Need Fiero Advice

[blk92z34getrag]

I'm concidering a 1986 Fiero GT with the 2.8 and 5 speed. I just wanted to know more about the engine, what I should look for and stuff. The guy said the alternator is going, but it runs fine other than that. What should I look for when I go to inspect it / test drive it? I heard about engine fires and oiling problems? What's up with that?

Thanks.

[geoffinbc]

Oil leaks from the intake and valve covers. When the oil sits on the heads and engine block it tends to start a fire. So watch out for a dirty engine. 660's die quickly from 1 thing, and that is lack of oil or oil changes. So be sure he was on top of the maintenence.

[intlcutlass]

Here are the things to look for engine and every other Fiero problem I have seen:

Fires were mostly from the 84's, and due to a faulty wiring harness, but in later models, I would say that the vast majority of Fiero fires were probably due to exhaust leaks.

#1 Cracked exhaust manifolds (sounds like engine is ticking). If they have never been replaced or reworked, and if you decide to take on this car, you can gain between 8-10 HP be taking off the exhaust manifolds and removing the gigantic restrictions down where the flange is welded to the tube.

#2 Ing. module

#3 rear three pugs (ask if they were ever changed. Some owners who may not care about the car never do the rear three plugs because they are challenging.

Check to make sure all the heat shields are in place.

Non engine related:

E-Brake lines... Don't pull the hande to test to see if it works... LOOK under the car, and see if the lines are OK. EVEN IF THEY LOOK OK, DON"T PULL THAT HANDLE UNLESS YOU HAVE THE REPLACMENT LINES THERE, AND READY TO INSTALL!!

Dew wipes new (cause they can be a pain to replace)

Rusted frame rails or batt tray

Those stupid 4 bolts that come loos way down in the steering colum (tilt wheel).. you will have a VERY loos steering wheel.

Sounds like a lot, but trust me, these little cars are SOO FUN TO DRIVE!!!

[GPXSS]

I think you should get it regardless of whats wrong.. you wont regret it.

[873.1]

the fires were only in the older ones. my friend had an 86 fiero. it ran great up undil his chick smacked a telephone pole with it. he actually still has the engine and tranny if anybody wants it.

[873.1]

... it's nice having the exact same front end on my car as a fiero has in the rear. i'm using a fiero conversion kit for my 4.9 swap. hah