For some back story; I'm 27 and looking to get my first car that isn't a daily/commuter. Never had a father figure, so I'm late to the game lol I don't know if I'll ever get into autocross or do a 3800sc swap even though it sounds and looks awesome. I'm looking for a car I can tinker around on and learn; mechanically and body/paint...and is more fun to drive then my 07 hyudia accent. Maybe down the road I'll do a swap and get into track days and all that but for now I'd appreciate some guidance on what you'd look for if you were me in todays market. I really like the look of the fieros, mr2s, supras, 240s, 300xz, etc. but given the price ranges for each and research I've done, I think the fiero is a good fit for me.
My preferences are 5 speed, v6, fastback; in at least running condition. But there's room for negotiation if the price is right...
Body Style: I could go either way. In some photos the fastback looks awesome, I am McFly... But in other photos the notchback looks good too. I'm in Utah and most of the fastbacks are in the midwest or east coast, I may settle on a notchback.
Transmission: I've always driven manual and so getting an automatic for fun sounds counter productive. I'd prefer the 5 speed but would getting a 4 really be a marginal loss?
Engine: I can't imagine not getting the v6 unless for some reason I found a cheap v4 with a 5 speed in it in good condition.
Base, SE or GT: I know there were changes to the GTs in most years for a number of things but am having difficulty finding a conclusive answer what changes were made across all years for the base model. Does anyone know if/how the base models changed through the years other than the engines and the 5 speed trans? Is the WS6 really worth holding out for or would I end up doing aftermarket mods anyway?
Availability: Not a whole lot in my neighborhood. There's a couple decent condition v6 4speed 86 SEs nearby, but they want $6-10k... Everything else online is out of state. A base 88 a couple states over that doesn't look halfbad. And some junky fixer uppers.
Condition: I'd prefer to find something running at the very least. