So here begins the story of my '88 Fiero, War Hammer.
I purchased the car from Josh "Pacethis" and picked it up on February 2nd, 2008. As many of you know I bought the car on eBay for $6000.00. It is an '88 with an ACE 3800sc Series 1 conversion, Konis, 18x7.5 rims, 5spd, fastback conversion, and most importantly, a C5 dash conversion.
It makes a good starting point for what I have planned - BIG brakes (13" or bigger Corvette, Viper, Porsche or 350z), 3800sc Series 2 conversion, G6 6spd conversion, Archie's widebody kit, rollcage, and finish the interior. Now this is the plan for '08. The trick is I need to come in around $6k for all of this (that is the budget the wife set) and be done in time for the Hilton Head Island track days and concours. By the way, this will be a street, road course, autocross car.
For '09 I want to chop the top, vinyl wrap (I like to change things up to often to paint), and install a killer sound system.
I will need a lot of help from you all for parts sources, diagrams, etc during this build so any is appreciated. I have limited knowledge when it comes to mechanical things but can follow directions well.
The Motor
The Body and Wheels
The Interior
Does anybody make a 13" or 14" brake kit that doesn't ue the '88 calipers? Who makes the best rolcages for Fieros? (yes I know it wilhave to be recut after the chop later). Does Purle Reign have a pricelist?
Thank you in advance for any help and positive comments and suggestions on thi project. ------------------ 1988 Fiero 3800SC Series 1 w/5spd Coilovers 18's w/Pirellis Corvette Dash Mod
1985 GT 1986 Notchie 1987 Notchie
[This message has been edited by War Hammer (edited 02-15-2008).]
Will you be widening the rear wheel to use up the space with the wide body?
To post pictures, there is a thing called PIP, which i dont use. I usually take photos, and upload them to photobucket, then i use the [img..] line they provide and paste into a comment.
What do you mean by "vinyl wrap"? Put vinyl wrap on the chopped top? :0
Originally posted by War Hammer: Does anybody make a 13" or 14" brake kit that doesn't ue the '88 calipers?
Several options. D1S (13" Corvette), WCF (Viper 13"), Held's 13", and a few homebrews 13". I have D1S 13" on an 88, but D1S is currently having communication issues. You'll save more monies using an homebrew kit (if offered) but I don't know of any issues concerning those kits and neither do I regarding WCFs.
Future plan 13/14 combo; You'll need big boy rims to clear the 14" rear rotor and 18" for the fronts, but certain 17" will clear a 13" rotor.
58.5 pounds total weight for 13/14 combo
14" weight
13" weight ------------------
"Anyone can make a copy of something, it may look good, but never is the real car. Make something from your imagination, something unique, something nobody has, anything is possible and, ideas can become a reality; Archie and the Crew can make your Dreams into a reality."
[This message has been edited by madcurl (edited 02-10-2008).]
The 6 speed conversion is pretty much gauranteed to suck up at least $2000. I spent about $2500 on mine doing everything myself, and there wasn't a whole lot of room to make things much cheaper.
Will you be widening the rear wheel to use up the space with the wide body?
To post pictures, there is a thing called PIP, which i dont use. I usually take photos, and upload them to photobucket, then i use the [img..] line they provide and paste into a comment.
What do you mean by "vinyl wrap"? Put vinyl wrap on the chopped top? :0
I will probably be using 3" hubcentric spacers.
Thanks for the help!
Paul
------------------ 1988 Fiero 3800SC Series 1 w/5spd Coilovers 18's w/Pirellis Corvette Dash Mod
Will you be widening the rear wheel to use up the space with the wide body?
To post pictures, there is a thing called PIP, which i dont use. I usually take photos, and upload them to photobucket, then i use the [img..] line they provide and paste into a comment.
What do you mean by "vinyl wrap"? Put vinyl wrap on the chopped top? :0
A vinyl wrap is what they use on most race cars today and those vehicles you see covered in advertising graphics all over are usually wraps also. What you do is go to a sign shop that offers them and they cover your car in a special vinyl instead of painting. Around here the retail is around 1K; I know some suppliers so I can get it for around 500-600 depending on the graphics (inks). By utilizing this I can afford to change colors/graphics frequently.
