9s Pontiac Fiero Turbo Is a Middle Finger to All the Fiero-Based Supercar Replicas
The engine compartment of this Pontiac hides plenty of boost, much more than you could imagine by simply looking at the thing. In fact, when manhandled correctly, this will tear up the drag strip.
By that, we mean the Fiero will deliver a 9s quarter mile run, enough to leave many other cool rides behind. Sure, such rides can experience an engine failure at any given time. But 10-second cars are expensive enough to build, so we have to applaud the effort done here.
To be more precise, the clip shows us the Pontiac pulling a 9.87s run at 142 mph (that's 229 km/h for all you reading this across the pond).
There's more to this Fiero than meets the eye speed trap
But a nine-second car wouldn't be so important without all the implications such a fast Fiero has.
This car is a middle finger shown to all the Ferrari replicas built on the Fiero's versatile platform. In fact, we're talking about all sort of replicas, not just those impersonating Prancing Horses.
Over the years, many car guys has come to despise the moment when a Fiero interior shows up in the same story as a supercar. It seems that no matter how many efforts the automotive community makes, the replica subculture simply won't disappear. Generation after generation of drivers, there will always be somebody who imagines tricking other people into believing they drive a Raging Bull or a Maranello machine is as easy as pie.
Exotic carmakers try to turn replicas into an extinct species, the police sometimes helps and many car aficionados also support such efforts. Well, this Fiero, which relies on the power of turbocharging, basically trolls all those drivers who decided to use such a Pontiac chassis to pretend they own a supercar.
[This message has been edited by CoolBlue87GT (edited 08-16-2015).]
I don't see it as a middle finger. I own one of those replicas because I'm a fan of Italian style. I am one of the few who has also replicated the hp of the lambo, but I wouldn't challenge darkhorizon. I also own a turbo charged N* Fiero and I like it just fine too. Congratulations to DH. I knew that there would be a 9s Fiero and I knew that it wouldn't be one of mine.
The one thing that I respect about him is the fact that he built the car without worrying about how pretty the engine bay looked, just a down and dirty asskicking motor. Nothing is painted or chromed (not that there's anything wrong with that) but the car was built with one intention....to kick ass.
The one thing that I respect about him is the fact that he built the car without worrying about how pretty the engine bay looked, just a down and dirty asskicking motor. Nothing is painted or chromed (not that there's anything wrong with that) but the car was built with one intention....to kick ass.
That and he has gotten a bigger bang for his buck than anyone else here. Did I say that I'm impressed?
No disrespect intended to DH, he's built the car he wants and made it damned quick. To the author of the story...
quote
This car is a middle finger shown to all the Ferrari replicas built on the Fiero's versatile platform. In fact, we're talking about all sort of replicas, not just those impersonating Prancing Horses.
Over the years, many car guys has come to despise the moment when a Fiero interior shows up in the same story as a supercar. It seems that no matter how many efforts the automotive community makes, the replica subculture simply won't disappear. Generation after generation of drivers, there will always be somebody who imagines tricking other people into believing they drive a Raging Bull or a Maranello machine is as easy as pie.
As one who is building my own rendition of a replica, and I dare say I've innovated and engineered as much as anyone, a big one-fingered salute to you. Obviously you don't have the imagination, skills, and/or talent to create something yourself, even if it looks like something else.
To the OP: I feel ya on the Fiero being a cool enough car on its own compared to most of the kit cars out there, but I don't see D/H's purpose built drag Fiero being a middle finger to anything (except the unsuspecting chap that lines up next to him ). He just built what he wanted and did a great job doing it. Some of these guys that have kit cars actually own the real deal and utilize the kit car to keep the miles off their real Ferrari and cut down on the maintenance costs. Some of the kit car owners do their own modifications to a kit to make it their own the same way a lot of people do to regular Fieros (chop tops/wide bodies/quarter scoops/hood vents/etc...). To each is their own. I think the real story is the performance capabilities of a 30+ year old car with updated drive-train/brakes/suspension is the ultimate bang for the buck vs new cars.
I didn't buy a Fiero wanting to make it look like a supercar....I wanted to build a supercar styled vehicle, and chose to use a Fiero since it is a mid engine car, with a well designed space-frame. The engineering challenge is a major part of the thrill, in the same way as it is for people pushing the bounds with stock Fieros.
