I can't believe it's been over 17 years since I last came to this site. Really happy to see it's still here! I had to sell my last Fiero and had moved on... UNTIL...
An '87 GT 5spd came up locally on FB Marketplace. I watched it for a month telling myself I didn't "need" it... as it came down in price from $12k, $10k, then $8k. The Universe was calling so I had to go look at it.
It's crazy how this deal fell together. I was in a class for work and the car was parked in the same parking lot I was in. He declined my initial offer due to another buyer, but that kid couldn't get his finances straight. I ended up buying it for $7k. Car was originally sold in Minnesota, and came to Hawaii via North Carolina. 186k on the chassis, reported 40k-ish on the engine (see below)
The more I look it over the more I really like it, and the more I see little things I need to address:
It's pretty well loaded with power windows/mirrors/locks, A/C, cruise control, sunroof... and a factory subwoofer I didn't even know was a thing! LOL!
2 owners ago swapped in a Camaro 3.4 with headers and full exhaust but also a stock Fiero intake. Yeah, it hits a wall just over 4,000.
Poly bushings on the cradle are a nice upgrade.
Front brakes are converted to GA vented disks but are worn out. New drilled/slotted will be going on. I've read about the concerns with the GA swap and I get it. My main issue is the rotor center bore not being perfectly sized to the Fiero hub, and it seems the hub isn't long enough for the wheel to be supported. The wheel looks to be completely supported by the lug studs only. Need to address that.
Oil pressure drops to 0 as the engine warms up. It does not exhibit a single symptom of low oil pressure whatsoever. I've read about the pressure sensor issue and have parts on order for an '88 Fiero for a swap. I'll also be double checking with a mechanical gauge for peace of mind.
Cruise is inop, add it to the list.
One thing it didn't have was a front license plate. Looking on like it seems they're tough to find under $200 shipped to Hawaii. No thanks! I fired up the ol 3D printer and after a couple of prototypes came up with a working model. It's not perfect, I'm a total novice, but it works. I already have plans to make it better. Seems to be a theme with these cars and their owners!
The GA upgrade works very well when done properly.
You're only part of the way there.
Some pointers.....
- you need longer studs on the front hubs - you don't need to worry about hubcentric rings - you need to add the rear setup (unless you're required to have a functional parking brake) - when adding the rears, use GA front calipers. ( Bleeder screw pointing up, swap the caliper left and right) - add an s-10 blazer master cylinder (early 90's - 2 wheel drive)
I ran the setup on my 86 SE for years, they are a great setup!
Nice looking ride, and from what you describe, will be a shining example of "Fierodom" when you get all the issues addressed.
I'm guessing you checked out the rear frame rails, etc., for rust? That salt water humidity "can" take a toll, but proper maintenance is the key.
Good luck with it going forward, I hope to see your future upgrades/repairs on record here.
Front plate holder looks great! A shame that HI still requires one. I was elated when the "powers that be" decided we no longer needed one here in the Buckeye state!
If I ever make it to Oahu, I'd sure enjoy a ride in your Fiero, I'll spring for a tank of gas and a meal!
Agree the oil pressure is a priority. I’ve been driving 40+ miles per day for the past month and she’s still purring like a kitten. I’m convinced it’s just the gauge but it’s the next thing to address once the parts arrive. I was an engine builder by trade, and now an ASE mechanic so yeah, it’s important! LOL
We are required to have a parking brake, and I live on a hill. That’s mandatory. I’ve read about the S10 master, and also a brake booster upgrade. I need to dive in and see what all is already on there. I have a mild shimmy at 45ish . Will be checking that out too.
There is a little rust starting where the rear frame rail kicks up. Still thinking about how to tackle that, what’s above it that might catch fire when welding, etc. The car is going on a lift tomorrow to do the brakes, I’ll get a better look at everything then.
Here’s a pic of the plate holder its self. I learned Fusion360 from YouTube while I was on my ass for 6 weeks. I’ll get better eventually
[This message has been edited by Chad87FB (edited 04-05-2025).]
Originally posted by Chad87FB: Here’s a pic of the plate holder its self. I learned Fusion360 from YouTube while I was on my ass for 6 weeks. I’ll get better eventually
It looks great. Just make sure it's not PLA or it will melt/warp in the sunlight.
[This message has been edited by IMSA GT (edited 04-05-2025).]
The pedal travel before engagement is farther than stock and the brake bias is not good.
