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| '85 Fiero GT looks appealing; how do they compare to later years? (Page 1/2) |
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Pontiacpoweraz2025
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AUG 12, 02:46 PM
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Hi all, looking at a '85 Fiero GT with 35,000 miles in excellent condition - V6/4 speed. I had an '87 GT with similar drivetrain previously and loved the car.
What are the main differences (improvements) from the '85 through '88s that might make me think about getting a later model? I know my '87 had the 5 speed vs. the 4 speed in this '85 model. Any other differences in performance, quality control, better brakes, etc. The owner is asking over $8k for the car.
I'm also looking at an '88 Formula with 95,000 miles for around $3,200. It's rough but runs/drives.
Curious to see what you think might be the better option.
https://www.facebook.com/ma...a-dbd1ffb6567e[/url]
https://www.facebook.com/ma...a-dbd1ffb6567e[/url]
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Mark Erwin Neumann
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82-T/A [At Work]
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AUG 12, 03:12 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by Pontiacpoweraz2025:
Hi all, looking at a '85 Fiero GT with 35,000 miles in excellent condition - V6/4 speed. I had an '87 GT with similar drivetrain previously and loved the car.
What are the main differences (improvements) from the '85 through '88s that might make me think about getting a later model? I know my '87 had the 5 speed vs. the 4 speed in this '85 model. Any other differences in performance, quality control, better brakes, etc. The owner is asking over $8k for the car.
I'm also looking at an '88 Formula with 95,000 miles for around $3,200. It's rough but runs/drives.
Curious to see what you think might be the better option.
]https://www.facebook.com/ma...a-dbd1ffb6567e[/URL]
]https://www.facebook.com/ma...a-dbd1ffb6567e[/URL]
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The 1985 GT 4-Speed is going to be quicker than the 87 GT 5-Speed. The 5-Speed is a better transmission overall for normal driving, but if you're interested in 0-60, the 85 is just a little bit more performance oriented. It has a different ECM than the other years, and the 4-Speed has better gearing... though it'll top out sooner on the highway, so the 5-Speed is better for normal driving and highway driving.
The 85-87 V6s are basically all the same, to be honest, with some modest changes like:
- 120mph speedometers and auxilary gauges added in 1986.5+
- 5-Speed getrag in 1986.5+
- Revised headlight motors in 1987+
- Performance Sound Subwoofer as an option in 1986.5+
- Larger Washer fluid tank, haha...
some small changes like that basically. The brakes and everything else are going to be identical.
1988 got the revised suspension. Some people say the 88 is like night and day difference, but I'd contest that if both are in good condition, the 88 suspension is not the sun and moon difference that some people make it out to be. Certainly, the ratings for skidpad and handling do not show a meteoric difference. The 84-87 suspension will still handle really well.
On which to get... the 88 Formula will have a better / longer resale value when Fiero prices eventually go back to normal again. The 85 GT was the first year, and a little bit unloved because most people prefer the fastback body style when looking for a GT (I prefer notchback). The Formula is a notchback of course, but has all the other stuff.
The biggest problem is that you're .... in my opinion, coming in late to the Fiero hobby. Most of us who were really into it 20 years ago were in our early 20s. Most of the really smart guys are dying off, and the rest of us are now in our mid to late 40s or older. There were a lot of Fieros made, fortunately... (over 340k of them), but parts are starting to dry up... so you might be better off buying a Fiero that's already in good condition, rather than one that needs to be completely restored.
My daughter is going through the restoration process of her 1985 Fiero 2m4 SE. It's a learning project, so cost is not really the point... but she's completely restored the car from the ground up... everything is new or restored... and in the end, we'll have basically spent $25k restoring it.
You can watch all that here (shameless plug): https://www.youtube.com/@GenerationZGarage
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82-T/A [At Work]
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AUG 12, 03:14 PM
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Ok, I looked at the pictures... that 88 Formula is totally ratted out. You'd spend at least 5-6 grand just getting it to the condition that the 85 is, and who knows how worn out that 5-Speed and V6 is.
I'd for sure go with the 1985 Fiero GT here...
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Pontiacpoweraz2025
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AUG 12, 03:35 PM
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Thanks for the imput. I did watch that Gen Z video. Your daughter did a great job, and what a lesson on taking a car apart and putting it back together. Great to see the younger generation interested in these cars. BTW, I thought the sunroofs all came standard on Fieros. Both of these are non-sunroof cars. ------------------
Mark Erwin Neumann
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Patrick
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AUG 12, 04:53 PM
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| quote | Originally posted by Pontiacpoweraz2025:
BTW, I thought the sunroofs all came standard on Fieros.
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No. The actual metal roof is the same on all Fieros (has a hole in it), but it's the plastic roof panel which is different between sunroof and non-sunroof Fieros.
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Dennis LaGrua
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AUG 12, 04:59 PM
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The 85GT w 4 speed sounds like the better deal . The Fiero 5 speed GETRAG's may be better to drive overall but replacements are hard to find and BIG BUCKS if you need a replacement. In contrast my friend Wayne Renninger has several Muncies in stock on the shelf. They will bolt in with some very minor changes. ------------------
" 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 "
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Vintage-Nut
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AUG 12, 05:43 PM
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Kitskaboodle
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AUG 13, 10:27 PM
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One other plus to getting an 87 or 88 is a slightly bigger gas tank capacity. (not mentioned above)
In your situation though, it’s far better to pay a premium and get the low mileage car due to what you would have to sink into a worn out later model Fiero. Beware of Fiero’s that need lots of work. It usually means it’s been treated worse than a red headed stepchild. 😏
I was just thinking that, over the years Fiero’s have begun to dry up at your local PNP’s and also certain Fiero parts are getting harder to obtain, namely 86-88 GT tail lights, 88 hubs and other 88 suspension parts, the point being that 85, 86 & 87 Notchies have a parts availability advantage as far as restoration and parts cost replacement goes.
Kit[This message has been edited by Kitskaboodle (edited 08-13-2025).]
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Pontiacpoweraz2025
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AUG 14, 01:24 AM
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Thanks for all the comments. Is it worth $8,300? That's a tough one to call.
What is the availability of those '87-88 GT/Formula wheels (like on the Pennock Fiero logo) , and would they be a direct fit on to the '85 models? By the way, what did the Formula (which uses the notchback body style) offer vs. the SE?
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Patrick
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AUG 14, 03:04 AM
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| quote | Originally posted by Pontiacpoweraz2025:
What is the availability of those '87-88 GT/Formula wheels (like on the Pennock Fiero logo) , and would they be a direct fit on to the '85 models?
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IMO, you wouldn't want those wheels from an '88 as the OEM front wheels on an '88 GT/Formula are narrower and offset differently to compensate for the 88's wider front hubs. Stick with using that GT style of wheel from an '86-'87.[This message has been edited by Patrick (edited 08-14-2025).]
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