I'm seriously thinking about an engine swap for my 88.
It's probably smarter to leave the 3800SC that's in it now alone, but the idea of 4 cams, 8 cylinders and 32 valves is very tempting.
A car that looks like the Mera does just doesn't make the right sound for me with a V6 in it.
My car wants a Northstar, and so do I.
from what i think i have read the V8 will be slower and heavier......'specally in a Mera the Northstar looks soo cool in the back tho
now a LS V8 on the other hand......well i bet Leeeezard has more knowledge on that subject that could become a contender with the right mods.
but as far as bang for the buck i am sticking with my 3800 in My Black Fiero lessen i get that SD4 convertable, thats here in the "general" section. now if that comes to me i would seriously think about the SD4 in the black one and then droppin the L67 in the back of Mera X
but i totally agree the Meras looks need more HP for me toooooooooo
[This message has been edited by batousai666 (edited 03-06-2013).]
Originally posted by Larryinkc: A car that looks like the Mera does just doesn't make the right sound for me with a V6 in it.
With 180 degree headers it will sound like an F-car.
Found this! If you have an '88, you may want to buy these and tuck them away for a rainy day. These are exceptionally rare, and this is a pretty good price. This guy's a Mera owner--wonder if he is one of the gang.
I needed tail light lenses for my Mera and was not having any luck finding them.
I contacted Rob, EVM_Rob, he has East Valley Motorsports, about making Mera tail light lenses for me.
He agreed and and I got them yesterday. I spent some time wet sanding and polishing my OEM one that I sent to make a mold and they turned out nice. He even drilled and tapped the mount holes and painted the black area.
soooo how'd it go.....are you mobile?? i hope so. keep us posted, eh??
Dan, I am mobile again, but not the way I anticipated. I purchase a Fierostore "coated" crossover pipe that was removed from an 88 GT. These are pretty expensive new from Fierostore.
Well, I removed my noisy ported stocker and tried to install the much better flowing Fierostore part. For some reason it would not bolt up. So after much consternation I removed it and set it beside the 88 stocker. Well, it turns out the Fierostore crossover removed from this 88 GT was actually an 87 crossover pipe. Apparently this 88 GT had an 87 exhaust system swapped into it sometime in the past.
The 85-87 down pipe is longer than the 88's. That's why it would not bolt up. AAAARRRGGGHHHH! So, in a fit of desperation, I reinstalled my original part that I had ported and welded one more time. I tried a different method of tightening the fasteners and guess what? It was quiet!! Don't ask me why, but the pipe is now fine. I can tell you I did notice a "seat of the pants" performance difference with the internal porting done to the stock crossover. Without porting both head pipes are about 50% restricted the way they are joined at the Y from the factory.
I imaging the Fierostore piece would flow even better, but I am not going to chance having a exhaust leak again.
Dan, this pipe would work great on your 87 Mera. I have $85 in this one compared to the $250 plus price of a new coated one. If you want it, Let me know. I can email you pictures showing the difference between the 87 and 88 side by side. That way you can make sure you have an 87 crossover on yours.
[This message has been edited by Rick 88 (edited 03-12-2013).]
Very nice! Have you purchased the requisite "Sonny Crockett" white sport coat?
After paying for car all I can afford is the pastel shirt, so I am going through all the Goodwill stores looking for rumpled white linen jackets. The car does get a lot of looks and the power is scary.
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Dick Mera #8046 1987 GT T-boned (RIP) 1988 GT T-Top (The Fiero Store Calendar: Miss February 2012) 1987 McBurnie Daytona Spyder
[This message has been edited by reholmes (edited 03-12-2013).]
Dan, this pipe would work great on your 87 Mera. I have $85 in this one compared to the $250 plus price of a new coated one. If you want it, Let me know. I can email you pictures showing the difference between the 87 and 88 side by side. That way you can make sure you have an 87 crossover on yours.
glad you are up and at 'em again but as far as your 87 cross over, i already have a New(er) one that came with the WCF headers i got. sorry. but now that you mention the difference i hope it fits the seller said they would. but you how that can go first hand it seems. but you know what send the pics or post em here......i may be interested anyway. thats too a price to not at least consider
[This message has been edited by batousai666 (edited 03-13-2013).]
