Thoughts on this potential purchase? (Page 5/5)
cliffw JUN 12, 05:32 PM
Best of luck to you.

Do you plan on modifying it, or keep it original ?
cliffw JUN 12, 05:33 PM
.

[This message has been edited by cliffw (edited 06-12-2025).]

dizzie JUN 13, 11:24 PM

quote
Originally posted by cliffw:

Best of luck to you.

Do you plan on modifying it, or keep it original ?



tldr: original

That's a great question, Cliff. I've gone back and forth on that. At first, I imagined making cosmetic changes by swapping out the back end with a GT and maybe even swapping out the aero nose and underlying air dams with a bumper pad nose. I was given some advice on the ins and outs of trying a nose swap in a thread I started at one point last year - it's not exactly plug and play.

However, the more I've thought about it and the more I've looked at it, the stock configuration of aero front and notchback has grown on me. Plus, there's something to keeping it stock since the 87 SE was a relatively rare configuration.

And while the stroked and bored 3.4 I test drove was definitely a beast, I'm thinking that the 2.8 will be a nice compromise of power and mileage - plus, it's already in the engine bay with less than 90K miles. Plus, I'm not a great mechanic and I know from what I've read here in the forum that any engine swap is quite a job, many of which are started and never completed, sadly.

That's all a long-winded way to say that it's going to be enough for me to get it running, enjoy driving it, and do what I can to keep it well-maintained and cared for as long as I'm able. I don't see myself making it into a show car, nor building/ swapping drivetrain components. But who know what the future may hold? Maybe I can make it into a flying car like in the one Fast and Furious movie 🤣 🚀

Thanks for the well-wishes! Even with my limited plans, I'll need some luck 🤞🍀

Diz

[This message has been edited by dizzie (edited 06-13-2025).]

82-T/A [At Work] JUN 14, 11:29 AM

quote
Originally posted by dizzie:


tldr: original

That's a great question, Cliff. I've gone back and forth on that. At first, I imagined making cosmetic changes by swapping out the back end with a GT and maybe even swapping out the aero nose and underlying air dams with a bumper pad nose. I was given some advice on the ins and outs of trying a nose swap in a thread I started at one point last year - it's not exactly plug and play.

However, the more I've thought about it and the more I've looked at it, the stock configuration of aero front and notchback has grown on me. Plus, there's something to keeping it stock since the 87 SE was a relatively rare configuration.

And while the stroked and bored 3.4 I test drove was definitely a beast, I'm thinking that the 2.8 will be a nice compromise of power and mileage - plus, it's already in the engine bay with less than 90K miles. Plus, I'm not a great mechanic and I know from what I've read here in the forum that any engine swap is quite a job, many of which are started and never completed, sadly.

That's all a long-winded way to say that it's going to be enough for me to get it running, enjoy driving it, and do what I can to keep it well-maintained and cared for as long as I'm able. I don't see myself making it into a show car, nor building/ swapping drivetrain components. But who know what the future may hold? Maybe I can make it into a flying car like in the one Fast and Furious movie 🤣 🚀

Thanks for the well-wishes! Even with my limited plans, I'll need some luck 🤞🍀

Diz





I fully support people doing whatever it is they want to do with their cars when they own them, EVEN if I might not like it. If everyone thought like I did... everyone in the world would be driving Fieros that looked just like mine, everyone would be a fan of Atari, and we'd have 1 political party. And while maybe in the current group some of that sounds cool... haha... diversity of thought, ideas, etc... is what made all of the things I like possible in the first place. Long winded way of saying... to each their own.

THAT SAID, I am super glad you're thinking about keeping the Fiero stock looking... I mean that. Among the lowest production models of Fieros... the 87 SE is right there in the top 3. They are rare... and were not really any cheaper than the GTs. Most people (that I've talked to) who bought them new, did so because they actually preferred the notchback style over the GT style, but wanted everything that was available in the GT... and that's what those are. You could even order the 87 SE with a 4 cyl if you wanted, which was funny... because it came with the GT exhaust system hooked up to the 4... hah...

But, totally support your decision. I agree... there's a lot to like about the other Fiero models. I like the Formula, I also like the "2m" body style... and I also like the GTs. But the 87 SE is my favorite.

Here is an older picture of my Fiero when I had an apartment and used to drive it around at the age of 19 as a young adult:





Note, I don't really know what's up with the two Mercury Cougars in the background. It was a couple who also lived in the apartment complex, and they loved those cars and used to park them out there too.

But yeah, mine is also an 87 SE, and while I started doing things to it when I was younger, I'm trying to revert it back to stock as much as possible, at least aesthetically. I am adding / changing a few things. I did add the Performance Sound Subwoofer, which was available then... but mine didn't come with it. I also added power door locks many years ago, and I also added Fiero GT wheels... which look kind of nice on the car.

It's been in storage for 14 years, but I will eventually get to it. You can catch a glimpse of it on this video:




(long story, just took a job that required me to move a lot and haven't gotten around to getting it out and fixing it)


I was in the process of converting it to a 5-Speed... which is using all parts from another 1987 Fiero SE that I bought and stripped (back in 2005, 20 years ago... they were more common and this didn't seem like a travesty)


But another thing I've also done, is I'm building out a 3.4 V6/60. The 2.8 is a lot of fun, especially if yours has a 5-Speed (though I loved it with the automatic too). But the 3.4, when built well, brings it back up into current / modern performance times (expect high 14s / quarter, and mid 6s in 0-60... which is still faster/quicker than most cars). So that's what I'm doing. My goal is ~200hp. I've already got all the parts... just need to actually do it.


