I just purchased an 87 GT fiero a few days ago and wanted to say hi on the forum. It’s got 78k miles, 2.8 with a 5-speed. I think it’s Getrac, but I’m not sure how to verify which 5-speed it is.
My current plans are to clean it up. It’s in incredibly working condition with all driving components and interior in almost perfect shape. A lot less of a project than I thought it would be. Needs paint. I plan on taking the doors apart to change outer dew wipes (new ones came with the car) and to do something about the window motors. Passenger needs a lot of help to roll up all the way and it won’t roll down all the way either. Both are super slow to go anywhere. (Could be a switch problem, as I’ve heard).
Anyways, hoping to do a suspension refresh and an 88 cradle swap if possible. Engine swap is on the table for the future (1yr +)
I’m 23 if that’s important. (That is not me in the pictures included)
-Matt
[This message has been edited by Spartan467 (edited 08-24-2023).]
I haven’t had a chance to lift the car yet, but none of the metal I can see by crawling around on the ground looks rusted. Frame components look good and the suspension components I can see from the wheel wells also look good. The only rusty thing I could find was surface rust on the decklid/engine compartment latch. Rust usually isn’t a big thing here in Texas since we don’t have salted roads.
I will be sure to take a look when I get the chance.
Spartan467: I haven’t had a chance to lift the car yet...
When you have the chance to lift the car; one area to inspect is the Engine Cradle for rust damage.
quote
I plan on taking the doors apart
A lot to do when replacing the glass seals (a.k.a. dew wipes) like: New Felt Window Guides Look at the window regulator rollers (grease/replace) and clean the tracks Grease motor gears to the regulator Clean all the electrical contacts!
Include to clean the Power Window Switches and I suggest Rodney Electric Window Helpers too...
87 GT... 2.8 with a 5-speed. I think it’s Getrac, but I’m not sure how to verify which 5-speed it is.
If it's the original transmission, it's a Getrag. One way to identify it, is that the select (side to side) cable sticks more or less straight up in the engine bay under the grill (which unfortunately then allows rain water to enter the end of the cable and eventually corrode the innards).
By the way, the way to avoid image URLs from becoming corrupted (like your third URL), is to hit Enter twice between image URLs when posting. You can fix this in your post by using the EDIT function, do as I suggested with the Enter key, and removing the gap introduced in your corrupted URL.
[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 08-25-2023).]
EDIT your post so pics are on separate lines and a blank like apart like this.
Just to expand on what you've posted...
I suspect that people posting/viewing this forum on their phones only see one image at a time and don't/can't appreciate the value of hitting the Enter key twice before and/or after each image URL.
Welcome to the hobby. Nice acquisition. I would not recommend that you change the cradle for an 88. The work vs the reward becomes the question. I have rear sway bars on my Fieros and the difference between what I have and the 88 IMO is not that large but of course decide for yourself.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
Welcome to the hobby. Nice acquisition. I would not recommend that you change the cradle for an 88. The work vs the reward becomes the question. I have rear sway bars on my Fieros and the difference between what I have and the 88 IMO is not that large but of course decide for yourself.
This - I also would not recommend installing the 88 cradle. Just solid mount the 87 cradle and new bushings (if required). Also if you want install a rear sway bar.
The headaches with dealing with hard to find (or expensive) 88 parts does not justify it. I own a 88 so know of the downfalls, I also had a 86 where I rebuilt the suspension and solid mounted the cradle and it performed just as well on the slalom track - in fact I actually preferred the 86 in this case.
