I've collected quite a few magazine articles and road tests over the years- including the "Fiero Performance Portfolio" book which claims to have virtually all of the road tests done on the Fiero. Well, it is well short of having all of the '88 Fiero road tests as far as I've found.
So I was wondering if there'd be any interest in a "performance portfolio" that focuses on the '88 Fieros being that they are indeed different from the earlier cars? I've not checked into copyright issues or anything yet, but figured it was worth asking about before I went through all of that trouble.
Thanks in advance for opinions!
-Gary
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03:55 PM
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Greg R Member
Posts: 35 From: Colonial Beach, VA Registered: Dec 2008
Just to clarify everyone- in no way is this intended to be a "bash" or "hate on" the '84-'87 cars, lol. I'm just thinking that people interested in the '88's would like a nice compilation of the road tests and reviews on the improved last year Fieros because they really were/are a different animal when compared to the pre '88 cars.
I've collected a lot of stuff on the '88 and definitely have more than the available "Performance Portfolio" contains. I was thinking of including any Fiero Related articles that appeared post production as well- I have several of those as well including some retrospectives and the collectible car article that featured the '89-'90 that never was, etc.
As I said, I still have to be sure I won't be in any legal hot water on anything, so that remains to be seen. But thanks to everyone who's expressed an interest. The cost would be as low as I can keep it.
Further, any input as to what anyone might like to see included would be great. I might even do a write up of some sort to go with the articles along with some Pontiac Press Kit info on the '88's as well.
Okay- So it sounds like I have at least 7 interested parties? There have to be more?
Regardless, I would be willing to put this together even if it's only for the 7 who posted here. My next question would be, what might it be worth to those of you who posted? I'll have to spend some time scanning, reproducing, etc. I'm not making black and white photo copies, but rather color scans and color re-prints of those scans, etc., on heavy stock paper or photo paper depending on the article or information in question (many pics = photo paper, text only = heavy stock). These will be done on a combination inkjet, color laser printer and standard laser printer. They will be put into hard binders and sectioned by type of information. For instance, this is what I have in mind currently:
-'88 Road Tests -'88 Overview Articles -'88 GM/Pontiac Press Information (Fiero "re-introduction") -'88 Power Steering Internal Documents -'88 Related ads -'88 Pictures -Post Production Articles (I have several that relate to the death of the Fiero as well as some "retrospective" articles and other Fiero related tidbits from magazines such as Pontiac Enthusiast, etc., from 1988 through the 90's).
Not looking to make big cash on it, just a bit for my time, materials and postage.
I am pm'ing those who expressed interest here as an FYI.
[This message has been edited by FieroFanatic13 (edited 02-23-2009).]
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09:02 AM
TopNotch Member
Posts: 3537 From: Lawrenceville, GA USA Registered: Feb 2009
It would be interesting if you could also find any data about how an 88 coupe (without rear sway bar) handles compared to an 88 Formula or GT (with rear sway bar). I think my 88 coupe handles quite well. It weighs about 100 lbs less in the back than a GT/Formula, and that should make some kind of difference.
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01:10 PM
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FieroFanatic13 Member
Posts: 3521 From: Big Rapids, MI, USA Registered: Jul 2006
It would be interesting if you could also find any data about how an 88 coupe (without rear sway bar) handles compared to an 88 Formula or GT (with rear sway bar). I think my 88 coupe handles quite well. It weighs about 100 lbs less in the back than a GT/Formula, and that should make some kind of difference.
Sadly, I've not seen a single road test or article where they actually drove a base coupe. Only the Formula and GT. They just mention that "all '88 Fieros got the suspension changes in '88, except for the WS6 cars (GT and Formula) which had different spring rates and a rear sway bar, etc." Wish there was more out there, but finding '88 stuff is a lot like the lottery- I happen upon them by searching regularly and hoping sellers happen to list ALL of the articles or short pieces in a magazine they have listed someplace like e-bay, etc.
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08:07 PM
TopNotch Member
Posts: 3537 From: Lawrenceville, GA USA Registered: Feb 2009
Just letting anyone interested that I'm going to be checking into the "copyright" issues with this whole deal before I get into hot water, lol. I really want to do this though!
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05:45 PM
Fiero2m8 Member
Posts: 1928 From: Niagara, Ontario, Canada Registered: Feb 2006
I am in the middle of reading/enjoying the Brooklands Pontiac Performance Portfolio 1984-1988 It's the 140 page edition and I like the collection of articles. Good luck with your 88 collection, sounds interesting.
I am in the middle of reading/enjoying the Brooklands Pontiac Performance Portfolio 1984-1988 It's the 140 page edition and I like the collection of articles. Good luck with your 88 collection, sounds interesting.
Yeah- that's the one I've mentioned that does not include all of the '88 articles (that I've found at least). That's partly why I'm motivated to put this together if I can!
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04:46 PM
ccfiero350 Member
Posts: 826 From: Houston, Texas Registered: Feb 2003
I am in the middle of reading/enjoying the Brooklands Pontiac Performance Portfolio 1984-1988 It's the 140 page edition and I like the collection of articles. Good luck with your 88 collection, sounds interesting.
Did some quick checking last night- my "Brooklands Pontiac Performance Portfolio 1984-1988" only has THREE '88 related articles in it (The Autocar, Road & Track and Automobile Magazine articles).
I have those three articles PLUS at least FOUR MORE actual Production Period (87-88 vintage) articles from four other magazines (reviews and road tests) along with a few POST production articles on the '88 and then a few Fiero related articles from the 90's and up as well. I also have the '88 press packet, various other items, etc...
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02:33 PM
Mar 19th, 2009
FieroFanatic13 Member
Posts: 3521 From: Big Rapids, MI, USA Registered: Jul 2006
I'm trying to figure that part out. I wanted to do it in color on decent paper stock rather than trashy black and white photo copy stuff like most of the "Brooklands" road test compilation is. I also have to watch out for copyright issues, so I'm trying to check into that as well so I don't get stuck in some kind of legal situation over selling these. It might have to be a "shipping and handling only" type deal, if you get my drift.
I'll keep posting here and keep everyone updated. The longest part of it will be doing the scanning/archiving.
-Gary
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03:54 PM
Apr 28th, 2009
FieroFanatic13 Member
Posts: 3521 From: Big Rapids, MI, USA Registered: Jul 2006
Still working on putting this together. Getting the magazine people to respond to anything has been more than frustrating! I'm about to say "forget it" and just put them together and just hope I don't get sued or something!
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12:36 PM
Idaho_Fiero Member
Posts: 103 From: Pocatello, Id, USA Registered: Jan 2008
<---- did you buy Cliff a beer?
