Fiero random power loss and engine codes (Page 3/3)
Nytfury SEP 19, 02:12 PM

quote
Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]:
We don't know what kind of cat he has... but I definitely recommend replacing the catalytic converter if he has one of these (which was factory):




These cats are the older charcoal "pellet style" of catalytic converters which were factory on I ... THINK? all Fieros? I know every 84 that I've had has had one of these. But I can't remember if any of my V6s have had them...

But it's the much much older style of cat. They are far less likely to clog, but they are more restrictive... and actually aren't as efficient in converting the emissions to less harmful gasses as the newer ones are anyway.


I think there's a happy medium for catalytic converters that can benefit both emissions and performance. On my 2006 Pontiac Solstice (years ago), I replaced the factory catalytic converter (which was the newer style), with a free-er flowing 300cfm catalytic converter. It made an ENORMOUS difference in performance from the mid to upper RPMs. I think to some degree, the 1-7/8ths inch exhaust piping is just a little bit too small for the V6 Fiero also... and when upgrading to a ~2" or a little larger, it makes sense to go with a larger flowing cat too.

EGR though... man, that's just old technology. When I replace the ECM / engine control system in my 87 Fiero... I'm going to disable the EGR, and the cold start injector as well. I know the EGR can be used to "cool" the engine as well, but that can also be done with a better air/fuel mixture.



Im reasonably confident its the factory catalytic converter, its an 87 GT as I said previously, don't know if that helps. I can agree that a cat change/delete could be beneficial, but I don't think its contributing to this particular problem, which Is currently making the car undrivable. So i'd like to get it running good before i worry about upgrades.
Nytfury SEP 19, 06:05 PM
Just checked codes, none stored, just flashes 12 at me over and over.
Vintage-Nut SEP 19, 06:09 PM
BTW

My factory CAT failed @ 63k miles in 1993

The second CAT failed @ 132k miles in 2010

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Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT / Under 'Production Refurbishment'

Patrick SEP 19, 06:59 PM

My '88 Formula daily driver (and autocrossed for four years) still has the original factory pellet style cat installed. Unknown mileage, as the entire instrument pod was missing when I acquired the car.

I bought an aftermarket cat for it ten years ago, as insurance for when the cat fails (as I have had a cat fail and clog in my '86 GT). However, the Formula's engine continues to run strong... and judging from the relatively "clean" smell of the exhaust, the cat is continuing to do its job just fine after all these years.
82-T/A [At Work] SEP 19, 08:24 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:My '88 Formula daily driver (and autocrossed for four years) still has the original factory pellet style cat installed. Unknown mileage, as the entire instrument pod was missing when I acquired the car.

I bought an aftermarket cat for it ten years ago, as insurance for when the cat fails (as I have had a cat fail and clog in my '86 GT). However, the Formula's engine continues to run strong... and judging from the relatively "clean" smell of the exhaust, the cat is continuing to do its job just fine after all these years.




Yeah, those original cats basically last forever... as long as they don't rust out. If they're rust free, they'll work forever.

But... I take a lot of issue with those older cats, but I'll save that for another forum section. Basically, the newer kinds that cars use today were already available then, but someone paid off someone, and the pellet-style was mandated. The newer ones existed, but never got implemented. They didn't start converting to those until sometime in like 88 or 89... apparently when the government stopped regulating specific equipment, and instead was concerned more with numbers. Air pumps / AIR injection, pellet cats, and even EGRs started dropping off.
Patrick SEP 19, 09:36 PM

quote
Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]:

Yeah, those original cats basically last forever... as long as they don't rust out. If they're rust free, they'll work forever.



Excessive oil consumption, anti-freeze (from internal coolant leak), overly rich condition (misfiring plugs etc) will all contribute to the demise of a cat.