So, I had an 85 IROC. Being more mature (62yr old) I have been considering a Pontiac Firebird (84-90) FORMULA. An occasional Fiero shows. I prefer the 84, 85 for what they are. I understand the 3rd gen Camaro/firebirds. I have no clue about the Fiero. Being here in SW Michigan/Rust Belt I am concerned. I want something I can drive for the summer and then work on during the coming winter. I plan to pay about $6,000 cash, understand there will be work involved. Any opinions are welcome, and I will be reading, unless a FORMULA Firebird jumps out in front of me.
So, I had an 85 IROC. Being more mature (62yr old) I have been considering a Pontiac Firebird (84-90) FORMULA. An occasional Fiero shows. I prefer the 84, 85 for what they are. I understand the 3rd gen Camaro/firebirds. I have no clue about the Fiero. Being here in SW Michigan/Rust Belt I am concerned. I want something I can drive for the summer and then work on during the coming winter. I plan to pay about $6,000 cash, understand there will be work involved. Any opinions are welcome, and I will be reading, unless a FORMULA Firebird jumps out in front of me.
It may be somewhat hard to find a Fiero without rust issues, but I live up in New Brunswick Canada, and bought my Fiero from father North in Quebec, and Quebec puts down a lot of salt, I paid $5500 Canadian, and got a basically rust free Fiero, some light surface stuff in places, but the rear upper frame rails are still shiny black.
The places to look for rust in the Fiero is behind the trunk carpet on the front sides, carpet just pulls out easily, behind the plastic wheel wells on the top rear, the upper rear frame rails are there and they rust out easily.
Most desirable/expensive is anything v6/manual/1988, earlier years are good, but the suspension and brakes were perfected in 1988, which makes parts more expensive to. Automatics are bad (3 speed, heavy) 4 cyls are quite slow, but fairly light, 4 speed manual from v6 car is the strongest for a potential engine swap down the road, followed very closely by the 5 speed manual. Quickest cars are 85gt and 88 formula, 86+gt are "fastback" which weigh a bit more, 5 speed slows down acceleration a bit with the extra shift, but gives better highway mpg then the 4 speed, 84/85 have headrest speakers (which are super great) 86+have b pillar speakers and a subwoofer option. Probably more but I ran out of time haha.
Like any "vintage" automobile. It will cost money to keep it running. Fandom stuff you may encounter within the first 3-5 years of ownership: replace rubber hoses, belts, suspension, tires.radiator, radiator fan. repair Headlight motors. AC probably won't work. Working on the engine is "tricky" due to where it is located. Cataylic converter may be clogged (at least they are relatively cheap). There WILL be leaks. Gas and oil sending units. gauges. sensors.5,000-10,000. Distributor and ignition coil and issues with lifters/valves, etc.
If I could, I would get a mint 88, and do an engine swap with a corvette engine (Ls1?)
I LOVE Fieros, and have had 4 during the past 24 years, but they all had issues. lots of issues, some of them rather expensive. but they are just way too much fun to drive, and just stare at, and hug.
I have "wrenched" on them a little, but the last decade has taken a lot out of me.
Having this forum has been an essential reason why I stuck with it. I was able to troubleshoot and get advice and such. Fieros are awesome, but they are over 30 years old, and like the human body, they sure do have issues due to age. it is important to get a really good one, rather then one that seems "rough", because the Fiero is wonderful at looking pretty but is hiding issues underneath.
Don't want to scare ya, its just sometimes an expensive hobby. but its oh so enjoyable during the "good times".
All good and reasonable responses. I understand maintaining an older vehicle. The last vehicle I purchased is a 1999 Jeep XJ, my daily driver. If I am getting anything, I'm stuck on 80's cars, for better or worse. Whatever I get may turn out to be my last toy, on wheels. I know Camaros and as such the Firebirds, yet I would hate to overlook something.
