I have been looking for a clean '88 for a while but have come across a couple nice '87s. Is the suspension and other improvements of the '88 worth waiting for? What were all the changes made to the '88 versus the earlier years?

quote Originally posted by shornick: I have been looking for a clean '88 for a while but have come across a couple nice '87s. Is the suspension and other improvements of the '88 worth waiting for? What were all the changes made to the '88 versus the earlier years?

Yes to question 1. In my own opinion the 88 is worth waiting for. The front rack & whole rear cralde where completely up graded as oppossed to earier models. The 88`s got rid of that bump steer problem. Its much easier to steer/drive. Handles alot better, again my opinion . Don`t get me wrong I have 86`s 87`s 88`s and like them all . Can`t tell you word for word all the techie stuff that was done--I have the GM articales bookmarked or stored in emails somewhere . I will look however .

If you are not in a rush then wait. The 88 is better. Period. But of course you can improve a pre 88 to be like an 88 or better but it will cost.

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Palm Beach Fieros
http://pbfieros.tripod.com

Like 3800superfast said ^^^ the 88's are worth waiting for because of the suspention upgrades. I have both an 87 and an 88 and the 88 suspention is alot better.

I have owned and driven all years, well except an 85. The 88 is a much better ride and driving car.

On a track you can probably make the others handle as well but if you drive like most of us on the street, I find the 88 smoother, does not get upset over big bumps, rattles less and just feels better planted to the ground. Yes you can spend some bucks to upgrade 84-87, but if you are a street driver, just start with the best.

Thanks for the comments - I will find the right '88 one day. Unitl then I'll keep driving the '85.

i'll just chime in and agree with the rest. The 88 is better for the brakes alone. The larger vented rotors are much better and can be upgraded pretty cheap to the 12" corvette rotors. That alone is worth waiting for me.

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88 GT T-Top, 88 Fastback Chop-top (Archie #14), 1984 Indy, and 88 Chop Top T-top
Firebird Interior Installation Website

What kind of 88 are you looking for, I have an 88 coupe that is for sale, it is very nice. Also have a friend who has 7 88 GT's for sale, all kinds in various conditions.

here are some more differences......


88 GT's and Formulas come with rear anti-sway bars........unlike all other Fiero's

88's have a tighter turning radius.

88's don't use cradle to frame bushings for less frame "flexing"


88 Fiero V6's engines are internally balanced

88 Fiero 4 cylinders have a crankshaft counter balance shaft for less vibration.

Seven 88's for sale, wow!

Here is an older thread with more 87vs.88 info and pictures.

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Archives/Archive-000002/HTML/20050119-1-042861.html

If you get tired of waiting, you can swap in front & rear suspensions in. It's a bit of a pain, but completely do-able. Gimme a whistle, I'll 'splain the front end to ya.

Here's another thread with more food for thought about 88s....

https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Archives/Archive-000001/HTML/20060206-2-067844.html

More good information. You all really convinced me know. Anyone know where I find one with clean interior and good underbody?

Ebay always has Fieros, but you should be really careful in inspecting it or getting it inspected. The mall may also have some. A shop 2 miles from my house has 4 Fiero GTs for sale- 1 86, 2 87s, and 1 88. The 88 GT is red, auto trans. They listed it differently than the others for some reason, and so it doesn't tell the mileage, options, or pictures. It rained heavily today, and I passed by to look at one of the other Fieros, and the shop wasn't open. They store the Fieros indoors. When I get the chance I'll take a good look at it. If you want to, I'll give you more info. It's a little far away (Houston, TX), but the southern Fieros usually have less rust.