But your 3.4 as a long-term goal is not a bad idea. I would start looking for a 3.4 block sooner though... the Camaro/Firebird block is basically drop-in...
cliffw JUN 14, 05:45 PM

quote
Originally posted by dizzie:



Diz leaving all original, unmolested would bring in a higher price if you resell it. Just as antiques will.
dizzie JUN 16, 10:38 PM

quote
Originally posted by 82-T/A [At Work]:
I fully support people doing whatever it is they want to do with their cars when they own them, EVEN if I might not like it. If everyone thought like I did... everyone in the world would be driving Fieros that looked just like mine, everyone would be a fan of Atari, and we'd have 1 political party. And while maybe in the current group some of that sounds cool... haha... diversity of thought, ideas, etc... is what made all of the things I like possible in the first place. Long winded way of saying... to each their own.

THAT SAID, I am super glad you're thinking about keeping the Fiero stock looking... I mean that. Among the lowest production models of Fieros... the 87 SE is right there in the top 3. They are rare... and were not really any cheaper than the GTs. Most people (that I've talked to) who bought them new, did so because they actually preferred the notchback style over the GT style, but wanted everything that was available in the GT... and that's what those are. You could even order the 87 SE with a 4 cyl if you wanted, which was funny... because it came with the GT exhaust system hooked up to the 4... hah...

But, totally support your decision. I agree... there's a lot to like about the other Fiero models. I like the Formula, I also like the "2m" body style... and I also like the GTs. But the 87 SE is my favorite.

Here is an older picture of my Fiero when I had an apartment and used to drive it around at the age of 19 as a young adult:

(pic removed for quote)

Note, I don't really know what's up with the two Mercury Cougars in the background. It was a couple who also lived in the apartment complex, and they loved those cars and used to park them out there too.

But yeah, mine is also an 87 SE, and while I started doing things to it when I was younger, I'm trying to revert it back to stock as much as possible, at least aesthetically. I am adding / changing a few things. I did add the Performance Sound Subwoofer, which was available then... but mine didn't come with it. I also added power door locks many years ago, and I also added Fiero GT wheels... which look kind of nice on the car.

It's been in storage for 14 years, but I will eventually get to it. You can catch a glimpse of it on this video:

(video embed removed for quote)

(long story, just took a job that required me to move a lot and haven't gotten around to getting it out and fixing it)


I was in the process of converting it to a 5-Speed... which is using all parts from another 1987 Fiero SE that I bought and stripped (back in 2005, 20 years ago... they were more common and this didn't seem like a travesty)


But another thing I've also done, is I'm building out a 3.4 V6/60. The 2.8 is a lot of fun, especially if yours has a 5-Speed (though I loved it with the automatic too). But the 3.4, when built well, brings it back up into current / modern performance times (expect high 14s / quarter, and mid 6s in 0-60... which is still faster/quicker than most cars). So that's what I'm doing. My goal is ~200hp. I've already got all the parts... just need to actually do it.


But your 3.4 as a long-term goal is not a bad idea. I would start looking for a 3.4 block sooner though... the Camaro/Firebird block is basically drop-in...




I totally agree on supporting whatever anybody wants to do to their Fiero. That's part of what makes the community a lot of fun! I just recently read about this crazy Baja Jalapeno Fiero some guy who allegedly owns 50 Fieros (mostly non-running I think) produces. Looks like this was covered in detail in the forum long ago.

That's some cool context on the 87 SE to learn that it wasn't necessarily a lower offering, but just as much a different choice that some preferred. I have been told by another owner that they prefer "notchies". The 4 cyl with the dual exhaust - kinda cool, actually! That's a crazy nuance - seems like there is always something else I had no idea about with these cars.

The subwoofer would be very cool to have - as an audio guy I would be tempted to install one if I could find the part or recreate something similar. And btw, that's a very sweet 87 you had/ have there (and nice background Cougars too lol). The GT wheels would be a nice swap. Honestly my favorite stock wheels are the small ones on the 84! If I could find a set in good condition, I'd be tempted to put them on and just hold onto the originals.

That video is as cute as can be - you must be stoked about having your kid into this stuff! She's delightful and I'm sure will do well - hopefully attracting the attention of her peers into this world. I was talking to a guy at the beach about his 60s Camaros and how his grandson is right alongside him with a wrench and learning all the intricacies. I respect all who are passing down knowledge and pride to the next generations like you and "Opa".

The 5 speed with the modified 3.4 sounds super exciting. The 3.4 on the one I test drove had been to the machine shop before install and it was growling and spitting! The exhaust would literally pop from time to time when letting off the gas, lol. Should be a great car when it's back on the road again. Good thought on doing it sooner rather than later - I'm not getting any younger and the engines will only get more scarce.

And speaking of Atari, I'm so tempted to get one of these.



quote
Originally posted by cliffw:


Diz leaving all original, unmolested would bring in a higher price if you resell it. Just as antiques will.




That really does appeal to me on some level, Cliff! Makes sense, too. While I like to think the car will be a fit, who knows how long I'll be able to keep up with it long term. It would be nice to be able to resell if needed without losing my shirt - I won't hold my breath on that one, though 😉

[This message has been edited by dizzie (edited 06-16-2025).]

dizzie JUN 23, 01:20 PM
Welp, the car is purchased! Now to finalize a broker that can transport the non-running car across a number of states at a reasonable cost.

Anybody, feel free to let me know if I need to give specific instructions on what point(s) to use a winch on it!

Diz
Patrick JUN 23, 02:59 PM

quote
Originally posted by dizzie:

Welp, the car is purchased!




quote
From Here:

Welp - used to express disappointment or resignation (= the fact that you must accept something you do not like)



Not a good start!
dizzie JUN 25, 07:47 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:

Not a good start!



lol I was genuinely feeling excitement!