Hello! I am new here and to owning Fieros. I picked this one up around a month ago. Right now it is a 2.8 auto but am planning on doing a Getrag 282 and 3800 swap. I was told a crate motor was put in (newish block and heads but 40+ year old everything else) For now I just want to get it running decent enough. I must press the gas to start and it idle hunts quite a bit. Wiring wise she's a mess It also appears someone installed a remote start box and a kill switch. (neither of which work) It somehow runs without an IGN fuse. Otherwise its really fun to drive. Yall got any suggestions on the issues listed or just another excuse to 3800 swap it?
(more photos because I am excited about the car lol)
also photo of maybe kill switch? Photo of fuse box (notice lack of IGN and BAT fuses yet the car runs and the radio/horn work) Will have photo of remote start box? Maybe an amp? By tomorrow.
Well, that explains it lol. Thanks for the info. Chose general because it was more supposed to be a "Hi I'm new" post. Sorry if its wrong! (did include general technical stuff. mb!)
If the wiring is that borked, you may want to try to buy - or download - a service manual. They can save you tons of headaches. The requirement for the "foot on the gas when starting" may be due to a non-functional cold-start injector. Does it do it all the time? Or just when the engine is cold?
Its most of the time hard to start cold, starts easier hot, still have to press the gas sometimes hot but have to always press gas and crank for a few seconds cold. Even while hot when putting into gear the engine will often (not always) die. Exhaust smells like gas (however has no cats) and sometimes has unburned fuel smoke (white smoke but smells like gas). Honestly didn’t know there was a cold start injector till now. Used to working on 3800s.
If the wiring is that borked, you may want to try to buy - or download - a service manual. They can save you tons of headaches.
To ME, the Pontiac Fiero Service Manual of your year is 'required'if you're serious, and I prefer the printed version... https://fieroinfo.com/manuals/
On PFF, the best tool is the "Search" button; it unlocks a huge of information and member experiences to learn on your Fiero.
The yellow paint is OEM?
Welcome to the Forum!
------------------ Original Owner of a Silver '88 GT Under 'Production Refurbishment' @ 136k Miles
Its most of the time hard to start cold, starts easier hot, still have to press the gas sometimes hot but have to always press gas and crank for a few seconds cold. Even while hot when putting into gear the engine will often (not always) die. Exhaust smells like gas (however has no cats) and sometimes has unburned fuel smoke (white smoke but smells like gas). Honestly didn’t know there was a cold start injector till now. Used to working on 3800s.
Have you checked all of the vacuum lines? Vacuum issues can affect starting and running.
sorry to step in here late. That is a 3100 or 3400 aluminum head engine and probably has different ecu,and maybe no cold start? OK now I see the cold start in the one picture
[This message has been edited by sleek fiero (edited 11-20-2025).]
sorry to step in here late. That is a 3100 or 3400 aluminum head engine and probably has different ecu,and maybe no cold start? OK now I see the cold start in the one picture
No, as far as I can tell that looks like the stock intake and valve covers, which means the stock iron heads, it's just been stripped down or painted silver instead of red. As far as I know the 3x00 engines intakes prevent a distributor from being used:
This may not be a popular take... but I'm among friends here so I'm totally OK if they disagree with me. But when I see wiring hacked up like that, I often think the best thing to do at that point is to just replace it. And specifically, what I mean by that is actually replacing the ECU and going with a newer engine management system.
There are so many good systems out there now. They're a little expensive, and that's the only real barrier to entry if you want a "complete" kit. The one that I have (which I will end up using), is the FAST EZ EFI 2.0 system. It's designed to upgrade and improve 80s GM technology. It's a completely new system that introduces a much more responsive system, along with a rudimentary "automated" learning. That means that it automatically adjusts everything to ensure an optimal air/fuel ratio. So, you can make upgrades, and it will automatically adjust to take advantage of them. You can still fine tune things if you want to lean out somewhere.
The other alternative is to go with a MegaSquirt (or MicroSquirt). Have safe search on if you're searching in front of a spouse... I get some pretty interesting results that are unintended.
Finally, the nice thing about this generation of GM car, is that the gauge cluster is totally independent of the ECM. This means, almost everything is run off of completely independent sensors that feed directly to the gauge cluster. So, you can replace the engine management system, and keep the parts of the wiring harness that apply to the gauge cluster.
Your only other option really, is to buy replacement wiring harnesses... they are out there (used), but you're going to have to do a lot of repairs. The FAST system already has all the clips and everything for GM engines, so it's perfect in my mind.
This may not be a popular take... but I'm among friends here so I'm totally OK if they disagree with me. But when I see wiring hacked up like that, I often think the best thing to do at that point is to just replace it. And specifically, what I mean by that is actually replacing the ECU and going with a newer engine management system.
Unfortunately working on a college student budget here. I used to repair electronics so it may be worth it for me to repair the harness myself. I totally would if I had the budget as that will also make the 3800 swap easier.
Good looking car but obviously the first step is rewiring. I would investigate every splice or connection and follow the wiring schermatic .Most of us started with Fieros needing repair. Stick with it and you will be OK but also realize that you are now joining an antique car community.
------------------ " THE BLACK PARALYZER" -87GT 3800SC Series III engine, custom ZZP /Frozen Boost Intercooler setup, 3.4" Pulley, Northstar TB, LS1 MAF, 3" Spintech/Hedman Exhaust, P-log Manifold, Autolite 104's, MSD wires, Custom CAI, 4T65eHD w. custom axles, Champion Radiator, S10 Brake Booster, 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 "
Good looking car but obviously the first step is rewiring. I would investigate every splice or connection and follow the wiring schermatic .Most of us started with Fieros needing repair. Stick with it and you will be OK but also realize that you are now joining an antique car community.
Yep, I see a weekend with wire strippers and loads of heatshrink in my future lol
There is a guy who works at the airport I work at who is driving a Solstice in the snow and salt/slop of Green Bay right now...the front PS bumper is smashed, passenger door and RR 1/4 are dented, but CMON!! -- IT too is destined to become a classic...unless the salt demons get it first. Makes me go GRRRR as I have to do rust repair on my '87 GT.
quote
Originally posted by Vintage-Nut:
I disagree - the Fiero is really a 'Classic' as they can still drive faster than antique or vintage vehicles.
Antique Cars are commonly classified as being 45+ years old, also aren't normally used for pleasure drives, like the Fiero.
Vintage cars, manufactured between 1918 and 1930, will not be seeing much time on the road....
[This message has been edited by DaveB1701 (edited 12-07-2025).]
_1.JPG)