Hope this helps. ~Paul
------------------ 1988 Fiero 3800SC Series 1 w/5spd Coilovers 18's w/Pirellis Corvette Dash Mod
Several options. D1S (13" Corvette), WCF (Viper 13"), Held's 13", and a few homebrews 13". I have D1S 13" on an 88, but D1S is currently having communication issues. You'll save more monies using an homebrew kit (if offered) but I don't know of any issues concerning those kits and neither do I regarding WCFs.
Future plan 13/14 combo; You'll need big boy rims to clear the 14" rear rotor and 18" for the fronts, but certain 17" will clear a 13" rotor.
58.5 pounds total weight for 13/14 combo
14" weight
13" weight
Hi Curly,
I have 18"s already on it so 14" rotors should fit. As far as where to get the adapters from WCF I hear take way too long. The car has to be rolling (or more apropriately stopping) within 60 days. D1S sounds ok if they are going to get over their communication problems soon. If I can't find an easy solution soon (this week) I'll start creating one witha fab shop.
Thanks for your input! Keep it coming!
~Paul
------------------ 1988 Fiero 3800SC Series 1 w/5spd Coilovers 18's w/Pirellis Corvette Dash Mod
The 6 speed conversion is pretty much gauranteed to suck up at least $2000. I spent about $2500 on mine doing everything myself, and there wasn't a whole lot of room to make things much cheaper.
What costs soo much? Please forgive my ignorance but the trannys themselves are only 500 delivered brand new.
Thanks.
~Paul
------------------ 1988 Fiero 3800SC Series 1 w/5spd Coilovers 18's w/Pirellis Corvette Dash Mod
The 6speed upgrade offers very little over a stock fiero transmission, and a huge price upgrade.
Between adapter plates, intermediate shafts, custom axles, shifter cables, cable brackets, mounts, and fully custom clutch makes the 6speed swap more complex than any other swap you could do, motor or transmission.
[This message has been edited by darkhorizon (edited 02-10-2008).]
The 6speed upgrade offers very little over a stock fiero transmission, and a huge price upgrade.
Between adapter plates, intermediate shafts, custom axles, shifter cables, cable brackets, mounts, and fully custom clutch makes the 6speed swap more complex than any other swap you could do, motor or transmission.
I thought the trans bolted directly to a series 2?
I have 18"s already on it so 14" rotors should fit. As far as where to get the adapters from WCF I hear take way too long. The car has to be rolling (or more apropriately stopping) within 60 days. D1S sounds ok if they are going to get over their communication problems soon. If I can't find an easy solution soon (this week) I'll start creating one witha fab shop.
Thanks for your input! Keep it coming!
~Paul
You might want to recheck since the Baer 13/14 combo came from a wrecked Corvette with 19/20 combo HRE wheels. Although the 18s might work with the 13" rotor being used, it maybe a different story for the rears.
What costs soo much? Please forgive my ignorance but the trannys themselves are only 500 delivered brand new.
Trans $950 (500+350 shipping + brokerage and tax) Used axles and intermediate shaft from a cobalt ss $450 resplining axles $200 G6 master cylinder assembly $200 Flywheel adapter material only $125 Dakota digital signal converter $100 2 new shifter cables $300 4spd shifter $25 flywheel balancing $50 trans fluid $100 misc material for mounts and brackets $100
On top of that you're going to have to choose a clutch ( I modified one that i already had because it only had like 200km's on it) so that will be at least $300 more, and the cost of haveing the flywheel adapter made if you can't do it yourself. For my design it probably would have been over $500 but you could dramatically reduce that by changing the style.
Trans $950 (500+350 shipping + brokerage and tax) Used axles and intermediate shaft from a cobalt ss $450 resplining axles $200 G6 master cylinder assembly $200 Flywheel adapter material only $125 Dakota digital signal converter $100 2 new shifter cables $300 4spd shifter $25 flywheel balancing $50 trans fluid $100 misc material for mounts and brackets $100
On top of that you're going to have to choose a clutch ( I modified one that i already had because it only had like 200km's on it) so that will be at least $300 more, and the cost of haveing the flywheel adapter made if you can't do it yourself. For my design it probably would have been over $500 but you could dramatically reduce that by changing the style.