After paying for car all I can afford is the pastel shirt, so I am going through all the Goodwill stores looking for rumpled white linen jackets. The car does get a lot of looks and the power is scary.
I actually liked the McBurnie replica on "Vice" more than the real Testarossa they had later. What year Vette is it built on?
glad you are up and at 'em again but as far as your 87 cross over, i already have a New(er) one that came with the WCF headers i got. sorry. but now that you mention the difference i hope it fits the seller said they would. but you how that can go first hand it seems. but you know what send the pics or post em here......i may be interested anyway. thats too a price to not at least consider
lets see......i noticed i am having problems with the PIP again. this old XP puter will be the death of me, yet ;> i guess i should have not smashed my other one temper temper
typical...."unable to find server" stupid machines!!!!!!!!!! phooey!!
*EDIT* lets try this again.........*EDIT* sorry Rick it seems your pics dont want to post my photos are working, but none of the ones you emailed me will upload.
[This message has been edited by batousai666 (edited 03-14-2013).]
HA!! teach the 'Puters who is the boss!! I AM!! getyasome bloody stupid machines.... side by side i see they are totally different between the 3. so i guess i cant use yours Rick. i got them WCF headers that came with a down pipe. sorry, ill have to pass.....
[This message has been edited by batousai666 (edited 03-14-2013).]
so Richard a little background info, eh?? whats ya got in that, anyway?? i love that shape and color combo you got there nice!
quote
Originally posted by Rick 88:
I actually liked the McBurnie replica on "Vice" more than the real Testarossa they had later. What year Vette is it built on?
When the loaner car used for the pilot Miami Vice episodes became unavailable and a new Ferrari was unaffordable, the producers turned to Tom McBurnie, a noted car designer/creator/racer in the Southern California area to fill the bill. McBurnie built two Daytona Spyders for the show. These were based on Corvette chasses and running gear, and body panels reputedly molded from Paul Newman’s Ferrari 365 GTS/4.
The popularity of the show and the obvious success of the Ferrari Tribute led McBurnie to produce between ten and fifty more cars (the exact number is open to speculation). The intent was to establish a distributor network and make the cars generally available. In 1988 a suit by Ferrari resulted in an end to production.
This car, built on a 1981 Corvette chassis with an L98 TPI mill, was finished in 1987 and purchased, fully loaded by a Pontiac dealer in Minnesota who intended to establish a distributor/dealership for the McBurnie Daytona Spyder in the region. When production ended, the car, with barely 4000 miles on the clock, was stored. Some twenty five years later it was purchased, sight unseen with a questionable title, detailed and made roadworthy.
Interestingly, while the original 122 Ferrari “Daytona Spyders” have appreciated and are now worth in the millions of dollars, the few remaining McBurnie Daytonas have achieved a sort of cult classic status—the original Miami Vice show cars bring a considerable premium.
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Dick Mera #8046 1987 GT T-boned (RIP) 1988 GT T-Top (The Fiero Store Calendar: Miss February 2012) 1987 McBurnie Daytona Spyder
[This message has been edited by reholmes (edited 03-15-2013).]
lets see......i noticed i am having problems with the PIP again. this old XP puter will be the death of me, yet ;> i guess i should have not smashed my other one temper temper
typical...."unable to find server" stupid machines!!!!!!!!!! phooey!!
*EDIT* lets try this again.........*EDIT* sorry Rick it seems your pics dont want to post my photos are working, but none of the ones you emailed me will upload.
An easy solution is to upload into PhotoBucket, copy the image code that it provides and paste that into your text. Downside is, when you remove your photos from PhotoBucket they are no longer available to the forum.
HA!! teach the 'Puters who is the boss!! I AM!! getyasome bloody stupid machines.... side by side i see they are totally different between the 3. so i guess i cant use yours Rick. i got them WCF headers that came with a down pipe. sorry, ill have to pass.....
