New owner of a Fiero (Page 3/3)
cliffw JUL 25, 12:38 PM

quote
Originally posted by AngelOf86:

Hi my names Hailey, I just got my first car a 1986 pontiac fiero gt. I bought it with the engine blown and in currently doing a 3800 supercharged swap.
Anyone else have a 86 gt that they can give me tips on and this car? I bought the car because it looked fun honestly I thought I'd be disappointed but once I sat in the driver's seat I was sold I love him. I just don't know the first thing about fieros or maintenance on them. How often should I do everything? I'd love some help with learning about my new car.




You have an 86. Mechanically exactly like all 84's to 87's. Still a good thing. The only other year was the 88 which has a more modern suspension.

Good luck with your swap. My Fiero is not "broken" as is fun as it is. I will be going with a 3800SC swap when needed.

One last thing you should know. Don't plan on this being your only Fiero. Ask anyone.
Dukesterpro JUL 25, 01:15 PM
Actually. There are some mechanical differences in the 84 model year. but 85 through 87 and mechanically the same. As a rule of thumb don't buy 84 parts for anything but an 84. Save the headache
cliffw JUL 26, 09:45 AM

quote
Originally posted by IMSA GT:
Here is her car. I converted her photos from the other thread.



WARNING !

It is not wise to tow a fiero such as in that photo. When pulling any trailer, the heavier weight should be at the front of said trailer, or it will sway, which can be very bad.

In addition, pulling a Fiero loaded dolly, with the rear wheels on the dolly deck, the drive train does not rotate. Some, many rear wheel cars, need to drive shaft removed so a transmission does not burn up from lack of lubrication.
armos AUG 13, 02:03 AM
Looks like a twin of my car, except the sunroof. If you keep it maintained then a Fiero can be reliable. Some people are afraid of them, but it's mechanically just like any other mid-80s GM.
You may go through a struggle of unreliability until you get problems sorted out (depending what level of use and maintenance the car has been getting previously).

Don't rely too much on a mechanic - that can quickly become unaffordable. Professional mechanics are better with modern common cars that they see every day, and which aren't old enough to need constant "awareness" from the owner. The mechanic won't be around in daily driving to notice when something might need attention, so with an old car it's important for the owner to be on top of things.

An old car like this is great if you're motivated to be a DIY owner. That includes not just being willing to do the work, but also having the curiosity to research and learn how the various systems function and how to troubleshoot them.
Old cars are simpler to diagnose and work on than modern cars, and the parts are cheaper. You can have a much more rewarding relationship with your car when you are able to work on it yourself.
A 3800 swap (I assume it would be a late 90s OBD2-era setup) may complicate it some, and getting help may be harder since it's not a standard Fiero anymore, but lots of people on this forum will be familiar with what's typical for a 3800 installation.


Oil and overheating issues are IMO the 2 leading things that kill old cars.

Keep checking the oil and the coolant level.
Check the transmission fluid.
Make sure the radiator fan works.
Check that the radiator doesn't leak - sometimes they leak when they get hot (there's more pressure when hot). Look for any leaking hoses, again more likely when it's hot.

If you're driving and you notice it's getting hot, and you think the radiator fan isn't running, you can force it on by turning on the AC. If your AC is actually working though, then this will increase the load on the engine and could make it heat up worse.
AngelOf86 AUG 15, 01:04 AM

quote
Originally posted by armos:

Looks like a twin of my car, except the sunroof. If you keep it maintained then a Fiero can be reliable. Some people are afraid of them, but it's mechanically just like any other mid-80s GM.
You may go through a struggle of unreliability until you get problems sorted out (depending what level of use and maintenance the car has been getting previously).

Don't rely too much on a mechanic - that can quickly become unaffordable. Professional mechanics are better with modern common cars that they see every day, and which aren't old enough to need constant "awareness" from the owner. The mechanic won't be around in daily driving to notice when something might need attention, so with an old car it's important for the owner to be on top of things.