Does seem a little daunting. However things seem a little cheaper here in the states. Trannys are only $475 new delivered. But it can be quite expensive if you don't have friends. I will document the expenses when I do it.
Thanks fir the info!
Paul
------------------ 1988 Fiero 3800SC Series 1 w/5spd Coilovers 18's w/Pirellis Corvette Dash Mod
OK good news/bad news. I started disassembling the dash today tto see exactly what I have gotten into. It is a little rougher than advertised. There isn't any bracing on the bottom, the gauges were ruined when the previous owner epoxied some vinyl to them, a hydra of wiring, etc. It will take a few days to sort it out but I will perservere. Right now I am looking for a Corvette dash harness so I can finish wiring in the stock switches.
I'll keep you posted.
~Paul
------------------ 1988 Fiero 3800SC Series 1 w/5spd Coilovers 18's w/Pirellis Corvette Dash Mod
1985 GT 1986 Notchie 1987 Notchie
[This message has been edited by War Hammer (edited 02-11-2008).]
Does seem a little daunting. However things seem a little cheaper here in the states. Trannys are only $475 new delivered. But it can be quite expensive if you don't have friends. I will document the expenses when I do it.
Thanks fir the info!
Paul
I've wanted to do a 6 speed to my car from the time they started showing up as a swap option, but since you need special stuff to adapt it, (it will bolt up sans adapter) I will wait a little. Cost o up fast in for special stuff.
Hey there War Hammer, I'm doing a s1 s/c swap right now, what are your opinions on the performance? Is it a stock engine? And also, any pics would be wonderful
OK good news/bad news. I started disassembling the dash today tto see exactly what I have gotten into. It is a little rougher than advertised. There isn't any bracing on the bottom, the gauges were ruined when the previous owner epoxied some vinyl to them, a hydra of wiring, etc. It will take a few days to sort it out but I will perservere. Right now I am looking for a Corvette dash harness so I can finish wiring in the stock switches.
I'll keep you posted.
~Paul
Lemme know if ya be needin' any assistance. With any luck, I could have your dash rewired in six to eight months tops.
------------------ Whade' "The Duck Formerly Known As Wade" Duck '87 GT Auto '88 Ferrario '84 Indy
Hey there War Hammer, I'm doing a s1 s/c swap right now, what are your opinions on the performance? Is it a stock engine? And also, any pics would be wonderful
Hi James,
I'll get you some pics as soon as I can, anything in particular? The performance is pretty good I havn't driven it far yet. The exhaust is free flowing (no mufflers) so I runs well.
------------------ 1988 Fiero 3800SC Series 1 w/5spd Coilovers 18's w/Pirellis Corvette Dash Mod
Well I'm referring to how it feels on the low end, where it seems like it's running out of air, and how it performs when you floor it at 60mph. Just the basics
oh, you mean pictures... Well just a few overviews that cover the wiring would be great. If they relocated the coil packs, maybe get a shot of that? As far as the exhaust goes, can you hear the s/c over the engine in the passenger compartment under WOT?
[This message has been edited by JamesCurtis (edited 02-11-2008).]
Well I'm referring to how it feels on the low end, where it seems like it's running out of air, and how it performs when you floor it at 60mph. Just the basics
oh, you mean pictures... Well just a few overviews that cover the wiring would be great. If they relocated the coil packs, maybe get a shot of that? As far as the exhaust goes, can you hear the s/c over the engine in the passenger compartment under WOT?
It feels way better on the low end from stock (phenomonally better). I haven't had it up to 60 yet. The motor seems to pull strong up to about 5k. The coils are on the firewall side of the motor (don't know where stock was). I cannot hear the s/c over the exhaust at any speed.
I will get pics up soon, probably on Thursday.
~Paul
------------------ 1988 Fiero 3800SC Series 1 w/5spd Coilovers 18's w/Pirellis Corvette Dash Mod
------------------ My Web page | The Turbo Super Duty Build. You know that little voice that says it can't be done? I duct-taped its mouth shut and pushed it down a flight of stairs. (Leader of the Insurgency)
With your wiring difficulties, have you checked Painless yet?
