I know this is contrary to to what most Fiero guys want (which is performance), but has anyone put a smaller engine into a Fiero to max out the MPGs. I had two '98 Chevy Metros (GM dropped the Geo brand at the end of '97) with the 3-cyl 5-spd manual trannies and regularly got (with some city driving) 51-54 mpg on my 10-mile one-way commute (it was rated at 44 city, 49 highway).
A '98 Chevy Metro weighs ~1900 lbs. I imagine a Fiero SE with the Metro engine/tranny wouldn't weigh much more. Plus the Fiero would have better aerodynamics. Furthermore, you could probably shave some weight in various places since you would now only have to handle 52 horsepower/ 52 lb-ft of torque.
Furtherfurthermore, from 90-94 Geo made the XFI version which was rated at 53 city, 58 highway. It had the same engine but with a different cam and a tranny with taller gear ratios. Some owners report getting over 60 mpg with those cars. If one were to find one of those engine/tranny combos and put it in a Fiero...
Anyway, I think it would be really cool to have the looks of a Fiero with gas mileage better than most hybrids. -Tim
I doubt you would want to drive a Fiero that has been stripped down to 1900 lbs every day, even if you have a lighter engine. You're talking about taking nearly 600 lbs out of the lightest Fiero made. You might, maybe, lose 150 from switching drivetrains.
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05:55 PM
BigGuyTinyCar Member
Posts: 308 From: Los Alamos, NM Registered: Jan 2009
I doubt you would want to drive a Fiero that has been stripped down to 1900 lbs every day, even if you have a lighter engine. You're talking about taking nearly 600 lbs out of the lightest Fiero made. You might, maybe, lose 150 from switching drivetrains.
Really! The Fiero weighs 2500+ lbs.? I didn't realize it was so heavy.
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06:41 PM
Xanth Member
Posts: 6886 From: Massachusetts Registered: May 2006
Many 2M4 owners with sticks report close to 40 HWY MPG. Thats better than 90% of todays new cars.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, 3.4" Pulley, N* TB, LS1 MAF, Flotech Exhaust Autolite 104's Custom CAI 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite. 87GT - 3.4L Turbocharged engine, modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
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07:02 PM
BigGuyTinyCar Member
Posts: 308 From: Los Alamos, NM Registered: Jan 2009
In my 87 notchi with a 2.5 and the isuzu 5 spd I reliably got around 35 mixed driving, and I was not easy on my takeoffs, power shifted, etc. I drove it like I stole it. Maybe thats whats wrong with the engine now, lol. I am interested to see how it does with the 4.9.
------------------ Hmmmmmmmmm.......now if I can just talk the Army out of an engine, I bet I can get it to fit hehehehehehe >
I have reached 40 mpg with my 85 auto. The trip to Pontiac last summer I was running between 36 and 38 (thanks Chicago traffic). The guy I went with had an 88 formula, I would go through 3/4 tank to his full. I did see a totalled HHR at the local dealership last fall and was very tempted. I have an HHR LT that I get 34 mpg highway. It has the automatic and I did think long and hard on a full conversion. I wish my wife would let me build my garage.
Rich
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07:26 PM
BigGuyTinyCar Member
Posts: 308 From: Los Alamos, NM Registered: Jan 2009
Originally posted by silver 85 sc: I did see a totalled HHR at the local dealership last fall and was very tempted. I have an HHR LT that I get 34 mpg highway. It has the automatic and I did think long and hard on a full conversion. I wish my wife would let me build my garage. Rich
I believe you. I had a 2003 Grand Am with the same engine as the HHR (2.2L Ecotec), but with manual transmission and I regularly got 37-38 in 80% highway driving and it felt really torquey for it's size (and the GA is a 3000 lb car). That's a great engine!
