After a couple pages of discussion on my project, it seemed like time to make a new thread. The old one (Building the 50 MPG Fiero! -
https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/096909.html ) brought up a lot of discussion about getting maximum fuel mileage, and some people brought up some pretty good points about my choice of wheels, tires and transmission final drive. I have concluded that my goal of 50 miles per gallon was a bit unrealistic because I am unwilling to do what it takes to get that kind of mileage. I would like more of a mix of performance and economy, and will probably only get between 40-45 MPG on the highway, which is still pretty good for a 20+ year old car.
With the way some people drive I also question the safety of running 185 tires. I have been in several situations where good, sticky tires saved my car and my life. I don't think a few extra miles per gallon are worth the risk, personally.
The plan:
2.2L Ecotec, Getrag F23 5 speed
Building my own mounts, will probably have to mod the cradle a bit
Tsudo 4-2-1 Header, WCF Flowmaster 40 series, similar to stock exhaust tips
Megasquirt II mounted in stock ECM location, relay board mounted where battery goes
Older GM wasted spark ICM to ignite the A/F mixture
Wideband O2 sensor
Battery relocated to front (I already have the custom box in hand)
WCF Coilovers rear, WCF performance springs front, KYB's all around, GT rear sway bar
Kumho Ecsta SPT Tires, 225/45-17 in front, 245/40-17 in back, Konig Incident 17X7 wheels
Vented hood, considering an Indy scoop with a custom ram-air intake
Wife decided it's going to be a Corvette yellow....who am I to argue with the wife?
At some later point I plan on building up a turbo 2.2 Ecotec motor with the limited-slip F35 transmission...but the above list is all that fits the budget (and leaves some room for the inevitable cost creep that comes with any automotive project).
I'll start with some before pics:
Here's the car as it sits right now. It has an 85 GT bumper with the ribbed moulding, so that's gonna have to go. Also note the driver's fender...that's gonna need replacing.
Gonna need a GT wing.
Has Rodney Dickman's short shifter!
I can either put a motor here or hire somebody to flintstone me around...
"Custom" taillights!
Gonna need a mirror too...
As you can see I have quite a bit of work ahead of me. Expect some more progress and pics sometime mid-to-late January after I go pick up my motor and trans. It's all cleaning, prep and maybe some minor body work between now and then.
[This message has been edited by DustoneGT (edited 12-23-2008).]
