Have you ever "talked" to "Google AI" about your Fiero ? (Page 1/2)
CoolBlue87GT DEC 08, 02:19 PM
As strange as this sounds, I did a Google AI search where I used the option to submit a photo from my phone, of my car that appeared in a newspaper article. You can add info to AI, and it will respond back with detailed information.

Google AI "read" the article in the photo, responded back with the following:

That's a fantastic, personalized touch to highlight the unique nature of your Fiero!

The "TDI FORMULA" decals are a great way to showcase the car's dual identity, combining its original high-performance '88 Formula heritage with the incredibly efficient VW diesel engine conversion.

Based on your descriptions, you've curated a truly special vehicle:

It's built on the most desirable 1988 Fiero Formula platform, prized by enthusiasts for its superior suspension and V6 performance body style.

It features a one-of-a-kind VW TDI swap that delivers incredible fuel economy (57 mpg) and performance.

The interior has been upgraded with highly-regarded, comfortable MrMikes leather seats.

It sounds like a wonderfully customized classic that's a joy to drive and a real conversation piece for car enthusiasts.
Patrick DEC 08, 03:09 PM

quote
Originally posted by CoolBlue87GT:

Have you ever "talked" to "Google AI" about your Fiero ?



I'm afraid of being chastised for not washing my Formula often enough.

css9450 DEC 08, 04:02 PM
I'm more worried Google AI will tell me all Fieros catch fire.
olejoedad DEC 08, 04:41 PM
My Formula gets washed when it rains.
Patrick DEC 08, 05:00 PM

quote
Originally posted by olejoedad:

My Formula gets washed when it rains.



If that counts, then my Formula gets washed all the time... due to living in a rainforest and parking on the street!

CoolBlue87GT DEC 16, 08:51 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:

If that counts, then my Formula gets washed all the time... due to living in a rainforest and parking on the street!



I put your comment in Google AI, here's how it responded. Kind of funny how deep it goes into it's description.

Parking a Formula Fiero on the street in a rainforest presents unique challenges due to constant moisture, which can lead to moss growth, rust in hidden structural areas, and electrical issues.

Exterior Protection & Maintenance:
Hydrophobic Barriers: Apply a high-quality synthetic paint sealant or ceramic coating. These provide more durable protection than natural wax in high-rainfall environments, causing water to bead and roll off while preventing acidic rainwater residues from etching the paint.

Decklid Water Diverter: Fieros are prone to water running down the back window and into the engine compartment, which can crack hot exhaust manifolds or damage electrical components. Consider an aftermarket rain shield or decklid water diverter to direct water away from the engine.

Rust Hotspots: Be vigilant about the rear frame rails. These are structural areas prone to "rotting" because the factory heat and sound insulation can absorb and hold moisture.

Managing Humidity & Internal Moisture:
Interior Moisture Absorbers: Use desiccants like DampRid or silica gel packets in the cabin and trunk to prevent mold and mildew growth. Charcoal bags can also help absorb damp smells.

Seal Care: Inspect and treat door and window weatherstrips with silicone spray to prevent them from drying out or shrinking, which allows rainwater to seep into the footwells.

Air Circulation: On dry days, air out the car by opening windows to prevent moisture buildup. If parking for a few days, ensure the AC is set to recirculation mode to help seal the cabin from external humidity.

Street Parking Considerations:
Avoid Overhanging Trees: Do not park directly under trees to avoid sap, bird droppings, and fallen leaves. Leaves trap moisture against the paint and can release tannins that cause permanent staining or discolor the clear coat.

Breathable Car Covers: If you use a cover, it must be breathable. Non-breathable covers (like plastic tarps) trap condensation underneath, which can accelerate rust and create a "greenhouse effect" for mold. Never put a cover on a wet vehicle.

Drive it Hot: Regularly run the Fiero until it reaches full operating temperature. This helps boil off water that naturally accumulates in the engine and exhaust system, preventing internal corrosion.

[This message has been edited by CoolBlue87GT (edited 12-16-2025).]

Patrick DEC 17, 04:19 AM

quote
Originally posted by CoolBlue87GT:

Parking a Formula Fiero on the street in a rainforest presents unique challenges due to constant moisture, which can lead to moss growth, rust in hidden structural areas, and electrical issues.



Regarding "moss growth", my poor white JDM Subaru looks like it has a layer of green algae growing over much of its body.

I plan to wash both cars next year, whether they need it or not.

NewDustin DEC 18, 01:01 PM
I have an entire ChatGPT 'project' for my Fiero. While I don't trust AI implicitly, it helps tremendously in tracking and parsing data. "Hey chat, what part number is this stupid grommet I broke? Or is there a part name?" or "hey are, there any OEM replacements for my brake booster, or do I have to go reman? Who has a good reman?" It's also fantastic for creating a work plan and tracking it with you.

I wouldn't trust it to make any decision without checking it first, but for all that it has been tremendously helpful.
Wichita DEC 19, 11:26 AM
I have been using AI for the Fiero a lot. It's fantastic for references, torque specs and fastener sizes on the fly. I have double checked the source material to make sure it's accurate and it is 100% accurate all the time.

I have done or started to do some wild customed stuff to the Fiero, and one I'm working on is a complete overhaul of the AC/Heating system running on an electric ac/ heat pump, digital climate control system, using PMW blower motors and Arduino servo motor actuators. It's absolutely mind boggling.

Honestly, on certain things that aren't customed, it gives better advice and solutions than what I have found doing thread searches on PFF, unfortunately.

Not to say that the Fiero community doesn't have tribal knowledge, it most certainly does and it all gets fed into the AI training stack, but we also have been dishing out some incorrect information as well, and AI will tell you that it is a incorrect solution and will tell you why.

AI isn't perfect, but man is it much more accurate than any human is. I'm at full belief that AI is a radical new technology column, much like the Internet is or what Electricity is. AI isn't an extension of the Internet. It's something completely different in my opinion.
NewDustin DEC 19, 12:56 PM
There are still a lot of hallucinations in every platform. There was a thread on here a year or so ago about ChatGPT's (2 at the time, I think) inability to count the 'r's in 'strawberry' where we talked about it. LLMs predict the most likely 'next token' in any given response, and not necessarily what is true. It's "what word comes next" not "is this entire statement true" inherently. Models have gotten better as time has gone on, but it's still error checking external to the pattern recognition and it isn't ever going to be perfect.

That being said, I trust it enough that I use it in almost all of my daily tasks and have by-and-large replaced my on-the-fly Google searches with AI searches. For non-reversible decisions, though, I'm on a trust-but-verify basis.

I love the idea of your AC swap. Have you used Cursor? I use Bolt.new for python/web app stuff but it doesn't do low level programming any better than Gemini/ChatGPT. Would be a fun project for it.