Aside from the enormous amount of work, the benefits would be better brakes (GM metric calipers would bolt right on), MUCH bigger wheel bearings, better suspension adjustability, stronger ball joints, larger bushings, cheaper parts and better wheel selection with the 5 x 4.75" [12.65 mm] bolt pattern.
------------------ 1986 SE Aero coupe.
3.4 DOHC swap is complete and running, now just have to finish the rest of the car...
Increase in weight, need for special springs and matching shocks, actually better wheel fitment with 5x100, adapting steering rack, achieving proper brake bias......
I'm not sure GM did anything more than put spare parts from other compact cars in the suspension. I remembered that I had swapped out my spindles with corvette spindles. This was a complete system, front and back, custom built by Arriat Motors. This included 12 inch disk brakes with four-piston calipers all round. This also required a larger brake fluid reservoir to handle the additional pistons. This, however did not include the upper and lower A arms so I'm using stock there. It is not an over shock system and I've heard this is better.
I'd think the 4th gen f body set up would be better than the old 70-81 front clip.. as the front set up including crossmember bolts out of those cars and use unequal a arms.. unlike the 3rd gen that was struts..
I haven't been under my fiero in a while but I'm kinda shocked that with all the kits that put bigger brakes and the use of much wider rubber, the mounting points on the car haven't failed a ton.. As it was never designed for any of it..
I'm not sure GM did anything more than put spare parts from other compact cars in the suspension. I remembered that I had swapped out my spindles with corvette spindles. This was a complete system, front and back, custom built by Arriat Motors. This included 12 inch disk brakes with four-piston calipers all round. This also required a larger brake fluid reservoir to handle the additional pistons. This, however did not include the upper and lower A arms so I'm using stock there. It is not an over shock system and I've heard this is better.
I should change the custom builder to Arraut Motorsports [arrautmotorsports@gmail.com]
With the heavier corvette spindles, the 12 inch disks and stock A frames what kinds of stress should I look for?
The suspension mounting tabs on the Fiero are pretty much the same as the tabs used on most modern unibody cars .I dont think there is any cause for concern there .If you have Lebaron kit brackets on your car , GM metric calipers fit right in .I use the Willwood single piston version on my car .Also available in 2 and 4 piston style .Summit has them , they work great and look good too .
[This message has been edited by wftb (edited 04-20-2016).]
Back to the issue, Would the extra weight offset any potential improvements?
What extra weight... if you installed it like they are in the 67-81 f body or the 68-79 nova,, you can loose the whole metal from the cowl forward and just leave the upper rail that holds the fender .. and core support...
If, I ever find a c5 transaxle.. I'll build a mini vette, fiero.. engine up front and transaxle in back.. fuel tank over it.. 6.2ltr short wheel base makes for a fun drive