Dan actually the Fierostore crossover pipe will bolt up just fine to your stock exhaust manifolds and exhaust pipe. However since you have the complete header system you might as well use what you have. I will post it in the Mall. It's a bargain compared to the price of a new one from the Fiero Store.
The popularity of the show and the obvious success of the Ferrari Tribute led McBurnie to produce between ten and fifty more cars (the exact number is open to speculation). The intent was to establish a distributor network and make the cars generally available. In 1988 a suit by Ferrari resulted in an end to production.
This car, built on a 1981 Corvette chassis with an L98 TPI mill, was finished in 1987 and purchased, fully loaded by a Pontiac dealer in Minnesota who intended to establish a distributor/dealership for the McBurnie Daytona Spyder in the region. When production ended, the car, with barely 4000 miles on the clock, was stored. Some twenty five years later it was purchased, sight unseen with a questionable title, detailed and made roadworthy.
It appears Ferrari was quite busy in 88 going after Corporate Concepts and McBurnie both. Was this Corvette supplied by the Pontiac dealer for the conversion? As I recall 81 was the last year for the L98 TPI motor in the Vette. The 82's went to Cross Fire Injection. Can you post more pictures of the interior and engine compartment. Is the top a standard Corvette piece? Have knock off's been made of these cars, like the "splashes" made off Mera's, after Ferrari shut down Corporate Concepts?
[This message has been edited by Rick 88 (edited 03-15-2013).]
It appears Ferrari was quite busy in 88 going after Corporate Concepts and McBurnie both. Was this Corvette supplied by the Pontiac dealer for the conversion? As I recall 81 was the last year for the L98 TPI motor in the Vette. The 82's went to Cross Fire Injection. Can you post more pictures of the interior and engine compartment. Is the top a standard Corvette piece? Have knock off's been made of these cars, like the "splashes" made off Mera's, after Ferrari shut down Corporate Concepts?
The dealer in MN bought this as a completed car. A guy named Bob Jeremsec (I think) in Rowley, Mass escaped the law suit and continued to make the car which, as I understand were splashes from the McBurnie car. McBurnie did sell kits, but they were difficult to assemble and few were completed. The top, I believe is custom to the McBurnie, and fits very well, but it is more a roadster top than a cabriolet--and there is a tonneau.
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Dick Mera #8046 1987 GT T-boned (RIP) 1988 GT T-Top (The Fiero Store Calendar: Miss February 2012) 1987 McBurnie Daytona Spyder
[This message has been edited by reholmes (edited 03-19-2013).]
hot dog ...i hope i get my job back this week!!!!!!! turbo'd 3.4L!!! BOY OH BOY 2013 IS MY YEAR!!! FOR SURE!! that would be sweet in the back of Mera X, no??
the panels and wheels will go on BlackDynamite!! the price is worth that engine alone....i think!!
Here's a great story: Went to a car show in Cave Creek today and suddenly before my wondering eyes did appear. a Ferrari Boxer Spyder! Except there is no such thing. As I drew closer I saw there were no Ferrari badges on the car--they were all Fiero! This was a beautifully done kit--no hanger queen, for sure, this car had been driven, but was still in great shape. Fit and finish were excellent and in back was a huge 5.7 TPI engine--eat your heart out Danno! The best part was when I checked with registration to see what it was and who owned it--a 1984 Corson Spyder, owner Randy Corson. That can't be just a coincidence of names. OK, you Corson fans out there (now I have got to be considered one), is Randy Corson the Corson? I had only my flip phone camera so pics were tough to get, but here they are.
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Dick Mera #8046 1987 GT T-boned (RIP) 1988 GT T-Top (The Fiero Store Calendar: Miss February 2012) 1987 McBurnie Daytona Spyder
sweet sighting....Richard!! according to this thread....the President of Corson is one Randall Corson. that car is even pictured in the Corson thread! check it out https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/084502.html
PS my 3800 Black Dynamite will stomp that V8 all day long
*edit* oh wait...seein as thats the Man himself's car i take that back.....i see they massage them 5.7's to 450 hp....with 500 FPT. WOW!! thats quite impressive....but the regular base i got that all day
[This message has been edited by batousai666 (edited 03-17-2013).]
