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Just bought a gem of a Fiero (87 GT) Build it - or - Flip? by DimeMachine
Started on: 07-11-2020 08:54 AM
Replies: 15 (385 views)
Last post by: OntarioKev on 07-15-2020 10:09 PM
DimeMachine
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Report this Post07-11-2020 08:54 AM Click Here to See the Profile for DimeMachineSend a Private Message to DimeMachineEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Stumbled on a decent deal for an 87 GT if pretty darn good condition for under $1500. Spent a few more hours back at the shop giving her a complete exam and firing it up.
Now for the hard part... Making a firm decision to either Build it or Flip it.

Thoughts??

Video - 87 Fiero Purchase, Build or FLIP?

https://youtu.be/3MOg_Hi8UOk

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84/87 NB, 3800SC, E-85, VS Cam, 2.8 Pulley, 4T65E-HD, HP Tuners, AEM Wideband, Regal GS Gauges, S-10 Brake Booster. 1/4 mile -11.85 at 114mph

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sourmash
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Report this Post07-11-2020 09:09 AM Click Here to See the Profile for sourmashSend a Private Message to sourmashEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Looks like the tail lights and quarter windows are in reasonably good shape. The fact that you're asking says you're leaning to working it over.
I'd flip it.
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87_FieroGT
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Report this Post07-12-2020 08:01 PM Click Here to See the Profile for 87_FieroGTSend a Private Message to 87_FieroGTEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Build it! Who needs to see another Corvette? Fieros are unique. Build something that will slay a C8 and look better while doing it.

------------------

1988 Pontiac Fiero GT, Black w/Beechwood interior
Featured in the 2018 Fiero Store calendar month of May
2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI S

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DimeMachine
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Report this Post07-12-2020 08:37 PM Click Here to See the Profile for DimeMachineSend a Private Message to DimeMachineEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by 87_FieroGT:

Build it! Who needs to see another Corvette? Fieros are unique. Build something that will slay a C8 and look better while doing it.



I would like to - I really would like to go that route - but the C8 will be an easy 700 HP (before long) with a tranny and traction that will hold it.

The 3800 V6 when turbo'd puts out more HP than the 4t65e-hd will hold now that the tranny hard parts needed for SERIOUS 3800 HP are not available.

What engine - tranny combo can be put in the fiero that will hold 500 RWHP for not a super crazy amount of cash?

I am all ears brother!

Thanks,
Dime

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84/87 NB, 3800SC, E-85, VS Cam, 2.8 Pulley, 4T65E-HD, HP Tuners, AEM Wideband, Regal GS Gauges, S-10 Brake Booster. 1/4 mile -11.85 at 114mph

[This message has been edited by DimeMachine (edited 07-12-2020).]

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sourmash
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Report this Post07-12-2020 08:58 PM Click Here to See the Profile for sourmashSend a Private Message to sourmashEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
An Audi 2.7tt V6 with only a rod change will withstand 500 easily. There's a couple of Audi trans models made for FWD only instead of AWD that will hold ok. One is for a diesel.
The LS4 and 4T80e from a Northstar is stout as well. Replace the shift solenoids. One of mine let go at 214k miles into the cage assembly.
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cam-a-lot
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Report this Post07-12-2020 09:01 PM Click Here to See the Profile for cam-a-lotSend a Private Message to cam-a-lotEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
A Fiero will never touch a C8 for performance, but so what? Apples to oranges comparison...

Enjoy the car! Unique and beautiful
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Lambo nut
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Report this Post07-12-2020 09:54 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Lambo nutSend a Private Message to Lambo nutEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by DimeMachine:

Stumbled on a decent deal for an 87 GT if pretty darn good condition for under $1500. Spent a few more hours back at the shop giving her a complete exam and firing it up.
Now for the hard part... Making a firm decision to either Build it or Flip it.

Thoughts??

Video - 87 Fiero Purchase, Build or FLIP?

https://youtu.be/3MOg_Hi8UOk




I'd like to find one like that in the central Missouri area.

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pmbrunelle
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Report this Post07-13-2020 08:39 AM Click Here to See the Profile for pmbrunelleSend a Private Message to pmbrunelleEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Well what do you need two 3800 Fieros for?

I'd do something different with this one, or flip it.

Why don't you continue modifying your white Fiero if you want more speed?

Doesn't the Getrag F23 have a good reputation for holding itself together?
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sourmash
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Report this Post07-13-2020 09:23 AM Click Here to See the Profile for sourmashSend a Private Message to sourmashEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by cam-a-lot:

A Fiero will never touch a C8 for performance, but so what? Apples to oranges comparison...