So, I had an 85 IROC. Being more mature (62yr old) I have been considering a Pontiac Firebird (84-90) FORMULA. An occasional Fiero shows. I prefer the 84, 85 for what they are. I understand the 3rd gen Camaro/firebirds. I have no clue about the Fiero. Being here in SW Michigan/Rust Belt I am concerned. I want something I can drive for the summer and then work on during the coming winter. I plan to pay about $6,000 cash, understand there will be work involved. Any opinions are welcome, and I will be reading, unless a FORMULA Firebird jumps out in front of me.
You can tell from my user name that I've obviously had my share of 3rd gens. I love the 3rd gen, and I honestly wish I still had one. Ultimately, I think it's really about what you want to get out of it. The 3rd Gen really has a totally different feel to it in so far as handling and performance (stock for stock). The Firebirds with V8s (TransAms, Firebird Formula, V8s, etc.) just have more grunt and attention grabbing... but they obviously don't handle as well as a Fiero. A Fiero V6 will have decent power (if not maybe a little quicker than most 3rd gens except the GTA, 350 powered ones, or the L69 305), but the Fiero will handle far better.
As far as "look and feel" inside... the Firebird of course is a lot more roomier, but it has all the same kind of accoutrements... like both of them can be had with "Performance Sound" (though the Firebird has much bigger dual subwoofers in the B-pillars if you get that option), but the general look and feel inside the car is kind of the same... I mean, it depends if you're getting an early 3rd gen versus a mid-80s 3rd gen (PMD seats versus like the newer corporate GM seats).
All and all, it really just depends on whether or not you want a sports car, or a larger sports coupe.
I will say, if it's something you want to work on in the winter, the Fiero is smaller so it fits a lot better in a garage than a 3rd gen does. But I definitely won't criticize you for whatever decision you make. I still haunt ThirdGen.ORG now and then... and still hope to get another one, one day.
I want another 1982, but I plan to put a simple LS1 in it with a 4L80E or something like that in it. I don't really want it to be insane fast... I'd be happy with mid-13s and a 0-60 in ~6 seconds. But I'd want the 1982 to be totally stock looking outside and in the interior.
Who knows... I may even try to do some kind of crazy Cross-Fire Injection intake set-up on an LS, haha.
When you say you want an 84-85... what is it exactly you're looking for? 84 only has the L4, but 85 has the V6.
I like the look of the fiero when they came out. If it had the luggage rack on deck I would be happy. The newer front end/cover and GT and Fastback are just not for me. If I had an 85 with V-6 I would probably keep it as is. An 84 I would likely be looking for a Quad-4 or V-6 to install. For the 3rd Gen cars I have seen a couple in the $8-10,000 range. I saw a Grand Rapids Michigan for sale Fiero 85 or 86? for $5,500. The problem is it sold before I could see it in person and at that price I would be concerned about rust. Yes, a Fiero would take up less space and I think it would be a fun car to drive.
Question about the Iron Duke motor. -Good looking Black 1985 2m4, 140,000 miles, $4,500, Manual. Owner describes as: runs rough, when warm it will stall when you take your foot off the gas, after 3hr drive home it runs worse. -1986 blue 2m6, $4,000, 160,000 miles, automatic. Owner describes: no rust that I've seen. Sounds to me like he was told about the rust but has not looked himself. Both seem to me to regret purchase they just made?
-Red 1985 Trans Am TPI, $5,500, 88,000 miles. Smokes a little when first started. This sound like valve seal/guides, not to scary?
All three were fairly nice looking. Not knowing anything about the Iron Duke issues I would lean toward the Trans Am, yet I do like that Fiero.
Question about the Iron Duke motor. -Good looking Black 1985 2m4, 140,000 miles, $4,500, Manual. Owner describes as: runs rough, when warm it will stall when you take your foot off the gas, after 3hr drive home it runs worse. -1986 blue 2m6, $4,000, 160,000 miles, automatic. Owner describes: no rust that I've seen. Sounds to me like he was told about the rust but has not looked himself. Both seem to me to regret purchase they just made?
