Fiero 2m8 LT1 NX Roadster conversion (Page 20/46)
Fiero2m8 SEP 29, 11:12 PM
Went for a cruise tonight and got a few pictures before it got dark.
Nice to get some pictures from somewhere other than the garage.






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1986 Fiero2m8 (LT1 NX / 4T60 Roadster Build)
http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/071642.html

Fiero2m8 SEP 30, 10:45 PM
Well I found an engine shop in Fonthill that keeps the starters in stock for $150 so I picked one up to try it out.
I also called Archie about the Powermaster 9004 12:1 compression starter to see if it fits.
As usual, Archie is great to share ideas with but he wasn't sure about the 9004 model.
I decided to order one up, so I can have a look at one in my hands vs. the Powermaster 9000
According the supplier's tech desk, the only dimension different is the length at 1 inch longer which shouldn't be an issue.
I will post results of my findings when I check it out this week.

I also finally got an exact compression ratio from Rod at Stroker Performance.
The compression was lowered to 9.8:1 for the nitrous application, so I shouldn't really need the most expensive starter you can buy.
On the other hand, we are driving smaller flexplates than most SBC's, so that may be a factor as it would change the overall gearing.

In the meantime, I took some pictures of my no name far east starter that looks identical to the Powermaster 9000.
The shop I got it from uses one to start big blocks on his dyno several times a week over the last 6 months, so I am hoping it will be good value and a 10 min drive if I ever need another one in a pinch.

Here is the starter out of the box right after I remounted the starter block 180 degrees for a V8 Archie automatic application:




On the test fit, I figured out where I would have to notch the block to clear the engine cradle - there was already a notch on the opposite corner but since I flipped it around, I needed to cut my own with a hacksaw:






In my case, 2 shims provided the best alignment and removing the shim between the starter and the block bought it a little closer to the flexplate:




The top bolt goes through Archie's sleeved hole and is a snug fit, while I bored the lower a little to allow for vertical tweaking:




Here is a shot of the remote oil filter adapter with the starter removed:




And one showing the clearance after the starter is reinstalled:




Last is the electrical connections, + terminal consists of:

1. battery positive cable (red)
2. LT1 computer power wire (black)
3. Battery charging wire - from alternator

and the small terminal takes the starter wire from the park/neutral plug on the transmission (Purple wire that is +12V when key in "start" position)




Feel free to ask questions if I've missed anything here...

P.S. The car starts easily and quickly now, but is noisy due to a worn flexplate that we forgot to replace - I will pick up a new one this winter to have on hand the next time the cradle is lowered from the engine bay for any reason.

Fiero2m8

[This message has been edited by Fiero2m8 (edited 09-30-2006).]

Fiero2m8 OCT 02, 04:41 PM
Here's the specs on the Powermaster 9004.
It does look identical on the outside except the 1 inch additional length.



I might as well post the Installation Instructions too, since they apply to all Hitachi style Chevy Hi-Torque units:





Fiero2m8
Fiero2m8 OCT 25, 06:17 PM
Not much happening on the build lately as it's parked for the winter.
I did some research on how to fix the pesky oil leak at the water pump drive.
Here are a couple threads on it:

http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=462608&highlight=front+oil+leak
http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=474803&highlight=front+oil+leak

I also gathered the seals and parts I need for the fix - here are the pics with GM part #''s









Basically, I'll be carefully replacing the seals and sleeve at the cam driven water pump at the top of the timing cover:



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1986 Fiero2m8 (LT1 NX / 4T60 Roadster Build)
http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/071642.html

Fiero2m8 DEC 02, 12:36 AM
A few updates for the die hard build thread junkies

Weather was good here last week, so I drove out to GM dealership that I know the owner of.
Their bodyshop has agreed to mask and paint any base / clear of my choice this spring when the bodywork is done.
Cost is $500 - for 2 hours prep and they supply materials.

Today I had a glass shop visit the garage and Rick removed my cracked windshield at no charge.
Once the car is painted he is returning to install a new one for $300 CDN. in the spring - he only needs 48hrs notice to order the glass / moulding. In the meantime I need to replace or repair the body trim surround that is broken.

Lately I've been reading up on bodywork / prep and still haven't decided whether to mold in my flairs and skirts yet.

Also today I ordered the light tan leatherette seats from Mr. Mikes - another winter project that should be here in about a week. I'll post pictures when they arrive - here is the online order form I used.

https://secure.bcentralhost.com/mrmikes.com/fieroxmas13.htm

Since the car is an open roadster, I actually prefer the idea of going with Leatherette given a remote possibility of them getting wet in the future.


Fiero2m8
exoticse DEC 02, 12:47 AM


Ever think of building some kind of diffuser for the back ?
Fiero2m8 DEC 02, 12:56 AM
Yep quite a bit - it would look quite a bit better with some of that exhaust hidden.
Here was my first attempt but I didn't like the result enough to keep it on:



Since I can't get a jack under the car easily, I have been backing onto car ramps to work under the engine bay.
I guess I'd better finalize all the mods soon so I can work on finishing the prep work...

Any ideas or pic suggestions are welcome.

Rye
THE BEAST DEC 02, 12:46 PM

quote
Originally posted by Fiero2m8:

Went for a cruise tonight and got a few pictures before it got dark.
Nice to get some pictures from somewhere other than the garage.








Where did you get the front spoiler?

Thanks,
JG
Fiero2m8 DEC 02, 01:10 PM
Hey JG,

The front spoiler is off a 1990 Crysler Daytona Turbo.
The width is perfect for a bumper pad car but the sides had the be shortened due to less overhang on the the Fiero.
Currently the seam is covered by a small adhesive bodyside moulding, but I am considering moulding it in flush like Bonzo.
Although I'm a little worried about touching a curb and cracking it after paint...
Fiero2m8 JAN 02, 09:35 PM
HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Just like last year, I decided that January 2nd would be a good day to start back on my Fiero project.

Santa brought me a set of the Tan Leatherette seat covers - Thanks Mr. Mike as everything arrived as expected and undamaged. The DVD is not only informative but entertaining

Here is the link the xmas sale page:

https://secure.bcentralhost.com/mrmikes.com/_vti_bin/shtml.exe/fieroxmas13.htm

Thanks again Mike as I know we were talking about the idea of an all leatherette tan seat for several months.
They will certainly be roadster friendly in the event they do get damp, and the pricing was similar the The Big Fiero book prices - roll back!

Project started by removing the old seats by removing the 4 - 13mm nuts and then removing the tracks, seat covers and remaining hardware. I am not going to detail every task as Mr. Mikes video covers everything. Of course, as always, if you have any specific questions, feel free to ask away...

Here are a few shots of the seats after removal and disassembly:

Interior with seats unbolted:




Seats with black seat covers removed:




Tracks:


Hardware:




New seats in box:




Tan Leatherette upper cover with Fiero stitching:




Hopefully finished install to look similar to F-I-E-R-O forum member using Mr. Mike's Leather:

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1986 Fiero2m8 (LT1 NX / 4T60 Roadster Build)
http://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/071642.html