I totally get what the OP meant. I can not count the average replicas that I have seen, let alone some of the amazing ones, just to see a 2.5 engine in the rear.
It is nice to see it the other way around for once.
The one thing that I respect about him is the fact that he built the car without worrying about how pretty the engine bay looked, just a down and dirty asskicking motor. Nothing is painted or chromed (not that there's anything wrong with that) but the car was built with one intention....to kick ass.
Why yes, yes it is, but to compare it to the Feiro based replicas like the Ferraris, Lambos etc. just because it MIGHT be quicker or faster. Seems kind of childish. I could care less how quick it is in the quarter if it still looks like a Fiero, ESPECIALLY a notch back. Hell, put his set up in a Ferrari "Supercar" replica and it would be giving BOTH middle fingers back at him.
Why yes, yes it is, but to compare it to the Feiro based replicas like the Ferraris, Lambos etc. just because it MIGHT be quicker or faster. Seems kind of childish. I could care less how quick it is in the quarter if it still looks like a Fiero, ESPECIALLY a notch back. Hell, put his set up in a Ferrari "Supercar" replica and it would be giving BOTH middle fingers back at him.
Kevin
I personally like Fieros, thats why I'm here and why I have a 10 second one.
I get the trying to fool people with your 2.5l replica. I've seen it happen. Not all of us though. I always open the engine compartment to show them that it is an American drivetrain with a modified American chassis. I'll never forget the time I was gassing up and someone drove by yelling out 'nice fireo'. I thought that it was pretty cool that whoever it was had that much knowledge and my car is pretty passable on the outside and interior except for the sound of the turbo ls4 instead of a v12. I have let it ride a few times because a some of the people get so excited thinking that they have finally seen a real Lambo and I hate to ruin their enthusiasm. Most of the time though when they say 'I've never seen a real Lambo' I'll reply 'Well you still haven't". A lot of people are more impressed with my homebuilt and all the skill that went into it than they are with one that was just paid for by a rich guy with no mechanical skills at all. DHs car is awesome! I live in both camps.
I'm just wondering why you are on here insulting Fieros if you don't like them.
I didn't say I don't like them. They are good for turning into "Supercar Replicas" you know. I had an Indy. Told the wife if I bought another it would be a GT fastback.
Well goody for you. Drive it much? Get you across the country? Make a 1000 mile trip without any problems?...
Kevin
Does a replica make it more reliable? I think the 10 second and sub 10 Second fieros coming out of Michigan hold up pretty well track and street. The fieros coming out of that German shop on the east coast is another story however.
Does a replica make it more reliable? I think the 10 second and sub 10 Second fieros coming out of Michigan hold up pretty well track and street. The fieros coming out of that German shop on the east coast is another story however.
Wow. Why the backhanded slap at bmwguru? Just curious.
... to compare it to the Feiro based replicas like the Ferraris, Lambos etc. just because it MIGHT be quicker or faster. Seems kind of childish.
+1. I think the author from autoevolution is just another internet nitwit showing that you need not to know what you're talking about to be an internet "author". There should be NO comparison between ANY drag car and ANY production car - period. Clearly these are apples and oranges. Ferrari, lambo, bugatti Do Not make their supercars to compete with quarter mile drag cars. So why pick on guys investing their hard work and money in replicas ? They're not building drag cars either ! i hope no one actually paid that guy to type that crap. Or maybe he got a few of the "hits" he was looking for. Case closed (for me )
[This message has been edited by PaulJK (edited 08-17-2015).]
Congrats to darkhorizon! You can't argue with results like that As for the replica vs stock debate, I like both but I do wish more replicas had engine swaps to really wow the crowds
Congrats to darkhorizon! You can't argue with results like that As for the replica vs stock debate, I like both but I do wish more replicas had engine swaps to really wow the crowds
As I said I replicated the hp of the lambo and it's still a reliable daily driver if it's not raining. No top. but honestly the stock 300 hp of the swap was way more than adequate and I don't know if I would go that far if I was going to do it again.
