is it worth it to get an 88 model fiero Are the upgrades that much better than the 84-87 fieros Since there was so few 88 made is it hard to find or buy parts for?

I think it depends upon the options you're looking for. The main difference between the '87 and the '88 GT is the front suspension/steering rack and the vented brake rotors and calipers. Other than that, most of the parts are identical. There are considerable differences between the '86 and '87 GT (even though the parts are interchangeable) but not many between the '87 and '88 Gt models.

quote Originally posted by Shadow Wolf: There are considerable differences between the '86 and '87 GT (even though the parts are interchangeable) but not many between the '87 and '88 Gt models.

Could you elaborate on the "considerable" differences between 86 and 87 GTs? I was under the impression that other then the availibity of 5 spd (avail late 86) and the embossed upper plenum, the only differences between 86 and 87 were the availibility of different options and paint colors.

85 through 87 are identical. 84s may be slightly different.
88s have the Lotus suspension which does not interchange with the earlier models. The rear cradle is different. The front engine mount is positioned differently. The cradle is hard mounted to the frame. The swing arms have different geometry to avoid bump steer and the upper strut mounts are further apart.

An 88 cradle can be adapted to the pre 88s with a bit of work.

The front suspension is different and gives tighter turning radius. Someone on an earlier post mentioned that he put an 88 front suspension on a pre-88 model.

The only differences I can think of between the 86 and 87 GTs is the switch to the Getrag 5 speed in late 86s, the 87s and 88s.

"Lotus suspension". No such thing on a Fiero. Another urban legend like the factory raspberry paint and the factory power steering. Sorry. Here's the truth. The '88s suspension was based in part on an old Lotus suspension. That's it.

Hi Monkeyman, you speaketh the truth. "Lotus inspired" might me a better phrase. The 88 suspension is just the original 84 suspension before the bean counters complained about the car's price and the removed it.

I've driven 88's and while the ride is a bit better, the handling is only marginally better (but still better). The down side is the cost of parts.

If an 88 was available at a reasonable price, I'd buy it, but I wouldn't turn down a good pre-88 in the hopes of getting the "Lotus" suspension.

Suspension/brake parts for 88's are still readily available, but they are quite a bit more expensive than the 84-87. Plus (as I recently found out the hard way) they are often special-order items from your local parts store - a big shock if you're used to walking in with money and walking out 5 minutes later with your calipers/rotors/wheel bearings/...

I currently own a 87, my best friend has an 88. Except for the suspension there are no differences. I personnally because of cost of parts and availability would go with the 87. You can always graft an 88 suspension on the 87 if you really wanted to.

Actually, there was a few 88's with power steering made. I just read a test drive review from a guy who drove one. He was really impressed. If you want to read the article go to www.cars.com and click on reviews and put in 88 fiero.

Im not sure but i thought there were NOT any fieros made with power steering. I mean the cost of the hoses alone would be out of this world. Im not trying to ruffle anyones feathers but i really do think your wrong on that one..

Yes and no on the power steering. Rumor has it that there were 13 '88 Fieros built with power steering. None of them were sold to the public, though. I would assume either they were test mules and the p/s removed or they were scrapped altogether. Another possibility is that some GM execs have them in the back of their garages. There were some p/s pumps (some kind of hydro-electric deal) sold aftermarket. I think Rodney Dickman has one?

Correct... as I understand it, there were some test vechicles made (that had power steering) and it was offered off the shelf at the GM parts counter... but never made it onto a car for sale to the public.

After reading this article... it is obvious that this writer drove the decked out show car!

[This message has been edited by bHooper (edited 06-05-2000).]

I feel the best difference between the 87 and 88 Fiero is the ride quality. Neither is going to feel like a Cadilac, but my 88 Formula is a lot less harsh over bumps than my dad's 87 Coupe. Its hard to compare the handling since the Coupe doesn't have the WS6 suspension upgrade that my Formula has.

I have owned an 87 coupe and driven an 87 GT. My 88 formula brakes better, rides better, and is easier to control when I push it to the limit than the 84-87 models. How much would it cost you to convert an 84-87 fiero to vented rotors and give it a true sports suspension like the 88's have? The 84-87 models suspensions behave weird when pushed to their limits, ride like loose crap, cant lock up there brakes in any I have driven, and the steering kicks back at you if you so much as run over a penny in the road because of the large scrub radius.

I couldn't get used to the fact that the 84-87 fiero’s have a Chevette front suspension in the front and the front suspension from a Citation in the rear with no rear sway bar in any 84-87 model. In my opinion there is a BIG difference between my 88 formula and an 84-87 fiero model. I think that yes it would be worth it if the price is right. The 88 fiero GT and Formula are the only fieros with a true sports car suspension.

The 84-87 fiero's can be made to handle and brake better than the 88's with some serious suspension modifications and big bucks.

quote Originally posted by 88formula: The 84-87 models suspensions behave weird when pushed to their limits, ride like loose crap, cant lock up there brakes in any I have driven, and the steering kicks back at you if you so much as run over a penny in the road because of the large scrub radius.

Damn!!! Don't hold anything back son! I guess I'll just sh*tcan my 86 GT cuz it obviously is not a "real" sportscar!

Did an 84-87 Fiero beat you up and steal your lunch money in junior high? I mean, you REALLY hate pre 88 Fieros!

For cripe sakes, climb down off the podium dude! I own both an '84 SC and an '87GT. Both have good shocks and springs. I will tell you this; the '87 handles WORLDS better than the '84. It's much better over rough stuff, it is much more neutral in the corners when pushed, and the car has a much more refined feel, while still being more agile.

And I swear, if ONE MORE PERSON talks about the Lotus suspension crap.....

driven 2 fiero's, an 87GT and my 88GT,

you just can't compare the 2. Go with the 88, my friend who had the 87 just sold it and got himself an 88. Better ride, and better handling, no dangerous bump steer. Much better brakes, the 84-87's are seriously underbraked. Much better electrical system, headlight motors and fuel tank capacity than the 84-86's and also a smoother engine due to the difference in the mounting of it in the 88's. You can definetely upgrade the pre 88's but you will spend more unless you can do it all yourself, and if you like to upgrade you can always make the 88's much better than you will ever be able to make the pre 88's. Also they are a year younger, and have usually had better care then the older cars. Go with a nice 88 Formula for the very best value in Fieros in my opinion.

Whys everyone beating up on the 87 models? I own an 87 Sport coupe and i love it to death. As for mods, for the price to do some of the work on a 88,i could take the suspension and brakes of an 88 and install them on my 87 and still only pay half the price. And i dont understand the "underbraked" statement. Ive had to stop quickly on a number of occasions and never had a problem. Now im not trying to start a flame war but come on fella's. It really doesnt matter which year you buy, i mean rather its an 84 or an 88 the shear enjoyment of the drive will make it all worth it as im sure all of you know. Cant we all just get along....

**Sorry about the long post, just felt like i had to protect my baby from being bashed into the ground..

86SEFIERO, the only way you are going to know just what the 88 fiero’ [s with the WS6 suspensions (GT and Formula) are like is to go out and test drive one. That is what I did and I was truly amazed at how much better they really are.

I wish Pontiac had given the fiero that suspension from the beginning in 84. Maybe if they had given the fiero the 88 suspension in 84 it wouldn't have lost sales in the later years and maybe the fiero would still be here today. Of course if it were here today then the fiero probably would be worth less as a collectors car.

Springs/swaybars and shocks can go a long ways you know,add a few horsepower,sticky tires and all that '88 stuff is then inadequate,so why not start with something that can be had for some value?
If an '88 was to have today's technology tires,and the motor I have,I'd still have to wind up doing what I've done to my early car to get away from that GM feeling.I've looked carefully at the differences btween the cars,and geometry wise,it's not really a whole lot,but when combined with the 15 inch wheels,solid cradle mounts,and upgraded front springs and shocks,it does make a noticeable difference,and yes the stock springs and shocks do suck on the early cars.
I've heard from those who've gotten 1988 car for cheap,and that's a real bonus,but that year alone doesn't do anything for me.

It seems that all the anecdotal evidence is based on driving one select car from a certain year, ie "I had an 87 coupe,no where near as cool as my 88 formula/gt". Well, no kidding. To put this type of apple and oranging in to comparison, can relate the only 88 GT I have driven. The steering on this thing veered wildly off in anygiven direction at speeds over 30 MPH. Basically it was a POS. Does that make all 88's junk, hell no! But until you have driven a pretty thick variety of any certain model and had similar if not exact results, then you are far from having a scientific conclusion. It is merely an opinion at that point. My 86, in my opinion, does not replicate any of these "flaws". I love the crap out of it and have never lost control on dry pavement.
Are 88s nice cars in general? Sure. But my nice solid well preserved 86 was bought for the same amount asked for that POS 88 I drove with ratty seats, tore up carpeting and broken body panels. I think the value leader is the 86-87 v6 fieros.

88formula, in junior high I was 6'1" and weighed 200lbs and REALLY liked to eat lunch. Lighten up, bro,I was just pokin some fun.

Im going to be honest here about my 87GT, I love the car to death and will have it forever, but I am definately going to do something about the bumpsteer problem. I cant really stand it anymore. The car also seems a bit unstable at high speeds. I have put new Eagles on it, got it aligned, changed shocks and Struts, and other things. Its helped some but Im still not satisfied. As far as the brakes go, Im really happy with my brakes and have had people tell me that they love the way my car brakes. I have the stock brake system. I plan on investing in a suspension upgrade in the near future, then my GT will be perfecto! I would like to have T's though. :-)

Ive got an 88..the only 88 out of the several that I have..I like the looks of it better (Formula)..but the damn parts are more expensive and arent interchangeable w/ other models. I guess if you dont mind the hassle of seeing everything in the FieroStore or a Pontiac parts place as "84-87"..then "88", then go for it. I dont notice any difference in the performance.