Pennock's Fiero Forum
  Totally O/T
  Daily drive an automatic Fiero GT?

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Email This Page to Someone! | Printable Version


next newest topic | next oldest topic
Daily drive an automatic Fiero GT? by DanDamage
Started on: 11-29-2019 11:06 AM
Replies: 8 (311 views)
Last post by: theogre on 12-04-2019 10:30 PM
DanDamage
Member
Posts: 3067
From: Smokey Mountains
Registered: Feb 2013


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 81
Rate this member

Report this Post11-29-2019 11:06 AM Click Here to See the Profile for DanDamageSend a Private Message to DanDamageEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
How reliable do you think daily driving a Gt would be with 120k miles on her?

If I remember correctly the module does go out randomly but other than that?
IP: Logged
PFF
System Bot
Steel
Member
Posts: 1255
From:
Registered: Apr 2011


Feedback score:    (6)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post11-29-2019 11:23 AM Click Here to See the Profile for SteelSend a Private Message to SteelEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Certainly is possible, but it's over 30 yrs old, likely hasn't had proper 100k maintenance and there are a lot of worn, dry aged parts needing replaced. The pickup coil and ignition module are failure points for all V6 Fieros.

I'd definitely have a good towing service plan and or a quick way to trailer it home or to a suitable mechanic. AAA use to offer a decent roadside assistance plan which I needed 3-4 times when I daily drove my '87 GT daily.
IP: Logged
Jake_Dragon
Member
Posts: 33018
From: USA
Registered: Jan 2001


Feedback score: (5)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 403
Rate this member

Report this Post11-29-2019 02:50 PM Click Here to See the Profile for Jake_DragonSend a Private Message to Jake_DragonEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
If you keep up with the small stuff then I don't see why not.
If I find one that isn't falling apart I will get it and DD it till its not able to move on its own.

My Fiero's have been some of the more reliable cars I have owned. But you have to keep up with them and dont cut corners
IP: Logged
fierobear
Member
Posts: 27104
From: Safe in the Carolinas
Registered: Aug 2000


Feedback score: (2)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 383
Rate this member

Report this Post11-29-2019 05:16 PM Click Here to See the Profile for fierobearSend a Private Message to fierobearEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Being able to do all of your own maintenance and repair is essential. If you are relying on shops to do the work, it might not be the best choice.
IP: Logged
rogergarrison
Member
Posts: 49601
From: A Western Caribbean Island/ Columbus, Ohio
Registered: Apr 99


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 551
Rate this member

Report this Post12-04-2019 02:36 PM Click Here to See the Profile for rogergarrisonSend a Private Message to rogergarrisonEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I would want one. I did have one with an auto, but it had a V8 conversion. Even though I rarely even got on it at all, I had them go out every 1,000 miles. It was built by a racing auto trans shop when I did the v8. My conclusion after 4 replacements, was the Fiero transaxle was not designed for more than 150 hp. I sold the car for a $15,000 loss just to get rid of it. Even most on here with standard trans Ive seen have problems. Didnt Tina have to replace hers once a year ? It was never the torque converter or the chain link failure, it was always internal failures.
IP: Logged
bonaduce
Member
Posts: 1572
From: witness protection
Registered: Oct 2002


Feedback score: (5)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post12-04-2019 02:42 PM Click Here to See the Profile for bonaduceSend a Private Message to bonaduceEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
I have driven mine as a daily driver for the past 2 years with no issues. Even drove it all winter, just put snows on it, coated the underside with fluid film and hosed off the underside every 2 weeks. Was going to drive it again this winter but I inherited the wifes trax instead.

dan
IP: Logged
Steel
Member
Posts: 1255
From:
Registered: Apr 2011


Feedback score:    (6)
Leave feedback

Rate this member

Report this Post12-04-2019 03:00 PM Click Here to See the Profile for SteelSend a Private Message to SteelEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
 
quote
Originally posted by rogergarrison:

I would want one. I did have one with an auto, but it had a V8 conversion. Even though I rarely even got on it at all, I had them go out every 1,000 miles. It was built by a racing auto trans shop when I did the v8. My conclusion after 4 replacements, was the Fiero transaxle was not designed for more than 150 hp. I sold the car for a $15,000 loss just to get rid of it. Even most on here with standard trans Ive seen have problems. Didnt Tina have to replace hers once a year ? It was never the torque converter or the chain link failure, it was always internal failures.


The case is weak on them for sure, was a club member in my area who had a built 284 in place of his 282. He had an LT1 swap, I do think the 284 lasted much longer than his 282. I did help with the install and the input shafts are larger and the diff bearings were significantly larger.

But I agree there isn't a real transmission option for high power swaps, even my 4t65e-HD rebuilds with GMR parts/chain have failed in my turbo 3800 swap twice now. I'm working on an expensive alternative, I don't expect many in the Fiero community to be interested but for those with deep pockets it should be a nice option.

[This message has been edited by Steel (edited 12-04-2019).]

IP: Logged
Blacktree
Member
Posts: 20770
From: Central Florida
Registered: Dec 2001


Feedback score:    (12)
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 350
Rate this member

Report this Post12-04-2019 09:30 PM Click Here to See the Profile for BlacktreeClick Here to visit Blacktree's HomePageSend a Private Message to BlacktreeEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
Personally, I wouldn't want to use a 30+ year old car as my main transportation. But that's just me.
IP: Logged
theogre
Member
Posts: 32520
From: USA
Registered: Mar 99


Feedback score: N/A
Leave feedback





Total ratings: 572
Rate this member

Report this Post12-04-2019 10:30 PM Click Here to See the Profile for theogreClick Here to visit theogre's HomePageSend a Private Message to theogreEdit/Delete MessageReply w/QuoteDirect Link to This Post
222,000+ miles and still a daily driver here.

But I've replace/fix/clean many things to do it and stay safe like:
Restore the brakes using better then OE pads and hoses. Not SS hype hoses or other bs "upgrades."
Rebuilt the suspension w/ moog rubber and premium gas struts/shocks.
Go thru the entire car likely 2 or 3 times over the years to clean/fix most common electrical issues.
Did swap 4cyl auto w/ same only because less miles and old timing gear finally broke after ~ 150,000. Still have the old one since nothing else is wrong.

Auto likely needs a filter and fluid change.
I use ATP B-56 filter kit last month. (Amazon and others) Filter are all the same but gaskets are not. This one has a better gasket material and 4 bolt holes cut a bit smaller to make easier to install.
Followed direction in cave to get 6 of 9+ quarts replace. If you drop pad only you often get only ~ 3 to 4 quarts.
I have gotten 1 to 1.5 more but didn't have time for TC to drain a little.

Good thing too... Several pan bolts was loose because someone else did a filter kit before. At least they didn't wreck the pan edges.

------------------
Dr. Ian Malcolm: Yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn't stop to think if they should.
(Jurassic Park)


The Ogre's Fiero Cave

IP: Logged

next newest topic | next oldest topic

All times are ET (US)

Post New Topic  Post A Reply
Hop to:

Contact Us | Back To Main Page

Advertizing on PFF | Fiero Parts Vendors
PFF Merchandise | Fiero Gallery
Real-Time Chat | Fiero Related Auctions on eBay



Copyright (c) 1999, C. Pennock