What to do with a wrecked 88 2M4? (Page 1/1)
R3Fab DEC 10, 01:14 PM
Got an 88 2M4 really cheap.
Not fond of repair difficulties of modern cars and the front of this one is pretty bad, but the suspension looks good.
Has sat in the Nevada woods for four years so engine is probably not good.
At least it is a five-speed.
Thinking it might be a good start on a custom build, Bradley GT rebody, or maybe a modern version of the Terrapin single seater.
Trying to find a good engine swap, something that can and will rev much better than the 'Duke.
Caddy 4.9 does not seem attractive, prefer carb(s) and higher RPM.
Somewhere I saw mention of some sort of S10 engine?
Tried search but it seems I'm missing the correct magic words for good results.

Once I have a plan I will make the surplus parts available to those who need them.
Probably keeping the seats.
Gall757 DEC 10, 03:07 PM
Welcome to the Forum! On your searches, try using the minimum words required and be sure to change the drop-down menu to include Entire Forum + Archives Most of the good stuff was written many years ago.

[This message has been edited by Gall757 (edited 12-10-2019).]

R3Fab DEC 10, 08:20 PM
Okay, it looks like the 3.4 V6 converted to carb might be my best bet.
But will the Izuzu trans live long enough to justify the effort?
Alternately, will a Getrag fit my current cradle?
Not looking to spend silly money on this, started with nearly free car.
If I have to replace most of it, it's a bad idea from the start.
Not really looking to rebuild the coupe, still cheaper to just buy a driver if that is what I want.
Leaning toward a modern Terrapin build.
Reallybig DEC 11, 03:34 AM
Isuzu will live with high rpm and low torque. Took 6 years to kill mine with a 4.9 but I tried to be nice
Dennis LaGrua DEC 14, 01:42 PM
If you have decided to rebuild, then it becomes a matter of the cost and work involved vs the final value. As for engines I would advise going with modern electronic fuel injection that can adjust all engine parameters for all degrees of operation including temperature, load, RPM's, throttle opening, and barometric pressure among others. A carburetor is old obsolete technology and a basic system doesn't provide a way to shift modern automatic transmissions. With MPFI your engine will run cleaner, more efficiently and get far better gas mileage.

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" THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, HP Tuners VCM Suite.
"THE COLUSSUS"
87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H
" ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "

pHoOl DEC 14, 08:18 PM
If I were starting with a wrecked fiero, I'd be very tempted to make an off road vehicle out of it... strip the body, have just the spaceframe. Mad Max type style.
R3Fab DEC 16, 03:15 AM

quote
Originally posted by pHoOl:

If I were starting with a wrecked fiero, I'd be very tempted to make an off road vehicle out of it... strip the body, have just the spaceframe. Mad Max type style.



I saw a kit for that, almost as ugly as the new Tesla "Truck"!

I'm leaning toward either a modern version of the "Terrapin" single eater or a Bradley body conversion.
Of course some of the Bradley folk insist it is impossible, making that a challenge I'm tempted to answer.
Spent some time with the Fiero today.
To make a Bradley conversion or much of anything else work I need to be able to shorten the struts pretty drastically without ruining the geometry.
Also need to figure out new spring rates for about 1600 -1800 Lb. weight.
Probably a post here somewhere since so many have been modified for kit car re-body projects.

First I need to get the engine compartment open, without the key.
Want to see if the engine turns over.
R3Fab DEC 25, 02:23 PM
Sun came out today so I did some digging around in the Fiero.
Found the title laying in the floor!
So no longer have to deal with the hassle of getting a duplicate.
Tried charging the battery via the cigaret lighter to open the engine compartment but that has not worked out.
Car has sat about four years so the battery is probably junk and cannot trip the release.
With title in hand I'm hoping the local GM dealer will be able to cut a new key or me.
Also found the receipt for a new CAT at $215.00, Labor 304.00!
Oh, and the former drivers arrest report for "Drug Paraphernalia".
No wonder he wrecked it as soon as his dad let him have it!