Enjoy the car! Unique and beautiful


No it won't touch it overall. The best you can do is pick one trick where it can compete with or defeat it and be content with that. Straight line speed at a low cost is probably it.
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Dennis LaGrua
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Report this Post07-13-2020 10:14 AM Click Here to See the Profile for Dennis LaGruaSend a Private Message to Dennis LaGruaEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by DimeMachine:


I would like to - I really would like to go that route - but the C8 will be an easy 700 HP (before long) with a tranny and traction that will hold it.

The 3800 V6 when turbo'd puts out more HP than the 4t65e-hd will hold now that the tranny hard parts needed for SERIOUS 3800 HP are not available.

What engine - tranny combo can be put in the fiero that will hold 500 RWHP for not a super crazy amount of cash?

I am all ears brother!

Thanks,
Dime


The 4T65eHD transmission is pretty strong. Forum member Dark Horizon (Scott) had many10 and 11 second runs with it and eventually ran a 9.87 142 MPH 1/4 mile with one. I'm not even sure how of it was beefed up. For that type of performance he must be running 600-700 HP but he always impressed as a low budget man. Triple Edge Performance used to build performance 4T65eHD's but they now only sell upgrade kits. Build it up and have some fun with it.

------------------
" 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, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, 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 "

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creaky78
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Report this Post07-13-2020 10:43 AM Click Here to See the Profile for creaky78Send a Private Message to creaky78Edit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Very nice find! Looks to be in good cosmetic condition. Being old school, I would take care of any mechanical issues, do a brake overhaul, put some good looking tires on it, detail it and use it for a daily driver.
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DimeMachine
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Report this Post07-14-2020 12:09 PM Click Here to See the Profile for DimeMachineSend a Private Message to DimeMachineEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by sourmash:

An Audi 2.7tt V6 with only a rod change will withstand 500 easily. There's a couple of Audi trans models made for FWD only instead of AWD that will hold ok. One is for a diesel.
The LS4 and 4T80e from a Northstar is stout as well. Replace the shift solenoids. One of mine let go at 214k miles into the cage assembly.


Do you happen to know approximately how much HP/Torque a 4t80e hold with a mild rebuild replacing any known issues (basically I do not want to do a 4k rebuild...lol)

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sourmash
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Report this Post07-14-2020 01:22 PM Click Here to See the Profile for sourmashSend a Private Message to sourmashEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by DimeMachine:
Do you happen to know approximately how much HP/Torque a 4t80e hold with a mild rebuild replacing any known issues (basically I do not want to do a 4k rebuild...lol)


I don't, sorry. LS4 King was running 766 hp through his and has created a competition for similar builders who some are using the 4t80. It's the transverse version of the 4L80, so it's a good starting point for strength. Will mentioned the electronics and I don't know what Brandon is doing to operate them, but several people use them.
Here are some videos of what is required but I haven't watched them in entirety.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhCmSQfpy9M

This one talks about physical clearancing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HHPQi5L-1w

The elec portion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sxEboyOpho

[This message has been edited by sourmash (edited 07-14-2020).]

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DimeMachine
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Report this Post07-15-2020 09:16 AM Click Here to See the Profile for DimeMachineSend a Private Message to DimeMachineEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by sourmash:


I don't, sorry. LS4 King was running 766 hp through his and has created a competition for similar builders who some are using the 4t80. It's the transverse version of the 4L80, so it's a good starting point for strength. Will mentioned the electronics and I don't know what Brandon is doing to operate them, but several people use them.
Here are some videos of what is required but I haven't watched them in entirety.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhCmSQfpy9M

This one talks about physical clearancing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9HHPQi5L-1w

The elec portion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_sxEboyOpho



THANKS for the links. I will be watching them a few times!

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sourmash
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Report this Post07-15-2020 10:01 PM Click Here to See the Profile for sourmashSend a Private Message to sourmashEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
My 99 GM truck has the 4L80e version of the 4t80. It's 6.5 diesel, long bed, ext cab 4x4 and I carry tons of stuff in the bed. The orig owner leased it for his excavating business. It occasionally hauled a piece of their gear. There have been no problems to note other than the pump shows signs of wear. It only shows this when first started. Sometimes it doesn't want to move for a few minutes.
It's uncommon to hear of a broken 4t80.
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OntarioKev
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Report this Post07-15-2020 10:09 PM Click Here to See the Profile for OntarioKevSend a Private Message to OntarioKevEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Can you fit an LS4, 4t80e and a turbo kit in the Fiero reasonably?

Otherwise the LS4 is going to take a decent amount of money to make good power. If you can fit a turbo in there, cheap power all day long.
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