So in a previous thread( https://www.fiero.nl/forum/Forum2/HTML/126250.html ) it was mentioned that I probably have a lower intake gasket issue with my stock 2.8l in my 88GT. Sure, it could be a head gasket and other such things but from research I've done here it seems that the chances of being the lower intake gasket are good. The car runs fine otherwise, granted I haven't tried to drive it, but when I started it for the first time this year it fired right up and does just fine while running.
So here's the scoop. #1. I don't trust myself with this type of repair, not to mention the tools I'd have to buy to be able to do it on my own. #2. I'm getting married in June and in order to give my wife to be her special day funds are limited. #3. Where in Flint is a good place to take it? I'm looking for local because I will probably just have to try and drive it to the shop, as much as that makes me cringe. A few tow companies I've called don't want to tow it, and I don't have a vehicle that I can haul it with. My hope is to have a bit of money saved up after the wedding so I can at least try and get the car on the road this year. I'm guessing between $300-$500 for the repair. Sound about right? Or am I guessing too high or low? Truthfully if it's even in the $500 range this car may have to sit out this summer
Darkhorizon (Scott) lives in your city. I believe that he likes to do mainly swaps and modification work but he is honest, competent and may be able to help you.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Powerlog manifold, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Flotech Afterburner Exhaust, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, HP Tuners VCM Suite. "THE COLUSSUS" 87GT - ALL OUT 3.4L Turbocharged engine, Garrett Hybrid Turbo, MSD ign., modified TH125H " ON THE LOOSE WITHOUT THE JUICE "
I'll probably give them a call this week. Sucks too, I was so excited to get it back on the road. With the wedding coming up I won't have much $$$ to toss at the poor girl.(by poor girl I mean the car, not my future wife)
lower intake gasket? That sounds about right. Did they diagnosis the issue or just quote you on what you want done?
Lower intake gasket really isn't bad and they make a tool so you don't have to set the valve lash.
Add.... you should get it diagnosed, or you may be throwing money away.
Trouble is I don't want to drive around shop to shop while I have this problem. Like Justin said, I'll keep calling around. That quote of $580 was almost the same from 2 different shops, give or take about $20. This might just end up being something I try on my own. I'm not a complete car novice, just my experience is more on the electrical side of things. Anyone got a list of must have tools to get this done right?
[This message has been edited by thedude557 (edited 04-23-2013).]
Check with Denny at Lang's Auto up in Clio (810-686-3700...11485 Dexter St, Clio, MI 48420). He is the only mechanic I trust to work on my Fiero without me being present.
George's Garage in Grand Blanc did multiple repairs on mine after it had sat for years. He's already got a lot of business though, as he's known for being honest.
George's Garage G4307 S Saginaw St, Burton, MI 48529 (810) 742-8910
A little thread necro here, but I'm just too excited! Finally found a shop that didn't act like the Fiero was the most difficult car in the world to work on. Just dropped it off about an hour ago. Fingers crossed that it really is my lower intake and not the head gasket. The guy that owns the shop recalled the issues that they had with lower intakes back in the 90's, so it sounds like he knows what he's doing. With any luck I'll have her back on the road by the end of the day!
After calling around I stopped at a shop that was just down the street from my house called J&Js. One of those ma and pop looking places. I see cars in and out all the time there, but I just wasn't sure of their reputation so I had held back. Finally I just got fed up with not having my baby all summer and stopped in. It's still there right now, so far so good. They commented on how much smoke was coming out of the exhaust when I pulled up, but I figure with the problems I'm having, and the car sitting for months and months that a little smoke is probably expected. They were worried that it might be the head gasket instead, but considering it's been about 4 hours I would think they would know by know if it was another problem. In the end they asked for $350, and I paid for the fluids and new gaskets. So it's gonna cost me around $450 all said and done. Still not bad. I'll let you guys know once I get it back on the road if everything went ok.
All done! She's back on the streets, just in time for Back to the Bricks too. They did a great job, she sounds fine. Only thing I'm noticing is my oil pressure gauge, when idle, will dip in the red and the oil light will come on for a sec. Doesn't seem to effect how it's running though. I plan on taking her in for another oil change in about a week just to make sure she's flushed out.
Least you found a spot. I know with my other motor had guy test drive it... said holy crap that car moves. Hey dumb ass glad you just took car for joy ride. Thats when I lived in jackson and that was at the stealership
------------------ 3800 SC/IC Formula whines more than your girl... 08 Cobalt SS TC - ZZP tuned, K&N SRI, 6k HID's 13.31@107 07 HHR - Wifes (tried to have her get the SS)