-Red 1985 Trans Am TPI, $5,500, 88,000 miles. Smokes a little when first started. This sound like valve seal/guides, not to scary?
All three were fairly nice looking. Not knowing anything about the Iron Duke issues I would lean toward the Trans Am, yet I do like that Fiero.
Any words of wisdom?
I think it depends on what you're expecting from either of them. In my opinion, the two Fieros are going to require a complete restoration. Both of those engines are at the end of their lives. Personally, unless the car is totally rotted out under the panels, I'd be far less concerned with rust. A quick check of either will give you that answer. Pull the carpet back, and if you don't see any rust, you won't have any anywhere else (not enough that would actually matter). If it's made it into the trunk, you'll want to take a closer look, like the upper rails. You can fix it... and it doesn't so much matter because the panels cover it. But something you'll want to address.
The 85 TransAm w/ the TPI is one of the nicer looking models... and w/ 88k miles (if that's right), you likely don't have to rebuild the entire engine.
The thing about the Iron Duke is... it's slow. It's the same engine in the mail truck. An automatic version of the Iron Duke would get beat by a UPS truck. But the V6 Fiero is a whole different animal. You can expect roughly the same performance (0-60) from a V6 5-Speed Fiero, as you would have from an automatic 305 TPI TransAm.
Performance parts for the TransAm are much more common and cheaper. There's not a whole lot you can get for the Fiero without spending some serious cash. If you want to keep it stock looking, you can drop in the 93-95 Firebird's 3.4 V6/60 which is basically a drop-in (just drill one hole for a starter, and get larger injectors).
So... you have some options. But again... at the age of these cars... if you want to really enjoy it, you're going to want to have to re-do a lot of this stuff. Back in the day, the kinds of cars you're looking at now, I used to get for $250 to $500 bucks... and I'm talking early 2000s. At that point, I didn't mind spending a little bit of money trying to get them running nice because I didn't have too much into it. For comparison... you can get a BMW Z3 w/ a 2.8 liter straight 6 and a 5-Speed manual sports car for $3,500 all day long (they're everywhere), or even a Porsche Boxster. So $4,500 bucks for a Fiero... that's a lot. At that mileage, you're going to need to redo everything.
I definitely don't want to discourage you, just giving you an idea of what to expect.
Originally posted by Lostpuppy1962: ... -1986 blue 2m6, $4,000, 160,000 miles, automatic. Owner describes: no rust that I've seen. Sounds to me like he was told about the rust but has not looked himself.
Your owner may be mistaken. Blue 2M6s were only available as a 1987 model. They are quite uncommon. Or it may have been a GM "experiment" (There are some blue 85s documented), or a repaint.
If you want a bumperpad style, and a V6, you're pretty much stuck with an 85 2M6. They're also not really common. If you want a V6 (even as a swap), you should mostly avoid the 84s. There are some wiring (and other) differences that make a swap a PITA.
I saw an 87 2M6 SE for sale in FL. The price is fairly reasonable, ~$3K, but it's a project, by the seller's admission. I almost want it, but not badly enough to go and get it. https://www.facebook.com/gr...nk/10161364398634636
Edit - Welcome to our obsession. (67, here. Still love my Fieros.) I had an 88 Firebird Formula. 305 5 speed. T-tops. Was a fun car. Should have kept it, but you can't keep them all.
[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 05-14-2024).]
A little flustered here. Cars or boats. Off topic. Found a vintage fiberglass boat and trailer $250, that would not be worth restoring, yet the moment I mention installing a jet drive the forum goes quite. Camaro's and Firebirds are everywhere. Been there, done that, too easy. I really like the idea of a Fiero. From reading here though, every one I find that's drivable is over priced. Come down a thousand and they are just 'project' cars. So far appearance wise the one that catches my attention is an 85, manual, Iron duke that won't run good, $4500 OBO.