Right, somehow came out wrong. I think Rowley Corvette is owned by a guy named Bob Jeremsec--I don't know his relationship to Tom McBurnie, but I've inferred from some sources that they were in it together in the beginning. Some say he had a better product, but don't know how many "turnkey" cars he sold. He still has a web site and a list of Rowley GTC parts, but I've heard there is no response to requests.
[This message has been edited by reholmes (edited 03-19-2013).]
heres a couple...i lost the other one when i smashed my "good" computer out of frustration, so i will have to dig that one up getyousome!! i got a job today....so i think i may be able to get Mera X looked at life is good, again!! [YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mU23N7blxYo[/YOUTUBE]
dang its a Mera Paradise tonight....notice the brake lights??
Hey fellas!
Happy Mera motoring! Yep, that was my Mera (#8044) in the previous post/video. Sorry to see it re-badged with Ferrari, but oh well, to each their own.
As for the brake lights in this video, that is EXACTLY what my Mera was doing when I first got it. The problem with the original Formula wiring harness is that it does not convert directly to the quad tail light set up in the Mera, with the outside amber and the inside red. I spent a lot of time going over the wiring diagrams, and then discovered that all I needed to do was to cut a white wire, if I recall, under the steering column. Pretty simple, after I cut the wire, that allowed for the turn signal lights to work independently of the brake lights.
More than the Mera, miss chatting with you all here!
Aloha...Tommy!! man i need to check-in this thread more now that i got the new Fiero i dont feel right in here without Mera X but that may change real quick. I GOT MY PFIZER JOB BACK!!! they say OT, 7@12hrs days maybe by Oct so thats awesome and will afford some thing stupid crazy like this!!
or in the least maybe something like this
YEEEEEEEHAWWWWW!!!
[This message has been edited by batousai666 (edited 03-30-2013).]
Was sitting today and wondering "What number MERA mine was in the production sequence" along with "How do I solve world hunger"? While world hunger will have to wait, I fugured I can calculate my sequence number. 88 were produced in 87 and 159 in 88. Mine was 88 in 88. 88 plus 88 makes it MERA 176. (Check my math) Does this seem acceptable?
Was sitting today and wondering "What number MERA mine was in the production sequence" along with "How do I solve world hunger"? While world hunger will have to wait, I fugured I can calculate my sequence number. 88 were produced in 87 and 159 in 88. Mine was 88 in 88. 88 plus 88 makes it MERA 176. (Check my math) Does this seem acceptable?
heres a check or balance to compare to Toms Ex Mera #8044 he did the same thing....i am not sure anyone knows the true production numbers and it may be one off if you count the prototype but that is out of the "sales" production vs the over all production. there is a rumor also that a few were made in the end to satisfy the contracts already signed at the time Ferrari crushed the moldds, so there is an anomily there too. but as far as we know it today your number is spot on
[This message has been edited by batousai666 (edited 04-01-2013).]
do i see another TransAm in my future?? maybe?? its a 1987 GTA. you know i love my '87s. Its red. it has T-Tops and i do love me some Pontiac's, also! its stacked with the 350, not the puny 305!! so maybe just maybe. i will bring her home. plus them wheels would look boss on Mera X and the engine would fit the bill too.....oh decisions decisions its sooo good to be the King of the castle and working again!!
So, in a fit of desperation, I reinstalled my original part that I had ported and welded one more time. I tried a different method of tightening the fasteners and guess what? It was quiet!! Don't ask me why, but the pipe is now fine. I can tell you I did notice a "seat of the pants" performance difference with the internal porting done to the stock crossover. Without porting both head pipes are about 50% restricted the way they are joined at the Y from the factory. 
the seller said they would. but you how that can go first hand it seems.
temper temper 
poop!
