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| A Real Mera in Paradise (Page 674/713) |
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dartrav
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AUG 09, 04:32 PM
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Thanks again for the info.
Does seem the 3800SC is the preferred swap from what I've seen so far.
| quote | Originally posted by Rexgirl:
Many people on Pennocks have felt that if you can buy a car where much of the repair/renewal work has been completed you will be better off, even if the purchase price is higher. Starting with a reliable base makes modifying/personalizing your car much more enjoyable. There are too many Fiero projects sitting unfinished that end up becoming parts cars. Executing just some of the mods you've mentioned should give you ~plenty~ of Father-Son work.
As every kit are made from molds that trace their beginnings to a Mera, kit quality suffers. Many kit's molds were made from other kits. And there were corners cut to keep the profits higher such as thinner or sprayed fiberglass. The highest quality bodies are Mera's.
Probably the engine swap that brings the most joy is the 3800 S/C swap. Not a lot of added weight over the stock engine is also a benefit. |
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hnthomps
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AUG 10, 11:24 AM
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| quote | Originally posted by dartrav:
An update on our search for a father-son car.
My son and I reviewed all the options we'd found last night. Somewhat surprisingly, I think he'd rather get something that needs MORE work, rather than less, but we're still talking through it.
We're hoping to see our first MERA in person in the next two weeks or so.
We're planning to look at a couple of Fiero kit cars over the next week as well.
I'd still love to hear from folks on a couple of points specifically.
1. Fiero kit vs MERA
1A 308/328 kit vs 355
2. Is a V6 plenty of engine or is there substantive benefit to a V8 besides maybe a track day here and there Obviously the work to put in a V8 is extensive having to touch frame, suspension, brakes, fuel pump, battery relo, etc. but if I'm buying with a v8 am I really getting anything besides a few more ponies when I can use them and higher fuel and insurance cost?
3. 87 vs 88 - I think have a good handle on the difference but it seems to me that if I'm willing (which I am) to make mods (suspension, power items, etc) then I really shouldn't care
4. Power Steering - I've read arguments for and against. Should I put it in / leave it in? I read some people like it and some don't, is that the end of the discussion? |
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I will give you my personal opinions on the questions posed but they are worth exactly what you pay for them.
1. I personally like the Mera over a 308/328 kit. Note that my first Fiero was a F308 rebody on an 86 SE vehicle. The Mera body was factory assembled and is a higher quality than the kits that I have seen. I also like having an unique low production number car for shows so the Mera wins there too.
1A. If I had to get a kit again, I would choose a known supplier for a F355 kit rather than the 308/328 kit body. The true test is the quality of the kit body and how much work you need to do to make everything fit correctly prior to an expensive paint job.
2. The answer to this question is it all depends on the V6 selected and how much performance you want to get out of the vehicle. The initial 2.8 L V6 is somewhat anemic wrt HP (even when new) and the 3.4 push rod is an upgrade that is basically a drop in. The 3800 Series II (N/A or SC) is a HP improvement but requires some electrical work to combine the donor wiring with the Fiero harness. You get a lot of HP for the dollar with this swap but some people say that the exhaust note is bad. I have a SC Series II and a SC Series III engine and do not have a similar opinion wrt the exhaust note. It may depend on how you run the exhaust as well as the system components selected. V8s are nice but do require additional work with the harness/fuel management system, frame modifications, adapter plate for the transmission, etc. and may drink a few more gallons of gas that a V6 but it all depends on how you drive the car. All swaps other than potentially the push rod 3.4 engine are likely to require a different fuel pump. I have relocated the battery to under the spare tire on all of my Meras to make battery swaps more convenient and slightly improve the front/rear weight distribution properties.
3. 87 versus 88 is personal preference. I have added rear stabilizer bars to both of my 87s and am happy with the result. Some people have swapped out the 87 rear suspension/cradle and installed the 88 suspension but I personally am unlikely to go that far for what I consider some minor performance improvements. Other people may have differing thoughts on this issue.
4. Power steering. I have wider than stock tires (265 x 50 x 15) on most of the Meras and can live with the standard steering. It makes it more difficult to get the cars in and out of tight spaces without using some muscle power at low speeds. Handling is quite adequate at higher speeds (greater than 10-15 mph). That being said, I do have one of the factory experimental EHPS units that will go on one of my 88s at some point in time (if I can make it functional). I may change my mind about power steering with my wide tires once that happens.