Fieroguru did a nice write-up on the pros and cons of the GA setup, perhaps you can find it in 'Search',nor maybe he will link you to it.
When I did the GA swap on my 86, I drove it with just the front brakes converted for a day or two and it was worse than OEM Fiero brakes. After I did the rears and added the correct M/C, the braking was much better than the freshly rebuilt OEM brakes.
[This message has been edited by olejoedad (edited 04-05-2025).]
It looks great. Just make sure it's not PLA or it will melt/warp in the sunlight.
100%! The PLA prototype warped while sitting in the front seat LMAO! This one is PTEG. Haven’t been able to get ABS to stick to the build plate on my old Robo3D R1+ without warping.
quote
Originally posted by olejoedad:
The GA on front only is not ideal.
The pedal travel before engagement is farther than stock and the brake bias is not good.
Fieroguru did a nice write-up on the pros and cons of the GA setup, perhaps you can find it in 'Search',nor maybe he will link you to it.
When I did the GA swap on my 86, I drove it with just the front brakes converted for a day or two and it was worse than OEM Fiero brakes. After I did the rears and added the correct M/C, the braking was much better than the freshly rebuilt OEM brakes.
I think I read that when I was trying to figure out what 2 owners ago did. His “log book” just said “brake upgrade” with zero specifics. It needs brakes ASAP as they’re riding on the squealers already. Who knows, maybe the MC is upgraded too. Pedal doesn’t feel horrible but for sure I need a parking brake.
I saw where someone used to make a bracket to use a different caliper off a Chrysler. Don't think that bracket is available anymore
[This message has been edited by Chad87FB (edited 04-05-2025).]
I think I read that when I was trying to figure out what 2 owners ago did. His “log book” just said “brake upgrade” with zero specifics. It needs brakes ASAP as they’re riding on the squealers already. Who knows, maybe the MC is upgraded too. Pedal doesn’t feel horrible but for sure I need a parking brake.
I saw where someone used to make a bracket to use a different caliper off a Chrysler. Don't think that bracket is available anymore
the lebaron kit is still available to my knowledge, there is also a few gm family brake upgrades still. if its not still available i might be able to convince someone i lnow who bought it to take some measurements and pictures for replication. edit:looked around and i think v8 archie still has some but im not sure if hes doing anything anymore atm. however west coast fiero has the brake kit if you want it also nice gt man. same medium red and grey as mine just way way nicer. i have a direction im going with mine thats taking awhile but should be kinda cool when im done
[This message has been edited by cartercarbaficionado (edited 04-06-2025).]
I think I read that when I was trying to figure out what 2 owners ago did. His “log book” just said “brake upgrade” with zero specifics. It needs brakes ASAP as they’re riding on the squealers already. Who knows, maybe the MC is upgraded too. Pedal doesn’t feel horrible but for sure I need a parking brake.
I saw where someone used to make a bracket to use a different caliper off a Chrysler. Don't think that bracket is available anymore
Brian on here has been making brake parts for many years. He recently opened his website so you can find brake options here: https://fierospace.com/
Thank you both for the leads. I replaced the GA fronts and stock rears today. There’s a special place in hell for the guy who designed that little clip on the rear brake piston/pad
Here’s what I found on the fronts:
Poor lubrication during the last brake job wore the outer pad quick. Cleaned, lubed, and away we go…
Interestingly, the seized sliders masked a soft pedal. I now see how the GA brakes make for a soft pedal. Will be changing the master ASAP! At least it doesn’t pull to the left anymore LOL!
[This message has been edited by Chad87FB (edited 04-07-2025).]
Man, I love this car, and congrats on being in a Fiero again!!!
For the 3.4... I had a similar issue when I upgraded to a 3.1 with a hotter cam. The "wall" we speak of can be frustrating.
But perspective is important too... just remember that the performance from 1,000 to 4,200 rpms is SIGNIFICANTLY improved with the 3.4, over and above the 2.8. The wall you're feeling has always been there, but it was less obvious because the 2.8's performance never had the oomph in the lower end to make it apparent.
I know you know this of course... but just trying to put it into perspective.
I'd recommend buying a spare V6 intake, and doing the DAWG mod, along with a throttle body bore. It used to be that Darrel Morse would do these... but you can have any machine shop bore out the throttle body, just have them size it to a new throttle plate that you get.
but for sure I need a parking brake. 
