Help me resurrect my 1988 GT (Page 1/1)
imacflier DEC 28, 10:12 AM
Hi, guys. A long time since I last posted.

The Back Story:

Twelve years ago, while tracing a route for a 2 awg cable to power an MR2 power steering pump, I had a heart attack. That lead to emergency surgery and an extended recovery time.

When the GT was parked all systems (even A/C and clutch) were working perfectly.

Since I have a lot of tasks to start accomplishing next Spring I will be asking questions not in the order I would expect do the work.

Question 1: I want to put 12" disks on the GT, so I need to change to 17" wheels. I already have rear coil-overs. What are the largest 17" wheels (and associated offset or back spacing) that will fit within the stock body?

Question 2: If I recall correctly there is a 16 or 18 awg wire that terminates on a screw on the rear frame, providing chassis ground. Where does the other end go: the negative battery post, the battery tray, or does it jump across to the engine ground on the exhaust manifold....or somewhere else entirely??

I think that is enough to start with.

Next time a longer and more detailed post about the fuel system and the 12 gallons of varnish currently residing in the fuel tank, changing to an accurate fuel level sender, and putting an aux tank in the trunk.

PLEASE answer those first two questions so I can begin the shopping process before the Spring. And feel free to comment on anything else as well.

TIA

Larry
Raydar DEC 28, 11:54 AM
I'm not sure about the "largest" 17" wheel that will work on an 88. But I have 17x8.25, with a 35mm offset, on the rear of one of mine. Rear tires are 235/45s. Pics below.
For a larger fitment, check out Fieroguru's posts. He's a master at stuffing big wheels and tires under his 88.

There is a ground wire that screws into the shock tower near the battery. The other end of that wire goes into the negative battery connector. There is a larger wire that goes from the battery connector to the engine. (There will also be a braided ground wire that goes from the engine to the right side hinge box.)





Dennis LaGrua DEC 28, 03:02 PM
Just for info 225 /45-17 tires will fit on the rear . I believe that on my Fiero they are on 7.5" or 8" wheels with 32 mm offset. . As for 245 wide tires that might be close.

------------------
" 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 "

olejoedad DEC 28, 04:31 PM
I'm running 235/50/17 w 40mm offset on the rear of my Formula with stock struts.
fieroguru DEC 28, 09:59 PM
12" rotors with the stock 88 calipers will clear 16" wheels.

To run the widest possible rear wheels on an 88, you need to run 18's to clear the strut to knuckle flange.

[This message has been edited by fieroguru (edited 12-28-2025).]

imacflier DEC 29, 06:47 AM
WOW....Just WOW!!!

I had forgotten just how helpful and knowledgeable the members here are!!

Raydar, I have ordered the Fiero Store negative battery cable....the first of my preparatory purchases. Thank you.

Hmmm....18's in the rear. The last time I looked a wheels I found a site that let you see a side view the the car and overlay various wheels. Of course I lost it. Can one of you enthusiasts point me to such a site? (Yes, I can be pretty lazy!)

Once again, thanks to all are trying to help...I need it and it is appreciated even if I do not mention you by name.

Larry
olejoedad DEC 29, 07:49 AM
Just a FYI, fieroguru sells a wonderful 13" rotor and caliper bracket kit that




uses you OEM calipers.

I have it on my Formula and highly recommend it.

cam-a-lot DEC 29, 07:50 AM
I have a brand new set of 17" wheels and tires for sale for an 88 and can deliver to upper NY State

https://www.facebook.com/ma...em/1192048339644431/

I can confirm they fit fine with my 12" C4 rotors, see photo in the link

PM me if interested
Raydar DEC 29, 07:41 PM

quote
Originally posted by olejoedad:

Just a FYI, fieroguru sells a wonderful 13" rotor and caliper bracket kit that uses you OEM calipers.

I have it on my Formula and highly recommend it.



A second recommendation for Guru's 13" kit. I also have it on my car, with 17s.




Raydar DEC 29, 07:46 PM

quote
Originally posted by Dennis LaGrua:

Just for info 225 /45-17 tires will fit on the rear . I believe that on my Fiero they are on 7.5" or 8" wheels with 32 mm offset. . As for 245 wide tires that might be close.




I can confirm that 245/45-17s will fit on the rear of a stock 88, on 17x8, 35mm wheels.