I will finally be getting into the wonderful world of Fieros. So far I have found two that I like. One is an 86 with engine problems, and the other is a complete 88 GT. The 86 is very cheep, which makes it applealing. My goal is to rebuild one with Archie's V8 kit for a daily driver.

My question to the group is should I get the 86 and rebuild everything like the suspension from RCC and need Getrag 5sp or should I get the 88 and just put in the V8? The cost of the 88 is a lot more than the 86 so if I get the 88, I wouldn't be able to start replacing stuff for a while.

Brastic

well id say it'd depend on what you need it for, if you need a car asap, get the complete one, but if you got time to blow and dont need a vehicle right away buy the GT and have some fun..

doing things yourself is all part of the fun..

self satisfaction by" ! : )

Buy the one with the better body and paint. You'll be willing to put money into the engine and suspension long before you will spend it on a paint job.

That's kind of a difficult choice to make....the '88 model had an improved suspension over previous years and are more desirable. I would also think that the '88 would handle better with a V8 and no suspension modifications than the '86 with a V8 and minor modifications.

I think I also agree that you want to go with the car that looks better all around since most of your time and effort will likely go into engine and mechanical rather than interior and cosmetic appearance.

Personally I would go with the '86 as I enjoy doing a lot of the work myself, but I suppose it should be a question of "how much would it cost to bring the '86 to a comprable condition of the '88?" If you think the '86 would cost more to fix up, go with the '88.

Something else to consider is 88s use different parts in some areas which are not shared with previous models. This makes it rarer and parts more expensive and harder to come by. I'll let others elaborate.

[This message has been edited by Mastermind (edited 07-26-2003).]

i would say get the 86, i mostly say that cause the market for the go fast goodies for the 84-87 is alot better then the 88 market.

you can make a 84-87 handle better then a 88 pretty easily

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zr-2 hoodscoop, 6"wingstands, ARchie rocker scoops, CRX INtake..MORE

All things being equal I will take an 84-87 before an 88. It nice being able to get the parts you need without selling a kidney. The 88 is *better* but not enough to justify the hassle. A good pre-88 is 95% of a good 88 in handling and ride. Not enough difference to justify.

88 by a mile
I had a 87se first, then got a 88
the ride difference was amazing
wife wouldnot ride in the 87 after riding in the 88
plus the brakes 88 actualy stop the car
and 88's donot want to swap ends near as quickly [bump steer] too!!
sure you can mod a earlyer car but by the time you spend the cash, and even then you wind up with a car that rides like a ox cart!!!!
NO WAY CAN YOU GET BOTH the ride and handeling of a 88 by moding a early fiero

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Question wonder and be wierd
are you kind?

84-87. Don't be fooled by the evil 88 owners! They want your soul!

I haven't driven an 88 yet that seemed all that cosmically better if the pre-88 suspension was in decent condition. I will admit that a worn pre-88 suspension is horrible. I'd rather drive a Yugo.

Thanks to all who replayed. I went for the 86. The car has been overly loved over the years, but $500 for a running car is hard to pass up.

Brastic

what about the '88.

supply me with some details about the 88, i'm interested in it.

toms...