An old car like this is great if you're motivated to be a DIY owner. That includes not just being willing to do the work, but also having the curiosity to research and learn how the various systems function and how to troubleshoot them.
Old cars are simpler to diagnose and work on than modern cars, and the parts are cheaper. You can have a much more rewarding relationship with your car when you are able to work on it yourself.
A 3800 swap (I assume it would be a late 90s OBD2-era setup) may complicate it some, and getting help may be harder since it's not a standard Fiero anymore, but lots of people on this forum will be familiar with what's typical for a 3800 installation.


Oil and overheating issues are IMO the 2 leading things that kill old cars.

Keep checking the oil and the coolant level.
Check the transmission fluid.
Make sure the radiator fan works.
Check that the radiator doesn't leak - sometimes they leak when they get hot (there's more pressure when hot). Look for any leaking hoses, again more likely when it's hot.

If you're driving and you notice it's getting hot, and you think the radiator fan isn't running, you can force it on by turning on the AC. If your AC is actually working though, then this will increase the load on the engine and could make it heat up worse.



Previous owner was a DIY guy. The radiator fan works. He installed a "redneck bypass" on it because it took forever to turn on so he made it so I take off the cover on my left ashtray and there's a house light switch there. I'll post a pic of it whenever I'm at my mechanics house. I'm doing everything myself except for the engine swap. I know nothing about cars really, this is my first ever car and no one in my family works on them. Thankfully it came with the original owners manual and he updated it until 2002 idk about the other 3 owners after. I'm hoping to give it a better look out on life. I'm really compassionate to old cars especially my fiero. I felt oddly attached to them idk why. I feel like I have a lot in common with them. I don't really feel like I have a chance in life but I'm hoping to help give a chance to something else that shares a story with me. So far even though I'm looking at much more then what I paid for the car in repairs im looking at about 4k. I paid 1.3K. I don't care if I end up spending 12k on this car I'm not giving up on it. I can't let myself feel like I let another thing down.

------------------
AngelOf86

[This message has been edited by AngelOf86 (edited 08-15-2024).]

82-T/A [At Work] AUG 15, 08:01 AM

quote
Originally posted by AngelOf86:

Previous owner was a DIY guy. The radiator fan works. He installed a "redneck bypass" on it because it took forever to turn on so he made it so I take off the cover on my left ashtray and there's a house light switch there. I'll post a pic of it whenever I'm at my mechanics house. I'm doing everything myself except for the engine swap. I know nothing about cars really, this is my first ever car and no one in my family works on them. Thankfully it came with the original owners manual and he updated it until 2002 idk about the other 3 owners after. I'm hoping to give it a better look out on life. I'm really compassionate to old cars especially my fiero. I felt oddly attached to them idk why. I feel like I have a lot in common with them. I don't really feel like I have a chance in life but I'm hoping to help give a chance to something else that shares a story with me. So far even though I'm looking at much more then what I paid for the car in repairs im looking at about 4k. I paid 1.3K. I don't care if I end up spending 12k on this car I'm not giving up on it. I can't let myself feel like I let another thing down.




Hey Angel, these cars can be a lot of fun, and they are addicting. I still have my very first Fiero, which I bought used when I was in high school (graduated in 1996). It's been in storage, but I'm helping my daughter restore her car right now. Biggest thing is to keep control of the costs (if that's a concern). I know you said you're taking it to a mechanic, but try to do as much as you absolutely / positively can yourself. The thing is, working on cars isn't really that hard, but it just requires the right tools, and the ability to take a step back / second look at problems before you attempt to tackle them. It's easy to throw money and parts at a problem, but you get a better result by really diagnosing what the problems are.

Sometimes... you have to take a whole ton of stuff apart before you can really get the car working properly. But more importantly, we're all here to help, that includes helping you find parts, and providing advice.

I highly recommend you get a service manual for your car. You can buy them for about $70 bucks on TheMotorBookStore.com, or you can also find them for download somewhere (someone has the links).

Don't feel bad asking "stupid" questions here on Pennocks either, that's what we're all here for.
Green Magic Man AUG 15, 06:27 PM
You have a very interesting perspective on your car. I’m sure you will endear a lot of help and goodwill with your attitude. Your forum name is quite apt too.
Best of luck !
(Also new Fiero owner)