But I'm a Masochist. Seriously though, I am going to use a Corvette dash harness to mate the switches to the Fiero harness. I shouldn't be too difficult just time consuming.
Anyone have a dash wiring diagram they wouldn't mind posting for either or both?
Thanks, ~Paul
------------------ 1988 Fiero 3800SC Series 1 w/5spd Coilovers 18's w/Pirellis Corvette Dash Mod
I have purchased my braided brake lines and calipers (2002 Camaro - not Corvette I know, but still should be good for up to 300-400HP and cost only $116 delivered for all 4).
Now all I have to do is buy rotors and have some brackets made. On the rotors, should I go with 13" Corvette or 13" Viper rears all around?
Anyone have any premade brackets for these (no West Coast or Fiero Addiction please - I've heard of the problems)? I still haven't heard from D1S.
Thanks you and keep watching!
~Paul
------------------ 1988 Fiero 3800SC Series 1 w/5spd Coilovers 18's w/Pirellis Corvette Dash Mod
1985 GT 1986 Notchie 1987 Notchie
[This message has been edited by War Hammer (edited 02-15-2008).]
Here are the pictures of my calipers and brake lines. The brake lines are from Autobahn Performance Development and cost $77.00 delivered. You can reach them at 1.800.248.2861 or sales@autobahnpd.com.
~Paul
------------------ 1988 Fiero 3800SC Series 1 w/5spd Coilovers 18's w/Pirellis Corvette Dash Mod
Not much to update today. I ordered my widebody kit with fenders and spoiler from Archie today . Yesterday I ordered the 13" Viper rear rotors for all around.
I'll keep you posted.
Paul
------------------ 1988 Fiero 3800SC Series 1 w/5spd Coilovers 18's w/Pirellis Corvette Dash Mod
Not much to update today. I ordered my widebody kit with fenders and spoiler from Archie today . Yesterday I ordered the 13" Viper rear rotors for all around.
I'll keep you posted.
Paul
Wow! I see your on a "War path" and you don't mess around.
Wow! I see your on a "War path" and you don't mess around.
Life is too short. I need this project to help me keep my mind off my health. This is just the "gathering" phase, I will slow down a bit when I hit the actual mods.
By the way, anyone have the dimensions of the concentric rings for the Viper Rotors?
Thanks, Paul
------------------ 1988 Fiero 3800SC Series 1 w/5spd Coilovers 18's w/Pirellis Corvette Dash Mod
Hey Paul, next club meeting you better have lots of pictures. How are you on your budget so far? Hey Rich why so long to rewire Pauls dash?
Joe
I'll try but there is not that much happening to the car right now. I'm just gathering parts so I can start and not have to slow down. If I let that happen I end up stopping for a long time. Rich is having probs at work so he is pretty occupied.
When it is time for body mounting are up for some assistance? I haven't fiberglassed in about 15 years.
Thanks, Paul
------------------ 1988 Fiero 3800SC Series 1 w/5spd Coilovers 18's w/Pirellis Corvette Dash Mod
Life is too short. I need this project to help me keep my mind off my health. This is just the "gathering" phase, I will slow down a bit when I hit the actual mods.
Originally posted by War Hammer: I will probably be using 3" hubcentric spacers.
Thanks for the help!
Paul
I hope you're not really considering this. Ditch the 6 speed swap and put the money toward a nice set of wide wheels that will actually fit the widebody without using spacers. Much safer, and will look better.
------------------
[This message has been edited by Fiero_Adam (edited 02-22-2008).]
I hope you're not really considering this. Ditch the 6 speed swap and put the money toward a nice set of wide wheels that will actually fit the widebody without using spacers. Much safer, and will look better.
Spacers are good enough for a Porsche 930, I don't see a problem. The 6 spd may not happen as I may have a Getrag already. If so, those funds will go to the motor.
Thanks, Paul ------------------ 1988 Fiero 3800SC Series 1 w/5spd Coilovers 18's w/Pirellis Corvette Dash Mod
1985 GT 1986 Notchie 1987 Notchie
edit for typo
[This message has been edited by War Hammer (edited 02-23-2008).]
What's the ETA on the Mad-Arch kit? 
How about sending me some links to your rides? Are you going to Daytona?