Nelson[This message has been edited by hnthomps (edited 08-10-2018).]
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dartrav
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AUG 10, 10:22 PM
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All excellent points Nelson.
Do let me know about your experience with the power steering mod when you do it.
I'm inclined to keep the PS off (depending on my starting point).
Anyone else with a differing view, please chime in. I love a good discussion!
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reholmes
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AUG 12, 10:54 AM
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| quote | Originally posted by dartrav:
An update on our search for a father-son car.
My son and I reviewed all the options we'd found last night. Somewhat surprisingly, I think he'd rather get something that needs MORE work, rather than less, but we're still talking through it.
We're hoping to see our first MERA in person in the next two weeks or so.
We're planning to look at a couple of Fiero kit cars over the next week as well.
I'd still love to hear from folks on a couple of points specifically.
1. Fiero kit vs MERA
1A 308/328 kit vs 355
2. Is a V6 plenty of engine or is there substantive benefit to a V8 besides maybe a track day here and there Obviously the work to put in a V8 is extensive having to touch frame, suspension, brakes, fuel pump, battery relo, etc. but if I'm buying with a v8 am I really getting anything besides a few more ponies when I can use them and higher fuel and insurance cost?
3. 87 vs 88 - I think have a good handle on the difference but it seems to me that if I'm willing (which I am) to make mods (suspension, power items, etc) then I really shouldn't care
4. Power Steering - I've read arguments for and against. Should I put it in / leave it in? I read some people like it and some don't, is that the end of the discussion? |
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I have pretty strong opinions on '87 vs 88, but they are not consistent with community doctrine. I've had two '88s and an '87 and in day-to-day driving it's hard to see a big difference--oh, maybe less bounce steer. However, when it comes to parts availability and cost there can be a big difference--some '88 stuff is becoming very rare. If you are looking for a particular car and all you find are '88s, of course, buy it, but don't reject an '87 cuz you think it's not a performer. Just my dos centavos.------------------
Dick
Mera #8046 (Miss January, Mile High Fieros 2014 calendar)
1987 GT T-boned (RIP)
1988 GT T-Top (The Fiero Store Calendar: Miss February 2012)
1987 McBurnie Daytona Spyder
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johnyrottin
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AUG 12, 02:04 PM
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I would like to revisit one of the points made to you. For your father and son project buy the best condition starting point you can. Minimize the mandatory work you must do so you can spend the time doing what you want to do. Enjoy the bonding time making it your own unique car, not making it run and drive spending five times the amount of its value on simple things. The value will be in the time spent regardless of what that time is spent on, not on the money spent.
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Rexgirl
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AUG 12, 03:17 PM
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In regards to keeping this project enjoyable, some Fiero engine swaps can be daunting. If you wish to own one of those swaps, you might want to buy a car with your engine of choice already fitted and sorted.
My Dad taught me about cars and it was wonderful. He was pretty savvy about what I was ready for and when.
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johnyrottin
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AUG 12, 03:57 PM
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dartrav
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AUG 13, 11:36 AM
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Thanks all for the continued comments, keep them coming.
Thanks Johnyrottin for this link. I have seen this one and think it's an awesome job so far, but I'm a little bit concerned about the amount of work left.
Like you and other has said, I'd like something driveable day 1 with most of what I want and the just do the fun stuff.
Now, what do I want?
We're thinking we'd like a manual, AC, v6 or better and ferrari styilng. So a MERA or a kit look like good options for us.
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Larryinkc
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AUG 13, 03:24 PM
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solotwo
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AUG 13, 03:28 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by Larryinkc:
I went to the 35th Anniversary Show with the hope that someone would bring another Mera. Mine is the only one I have seen. The current owner of the 1986 prototype brought it to the show. I got to meet Drew, very nice guy and helped him push it out of the Poncho Perfection Hall of Fieros at the end of the show. He is doing a great job of taking care of it. |
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My wife had not seen a Mera before. So at the show there were 2. Now that she has, on the way home, half of the 5-1/2 hour trip were questions about the Mera. LOL[This message has been edited by solotwo (edited 08-27-2018).]
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