Scott (Darkhorizion) has been quiet of late, preferring to do the talking with his performance numbers. I have always appreciated cars with more go than show and Scotts Fiero has far exceeded all predictions that anyone had about how fast a 3800 Fiero could perform, Running in the 9's with a 3800 is an incredible achievement. That's the fastest Fiero around and only a second from the fastest 3800 in the world owned by Zoomer of ZZ Performance who invested $1000's more to get there. What is remarkable is that here is a guy who started on a shoestring budget and over a period of a few years was able to develop and design an engine capable of superior horsepower. This car is what was commonly referred to as a "Sleeper". Bring on the $80K Corvettes!!!!!
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
DH can be an ass on the forums but he is actually a SUPER nice guy and has bent over backwards to help me with my build. I am happy for him and the recognition his car is getting. Its ugly as hell but, it gets the job done. <--- I mean that in the nicest possible way.
[This message has been edited by BV MotorSports (edited 08-18-2015).]
Why yes, yes it is, but to compare it to the Feiro based replicas like the Ferraris, Lambos etc. just because it MIGHT be quicker or faster. Seems kind of childish. I could care less how quick it is in the quarter if it still looks like a Fiero, ESPECIALLY a notch back. Hell, put his set up in a Ferrari "Supercar" replica and it would be giving BOTH middle fingers back at him.
Kevin
Well, I'm not giving anyone the middle finger or any other finger for all that it matters but, I happen to like the Notch back or Formula version best for styling. Some prefer the GT. I like the original styling and can spot one while traveling unlike a GT that can be confused for several other cars on the road. I could go on but, that wouldn't prove anything. But, I won't insult other Fiero owners over their choice versus mine.
I really don't care much about body conversion kits, pro or con. If, it's well done, I appreciate the work that went into making it what it is. So, if that's what turns your crank, have at it. But please refrain from insulting the version many of us like.
------------------ Ron
Isn't it strange that after a bombing, everyone blames the bomber, his upbringing, his environment, his culture, his mental state but … after a shooting, the problem is the gun?
My Uncle Frank was a staunch Conservative and voted straight Republican until the day he died in Chicago. Since then he has voted Democrat. Shrug
[This message has been edited by blackrams (edited 08-18-2015).]
+1. I think the author from autoevolution is just another internet nitwit showing that you need not to know what you're talking about to be an internet "author". There should be NO comparison between ANY drag car and ANY production car - period. Clearly these are apples and oranges. Ferrari, lambo, bugatti Do Not make their supercars to compete with quarter mile drag cars. So why pick on guys investing their hard work and money in replicas ? They're not building drag cars either ! i hope no one actually paid that guy to type that crap. Or maybe he got a few of the "hits" he was looking for. Case closed (for me )
Good point. I suspect that most likely the author's only previous exposure to Fieros was with replicas, and thus he thinks replicas are pretty much all we do.
There's no doubt the article could have been written better. There was no need to slam all other Fiero-Based Cars. Scott did what he set out to do, create a fast quarter mile Fiero, and should be given credit for it.
The thing to keep in mind is that everyone has a different vision of what they want the car to represent, it's each to his/her own.
DH can be an ass on the forums but he is actually a SUPER nice guy and has bent over backwards to help me with my build. I am happy for him and the recognition his car is getting. Its ugly as hell but, it gets the job done. <--- I mean that in the nicest possible way.
Not ugly as hell!. It's classic primer paint american hot rod. Maybe you need to be as old as me to remember them. I know that you were trying to be nice.
Not ugly as hell!. It's classic primer paint american hot rod. Maybe you need to be as old as me to remember them. I know that you were trying to be nice.
Don't know if you are kidding or not, but it's just a shitty gloss black paint job, and abused. You have to see the car in person because it is ugly as hell. Scott knows it, but it doesn't bother him.
Haven't seen anything other than that one picture. I guess maybe it's a high performance rat rod. I like rat rods too and not just because of my name. They usually show a lot of ingenuity and this car has it in spades.
). He just built what he wanted and did a great job doing it. Some of these guys that have kit cars actually own the real deal and utilize the kit car to keep the miles off their real Ferrari and cut down on the maintenance costs. Some of the kit car owners do their own modifications to a kit to make it their own the same way a lot of people do to regular Fieros (chop tops/wide bodies/quarter scoops/hood vents/etc...). To each is their own. I think the real story is the performance capabilities of a 30+ year old car with updated drive-train/brakes/suspension is the ultimate bang for the buck vs new cars.
)
but I do wish more replicas had engine swaps to really wow the crowds
