WTS 1988 GT - Engine Swap Candidate (Page 1/2)
Acroyer JAN 07, 06:47 PM
It is time to let this thing go. It's an engine swap candidate, because I finally figured out why I have been having low oil pressure problems. It seems there is a little oil in the coolant. Well, maybe more than a little. Ok, there's a whole lot of oil in the coolant.

At first I thought I was just burning some oil, since the motor is an original 105K mile engine. Then I thought maybe the bearings were worn, so the oil pressure is low.
Well, I have been driving it 40 miles each way to work for the past week, runs just fine, except for the TCC solenoid, which I finally just disconnected. I have a replacement around here somewhere. Stopping at Kroger tonight, I come back out to see a large puddle, looking like someone just threw a Starbucks Frappuccino under my car. Popped the hood, and the coolant recovery tank is a mess, and mostly empty.

I have been throwing parts at this car for over a year now, and I have just had enough. I have an 81 Corvette that is in better shape, runs great, but still taxes my wallet at times. So, I am keeping the Vette and getting rid of the Fiero.

The Fiero drives, but only a brave soul will take it very far.

And yes, it has been my experiment. I decided near the end of last year to rattle-can it, since the original white paint was looking shabby from sitting in my parent's driveway for 2 years. And I don't like white cars. It got cold before I could really do it like I should have, so it only has a thin coat on it. Doesn't look too bad from orbit.

Everything worked except the cruise control and power trunk release. Good AC and heat. Interior is pretty decent. Seats look better in the pics than they really are. No holes, but the cloth is pretty thin. I have the original steering wheel, which looks like someone got it wet and tried to wring it out. Beechwood interior. Nice aftermarket JVC stereo with new speakers in the rear. I have the antenna for it, too.

I'm not selling it as a show car, by any means, but it is a very nice candidate for a swap.

$1,500 is what I am looking for.

Says I have to log in to upload images... So, images in first reply.
Acroyer JAN 07, 06:49 PM






Oh, and tires are in excellent shape, minus some overspray I haven't cleaned off yet.

[This message has been edited by Acroyer (edited 01-07-2020).]

Mike in Sydney JAN 07, 07:55 PM
Hi. PM sent.

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Mike in Sydney

Buck531 JAN 08, 12:05 AM
Any engine bay pics?
Acroyer JAN 08, 05:50 AM
Here's an old one from when I picked the car up from my folks. I'll take a newer one tonight when I get home from work. I have put a lot of new parts in since then.
Acroyer JAN 08, 06:03 AM
Here's a peek at the flooring underneath the carpet in the trunk area.
Acroyer JAN 08, 05:57 PM
More pics. Some of these are older, as they show the original steering wheel, but really, not much has changed. I am also including the engine bay and VIN.

The white speckles? That's a long story involving Plasti Dip.

And I'll try to list the new parts on here before I forget; not that it makes much difference now. But, maybe it's just a blown head gasket...

New: starter, distributor-cap-rotot, coil, O2 sensor, battery, EGR valve, PCV valve (I broke the plastic tube, so added a hose). I replaced the rear plugs, but haven't gotten around to the fronts yet. Tires have about 8K miles on them.
Notorio JAN 08, 09:29 PM

quote
Originally posted by Acroyer:
It is time to let this thing go. It's an engine swap candidate, because I finally figured out why I have been having low oil pressure problems. It seems there is a little oil in the coolant. Well, maybe more than a little. Ok, there's a whole lot of oil in the coolant.



Why do you think this is an engine swap case? Might this just be a head gasket? For about $250-300 in parts (head gasket kit, timing chain, water pump, oil stem seals, coolant system flush, misc. gaskets) and a weekend you could have a relatively low-mile Fiero. Just sayin' ...
Acroyer JAN 09, 01:12 PM
You're right. It could just be a head gasket. I am not really in a position to do a top rebuild right now, or even really take things apart to check it out.. The front head should eventually come off either way. There is an exhaust leak, and my dad suspects that there is a broken manifold bolt back there.

I have been putting a lot of time and money into this thing. I forgot to mention I also did a new IAC and TPS, as well.

Recently, I replaced the radiator in the Corvette, and still need to do the heater core and AC lines. Having 2 old cars to work on is stretching my resources very thin.

Since I am unsure what the real problem is, I am going to treat it as a catastrophic engine failure. If that turns out not to be the case, it's a bonus for the buyer.


[This message has been edited by Acroyer (edited 01-09-2020).]

Notorio JAN 09, 09:30 PM

quote
Originally posted by Acroyer:
Since I am unsure what the real problem is, I am going to treat it as a catastrophic engine failure. If that turns out not to be the case, it's a bonus for the buyer.



Understood. I'm biased ... there are so many old vettes on the road and so few Fieros I would of course suggest to you selling the vette (common boat anchor) and fix up the Fiero (flashy, unique car that also attracts women) ...