registered: Jun 2009
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for ya........it would be cool if it was #8080.  i like the cherry black....to bad its so far. well that and its an '88hahahaaaaaa i still want the Prototype and if the economy would flip i could buy. almost half way there, now  d PS i got the TransAm to turn today  anybody got a good idea about getting that old gas out of the tank?? [This message has been edited by batousai666 (edited 10-04-2011).]
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05:16 PM
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reholmes Member Posts: 920 From: Phoenix, AZ, USA Registered: Jul 2001
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Believe it or not, some cars have a drain **** on the gas tank--you could be lucky. Otherwise pull the lowest hose on the tank--add new gas 'til it runs clean. How do you know clean gas? As you would with other things--stick your nose in it ;-) YGBSM--they censored my input! OK, then koque. ------------------  Dick Mera #8046 1987 GT - T-boned (RIP) [This message has been edited by reholmes (edited 10-05-2011).]
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05:59 PM
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Oct 5th, 2011
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johnyrottin Member Posts: 5496 From: Northwest Florida Registered: Oct 2007
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Yes, mine is number 8088 so that one could be 8080, 8083, or 8086. [This message has been edited by johnyrottin (edited 10-07-2011).]
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07:04 AM
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Fieromaineac Member Posts: 234 From: Kittery, Maine USA Registered: Jun 2003
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| quote | Originally posted by reholmes:
Fieromaineac,
At one time you were thinking of putting your Fieros on the market--change your mind?
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Hard to part with what appears to be the highest numbered Mera (8151). I've heard there was supposed to be an 8152 but there is no proof ..... 8152 could be the car used by Ferrari to close down Corporate Concepts in court and than was distroied. We need someone in the Capac Michigan area (or where the case was filed) to get a copy of the court records. I have a T-top lined up for 8151 this winter. Would like to do that job and document each step.
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03:58 PM
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Fieromaineac Member Posts: 234 From: Kittery, Maine USA Registered: Jun 2003
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04:04 PM
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Wayne Wm. Peterson Member Posts: 378 From: Muskego, Wi, USA Registered: Dec 2010
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Clean car, I even like the white. One comment though; on the second shot, the one of the rear, the "fit" of the engine cover has quite a gap. I don't remember mine being like that, but then again my is an 88'.??
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05:43 PM
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Rick 88 Member Posts: 3914 From: El Paso, TX. Registered: Aug 2001
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It just looks like the decklid needs to be adjusted. A new trunk seal could cause the decklid to sit high but that would be on both sides. This car has the optional leather interior offered in 87. For a low mileage car the engine sure needs a detail, and probably a good tune. The motor still has the original plug wires, They were not known for lasting very long. I wonder if they have the original wheels that came with the car? Overall, it looks like an easy one to get back in shape. [This message has been edited by Rick 88 (edited 10-05-2011).]
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06:28 PM
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reholmes Member Posts: 920 From: Phoenix, AZ, USA Registered: Jul 2001
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I suspect the reserve is close to the BIN price. ------------------

Dick Mera #8046 1987 GT - T-boned (RIP)
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08:15 PM
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