Interested in Fieros......

[El_Diablo]

I was looking at the v8archie soltice swap and noticed that he made v8 swap kits for fieros, so i went to his site and i saw this amazing kit, i have always hated the look of fieros but that kit makes them look great (the "finale kit")

well, to make this a bit shorter, im now interested in fieros and would like to know some good places to look for info on and to possibly buy a fiero




all this development in under an hour..... i think i have builders mood swings or sumthin..... wtf is wrong with me?

[SappySE107]

I have learned to just stay away from fiero sites. Im on realfierotech for the tech section and that is pretty much it. You want drama, go to fiero.nl.

[El_Diablo]

well if i get one im gonna want to swap in an LS series SBC so that and i wanna find out the technical problems is why im really looking for sites

i also need to find one to buy for a low price (dont wanna pay much since its gonna be a project car)

[GutlessSupreme]

You want drama, go to fiero.nl.

worse than clubl67?

I mean.. clubgp?

[Mach10]

God, don't even start about Fiero.nl....

The main disadvantage to getting a v8 fiero is that Archie is a twat. He's got a huge attitude problem, he's a bastard to deal with.

apparantly he DOES put out a good product... But that's no excuse for being an asshole. Just to make clear, I've NOT had personal dealings with him. But I'd seen how he treats other people. Not for me, thanks.

God, I hope he doesn't troll this forum. I can just see the flamewar starting up.

I've owned a couple of Fieros... I've worked on far more than my share. False modesty aside, I think I know them pretty much inside and out.

What'dya need to know?

[Mach10]

Ok, re-read your post.

Technical info? I've done a v8 swap before. 4.9 caddy motor. It was fun, but my currect LQ1 (3.4TDC) motor walks all over it. Honestly, a v8 doesn't suit the car, unless you are into the whole drag-racing thing. The balance isn't too bad, but the torque doesn't feel right (god, it'll pull hard, tho).

Well, here's my 2c:

1) Cooling is definitely an issue. Get a bigger rad. Archie will rape you handily for one, you can probably sweet talk a local shop into building you a 4-core copper unit for less. MUCH less.

2) I wouldn't worry so much about twisting axles... But I WOULD worry about tearing engine mounts. The stock Fiero tranny mounts are barely adequate for a v6, much less a v8. Fortunately, they have shackles, so the motor won't rip totally free

3) Fuel economy is a major concern when you only have a 10gal tank. That's all I have to say about that. Burning 1/4 tank on a couple of 1/4mile runs isn't my idea of a good time.

4) Spend the time and money reworking the suspension if you do find a suitable rolling chassis. Better bushings and shocks/struts make ALL the difference. Replace the cradle bushings with either poly or alumium, and your car won't tack funny when you are hard on the gas or hit a bump.

5) If you hear ANYONE say anything about "bump steer" or "lotus suspension," punch them in the head and tell 'em Mach10 sent you. The fiero does NOT have a lotus suspension, nor did Lotus have anything to do with development. And what people call "bump steer" in this car is usually worn out control arm bushings, or the cradle rocking around on those shite-assed soft rubber bushings.

6) If you go carb, the wiring is pretty easy. Although I definitely suggest finding a base-model fiero with power-nothing. 80s GM electronics have their share of fruitiness.

7) Make sure your frame is in good shape before you drop a sledgehammer of a motor in it. Fieros tend only to rust where you can't easily see it. First thing you should do is yank out the sound insulating fiber from the engine bay. It's a great moisture trap, and can hide some pretty serious bone cancer.

Headlight motors SUCK. You can change 'em for later model sunbird(?) ones. I haven't done it yet, nor looked up the conversion, but they don't have half the problems the 84-87 ones did.

9) Learn to drive one BEFORE putting a monster of a motor in it. Otherwise you will undo your engine swap in about 2 seconds when you spin out and scrub the entire back end off on a tree. I'm not slagging your driving skills, but if you try driving a high-performance Fiero like a FWD, it will bite you in the ass and then kick you in the junk. It's not a dangerous car, but it IS different. Skid control is an art form. LEARN IT.

10) If you must use an auto car, at least upgrade to a 4t40 trans. The t125 is tough... But the gearing sucks. And it sucks BAD.

*whew*

[El_Diablo]

i was actually wanting to use an ls1 and possibly turbo it

oh and i want to replace the body with the finale body kit which includes regular lights so im not to worried about that



im just looking for a beater to turn into a track and street terror... really im looking to build an exotic for the price of a kia lol

[Mach10]

Eeeew... Finale?

Do me a favor... When it's complete, can you confirm the rumor that it is possible to push an egg into the panel-gap without having it crack the shell?

And a Turbo LS1?

Kiss your transmission goodbye the day you are done breaking in the motor and clutch.

[Guest]

Kiss your transmission goodbye the day you are done breaking in the motor and clutch.

That's one of the main reasons I haven't bought a Fiero, the trannies are weak (when trying to put several hundred HP through them. A suitable replacment tranny will be too expensive to justify buying one.

[Doubt_Incarnate]

the fwd trannies arent famous for thier ability hold torque. they aren't even famous for anything aside from failure. their are a million to pick from tho.

personally i'd find a donor, like a w-41 car (factory lsd?). or maybe a late model eco-tec car with a 5 speed. make a high revvin light weight car. you'd probly still be able boost it without violating anything. 8000rpm 250hp with a stick in a ~2200lb car sounds like a fun combo.

[Mach10]

You wouldn't be able to put tires big enough on the ground to hold more than 400 hp under pretty much any condition.

And by the time you've invested that much money, you could have yourself a pony-car or other 70s muscle with more power, running faster times, and breaking less parts.

If you like the cars, put a reasonably well-powered engine in it to have fun with. I've got a 3.4TDC in mine. It's awesome. Fun to drive, gets decent mileage, and as fast or faster than 95% than what's on the road in my neck of the woods. (Winnipeg is a shit-hole. Mostly 5.0 mustangs and almost-stock honda civics with exhaust).

[Doubt_Incarnate]

almost-stock honda civics with exhaust.

the fart pipe warriors!

[Mach10]

God, tell me about it.

The worst is that they are (if possible) MORE obnoxious when they aren't at WOT.

GOD I HATE THAT FUCKING SOUND

[Guest]

You wouldn't be able to put tires big enough on the ground to hold more than 400 hp under pretty much any condition.

I have NEVER understood a statement like this, especially considering the fact that there are people running bottom nines and even high 8s on an 8" wide radial tire, that takes much more than 400HP, even in the lightest of cars.

[El_Diablo]

well the turbo is kind of iffy right now.... its more a love for turbos than anything lol

im wanting atleast 400hp. also, i do body work (as a hobby right now, i need to find a job that deals with it) and im planning on a couple of changes if i get that kit..... ill prolly shorten up the nose a bit along with some minor mods

i honestly think the stock body is quit ugly and out dated... but i was also born when these were new (87) lol... i haven't found any other options that looked to good to me and this is the best one i see

oh and if panel fitment is that far off the kit is going back and archie is paying for shipping lol