It all depends on what you want....A normal car, a special car or a boat....Which forum were you on that went quiet after you mentioned "Jet drive"...? And what make/model boat are you looking at?
I have done all kinds of crazy things to a number of cars- some of my ideas/mods actually worked.....In the end, tho, I bought a special boat that needed work...and made it really work for me- but some of the Glastron forum members do not agree with my custom windshield. I also replaced the floor and strengthened the hull, improved the engine mounts and made a much better rear seat...Most of the Glastron guys do like those improvements...
The really nice things about the boat are A) It is much simpler than a car (No brakes, no suspension and (Basically) no transmission...and B) You usually have 4-6 months of down-time during the winter to work on it.
Lostpuppy1962: every one {Fiero} I find that's drivable is over priced. Come down a thousand and they are just 'project' cars.
Yes, the Fiero value is climbing especially the '88; parts are harder to find as many are discontinued, plus manufacturing support for the car is in decline and Rodney is about to disappear too!
I like TheDigitalAlchemist comments:
quote
Like any "vintage" automobile, it will cost money to keep it running / lots of issues / expensive hobby
If your desire is to purchase a Fiero, you need to really understand the outlay or expenditure as of effort or sacrifice of owning a fairly rare mid-engine classic sport car....
------------------ Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles
Your owner may be mistaken. Blue 2M6s were only available as a 1987 model. They are quite uncommon. Or it may have been a GM "experiment" (There are some blue 85s documented), or a repaint.
If you want a bumperpad style, and a V6, you're pretty much stuck with an 85 2M6. They're also not really common. If you want a V6 (even as a swap), you should mostly avoid the 84s. There are some wiring (and other) differences that make a swap a PITA.
I saw an 87 2M6 SE for sale in FL. The price is fairly reasonable, ~$3K, but it's a project, by the seller's admission. I almost want it, but not badly enough to go and get it. https://www.facebook.com/gr...nk/10161364398634636
Edit - Welcome to our obsession. (67, here. Still love my Fieros.) I had an 88 Firebird Formula. 305 5 speed. T-tops. Was a fun car. Should have kept it, but you can't keep them all.
Hey Radar, I don't have a Facebook account, and it seems to be totally private. Any chance you can post a couple of pictures?
I saw an 87 2M6 SE for sale in FL. The price is fairly reasonable, ~$3K, but it's a project, by the seller's admission. I almost want it, but not badly enough to go and get it. https://www....364398634636
@cvxjet, fiberGlassics.com, I went there because a poster asked what people liked. Restore or restowmod. I saw a 14.5' 1959, fiberglass 'Whitehouse' runabout. It would need transom replaced so I thought, I will just install a Sea-Doo jet drive.
THIS IS MY CAR!!! I mean, not "my" car... but it's the exact same model as I have.
For the OP, this actually is not a Fiero 2m6, it's an 87' Fiero SE V6. They're fairly uncommon. Any Fiero that has "2m" in the name is the black bumper-pad style. This Fiero here was sold from 1986-1987 as the "SE" model... which was the "aero" style Fiero from the 1985 Fiero GT the year before, and the Fiero Indy the year before that. They no longer sold the SE in 1988... and instead that model became the Fiero Formula (which shared the body with the 4 cyl "coupe" model.
You guys are saying this is only $3,000? This is a steal. Unless it's totally rotted out (which I doubt because it's in Florida), this is a really well optioned car. Would you guys mind sharing the contact information here?
This is mine... it's an OLD picture from 1999... it's basically been in storage since 2011.
The wheels came from a 1986 Fiero GT in the junkyard. Got the whole set of wheels for $200 bucks, which wasn't bad.
[This message has been edited by 82-T/A [At Work] (edited 05-20-2024).]
