Started a new project. This will be a long build-up thread that I'm hoping to finish in about 6 months.
Here's what I got. I have an 84 with a tired Duke but in great condition.


I have an 88 that's a mess but it is an 88.

I also have a 4.5L rebuilt and carbed.

My plan is to strip the 88 drop the 4.5L in it, rebuild all the suspension and have a running spaceframe.


Then strip all the goodies of the 84 and install them on the 88.
I'm going to need some advice on the way.

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[This message has been edited by bonzo (edited 07-09-2005).]

Looks like fun!!

now thats a plan btw i love that chin spoiler where the hell did you get it

quote Originally posted by markviiisvt4: now thats a plan btw i love that chin spoiler where the hell did you get it

Modified chin spoiler bought from FieroWarehouse. Here's the build thread.
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum1/HTML/049932.html

Bonzo

Thats awsome.
Since you have a running car (sweet one btw)... perfect time to strip down the 88.....and replace time consuming stuff. Bushings, detailing/powdercoating engine bay and other parts, add hood scoop, replace all possable worn out parts

Looks like a fun project

Thats almost exactly what I did. Rustd 86GT 5spd, put it all on a clean 88 4cyl auto and turnd it into a 5spd with a 3.4DOHC. Nothing hard about it, mak sure you get a V6 radiator. Tell ya what you should do, get the spaceframe running and take it down to a Ziebart and have it rustproofed, now mine will never rust, not even under the dash I just put a drivers seat in it, and took it out while they sprayed it.

quote Originally posted by zMacK: Thats awsome. Since you have a running car (sweet one btw)... perfect time to strip down the 88.....and replace time consuming stuff. Bushings, detailing/powdercoating engine bay and other parts, add hood scoop, replace all possable worn out parts Looks like a fun project

Exactly.
This is my daily driver and I need to keep my down time to minimum. Funds are what will delay this project. I want to do it good, cleaning powder coating, and painting.

Bonzo

I have a Getrag for sale, complete swap is available. PM me (anyone) if interested.

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quote Originally posted by 86GT3.4DOHC: Thats almost exactly what I did. Rustd 86GT 5spd, put it all on a clean 88 4cyl auto and turnd it into a 5spd with a 3.4DOHC. Nothing hard about it, mak sure you get a V6 radiator. Tell ya what you should do, get the spaceframe running and take it down to a Ziebart and have it rustproofed, now mine will never rust, not even under the dash I just put a drivers seat in it, and took it out while they sprayed it.

I did a store search for Ziebat and there isn't anything near me. Is there something that equal to Ziebart?

Bonzo

You can interchange struts from earlier years to 88. Other than that everything is different. Unless you want to bolt up the cradle from an earlier year to an 88 but that would elliminate all the advantages of the 88 so you wouldn't want to do that.

Good project. I have a similar one upcomming.

quote Originally posted by bonzo: I did a store search for Ziebat and there isn't anything near me. Is there something that equal to Ziebart? Bonzo

You can always sandblast and use Por-15.

If you use POR-15 you don't have to sandblast. POR stands for "Paint Over Rust" you can apply it right over the rust.

I don't have a major rust problem. I was just checking for prevention more than anything. Any rust will be handeled with rust killer and paint or powder coat depending on the location..

Bonzo

This 88 is in pretty good shape. I did find some rust on the top sides of the sunroof. My Dad is going to weld in some bracing and fix it because he says that is a structural part of the car. I have found me a Getrag to link up to the 4.5L, I just need to finalize the transaction.
How much of a PITA is it to convert an auto car to a stick?

Bonzo

[This message has been edited by bonzo (edited 07-16-2005).]

TTT

quote Originally posted by bonzo: This 88 is in pretty good shape.......... How much of a PITA is it to convert an auto car to a stick? Bonzo

Bonzo, Glad to hear you and your dad are making progress and are happy with the car. You or your dad give me a call and I will provide you a number to contact another local Fiero Owner who should be able to answer your questions about the automatic to stick conversion. Bill

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88 GT 5 Speed - Black
87 Coupe 4cyl/5Speed - Maroon - For Sale
86 GT Auto - Black - For Sale
86 GT Auto - White- Longpre Edition
86 SE V6 5sp converted to GT - Silver
62 Vette
62 Impala - Anniversary Gold
95 Vette - Auto-White-41,000 miles-For Sale

Progressing slow. Got the cradle with the 2.5 out of the 88.

Bonzo

[This message has been edited by bonzo (edited 08-27-2005).]

As stated earlier, I'm in need of a tranny. I realy would like a 5 speed but with all the added work of converting this auto 88 to a stick I'm starting to consider a auto. This car probably wont ever see a track.

What would be the easiest and strongest non ECM tranny for this 4.5l?
If you can suggest a tranny please also add what cars they came in, so I will know what and where to look for one.

Bonzo

i have a getrag for sale.

quote Originally posted by bonzo: How much of a PITA is it to convert an auto car to a stick? Bonzo

I'm gonna guess that it's a little easier than converting a stick to an auto. I plan on doing one next year and am not too worried. I will advise you that the chassis wiring harness is slightly different. You will need to provide a circuit for the clutch safety switch.

It's looking really good so far.

Well I decided on an auto. 86FieroEarl helped me decide by giving me a 4T60 with a torque conv and flexplate. Thanks Earl. It was nice meeting you and if you're in need of any parts PM me. I might have what you need. My Dad sez Thank you too.

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[This message has been edited by bonzo (edited 09-21-2005).]

quote Originally posted by bonzo: Well I decided on an auto. 86FieroEarl helped me decide by giving me a 4T60 with a torque conv and flexplate. Thanks Earl. It was nice meeting you and if you're in need of any parts PM me. I might have what you need. My Dad sez Thank you too.

I Forgot to give you the mounts to that transmission, I can send them if you need. I also need to send you the alluminum spacer for the dist (you will see it in the link)

Here's the link to the dist setup.

http://www.fortunecity.com/skyscraper/switch/67/id18.htm

Your going to need the radio res, Modulator and pickup coil to a 79 olds with a pontiac 350 or 305(You want new electronics for the dist setup anyway), You will have to cut the olds shaft and drill the hole for the gear, You already have the shaft and 4.5 dist body and gear.
You will need the dist cap to a 4.9 caddy,

It was nice meeting you as well. I had the axles to the swap but gave them to a guy. But you will need 87 pontiac 6000 4speed auto with light duty brakes) left and right axles, Your going to have to modify the cradle a bit since it's a 88 cradle.

You can use the shifter cable from the auto fiero and you will have to modify the shifter bracket (easy to do)

Rockcrawls site and others have info on all of this. I will find the links and post them later.

At times I wish I stayed with the auto (Alot harder to break then the fiero manuel trannies) It was nice not having to worry about clutches, Throwout bearings, flexplates Ect.

Ps thanks for the dash parts... Now I can get rid of all that yellow inside my car, I will take pics when I get them installed.

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4.9 under construction... To lay the smack down on any mid 80s truck that stands in my way.

[This message has been edited by 86fieroEarl (edited 09-22-2005).]