For the OP, this actually is not a Fiero 2m6, it's an 87' Fiero SE V6. They're fairly uncommon. Any Fiero that has "2m" in the name is the black bumper-pad style. This Fiero here was sold from 1986-1987 as the "SE" model... which was the "aero" style Fiero from the 1985 Fiero GT the year before, and the Fiero Indy the year before that. They no longer sold the SE in 1988... and instead that model became the Fiero Formula (which shared the body with the 4 cyl "coupe" model.
I forget when exactly they got rid of the 2m6 name, but I know my dad's 86 SE has Fiero 2m6 on the back, I think coupes, sport coupes and SEs had 2m4 and 2m6 up till 1986, Indy said Indy Fiero, 85 gt said Fiero GT, and fastback GTs just had a small GT in the trim. I don't know what 87/88 coupes, sport coupes, and SEs/formula said on the back, if anything.
[This message has been edited by 1985 Fiero GT (edited 05-20-2024).]
Would you guys mind sharing the contact information here?
The contact would be through Facebook messenger. That's how it works.
Here's what I can tell you. The sellers name is Joe Edward Lucas. His current city is listed as Mentor, Ohio but he states the car is in New Port Richey, Florida.
The contact would be through Facebook messenger. That's how it works.
Here's what I can tell you. The sellers name is Joe Edward Lucas. His current city is listed as Mentor, Ohio but he states the car is in New Port Richey, Florida.
Ugh... damnit... Port Richey is close to me. It's literally an hour away. Damnit damnit...
Why do you people do this to me? Haha...
Man... I love that car. Can someone here save it? Please don't make me buy it.
MarkS, Yes, that is exactly what I like, but with the standard transmission. So the 84 Fiero that had me all excited but had poor running Iron Duke, I had him video car running and it had an awful knocking sound, price came down to $4,000. This week I saw a 1993 Z28 Camaro (not my favorite year) for $5,500 listing was gone next day. I then saw an 84 Fiero very nice looking with a whole bunch of new parts for $6,000 listing was gone next day. Two others that I asked serious questions about. One (at a dealership) I told them that the statement, "runs and drives", is to vague. The other one I asked about rust. Neither responded and listing was gone next day. Just a little flustered. My neighbor has an 85 Corvette for $5,500 so there are lots of choices out there just not what I want to spend money on yet. Just rambling.
[This message has been edited by Lostpuppy1962 (edited 06-15-2024).]
I am just quiet, not gone. Life gets busy. I had hoped to drive an hour in West Michigan and hand someone $4,000, now I'd still be happy at handing them $6,000. I got busy so have not even looked (I can't drive 2hrs to look at/find it's a piece of junk) at one in person yet. Saw one $3,200 and very nice looking, then listing says, "back 10"s of frame is rusted". I am driving a 1999 Jeep Cherokee XJ Classic and very much want to stop putting miles on it during the summer. My Jeep is a constant project, yet an equivilent would be $8,000 and still be a project by next spring, so I keep working on my current one. The idea of a Fiero caught my attention so I am not going for an easy Firebird.
Ok, so I have money to hold a car. Maybe paid for if bank moved fast. Paperwork maybe Tuesday. Exactly what I was looking for. The Fiero I have always liked is how they first appeared. 1984, red, luggage rack, 4speed and Iron duke. For good or bad it is the picture in my head. Patiently waiting.
Lostpuppy1962, someone in this thread should have told you.
Fieros are like Lays Potato Chips. No one has just one.
To you Florida area peeps, once, while visiting my Dad, I went to look at a front steering cradle on the Atlantic coast, loaded. Rust bucket. Drove over a hundred miles one way. Drove back empty handed. Yet did get a pristine one on the Gulf coast.
My advise to anyone who decides to purchase a Fiero is to first understand that you are buying a 30+ yr old antique automobile. You must also know where to look for rust. I need not repeat it but read TheDigitalAlchemists post again. He covers it well. Chances are that no matter how good it looks you will need to rebuild/replace the engine and clutch. If you chose to buy you will be joining a Fiero Community a group of great folks.
------------------ " 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 "
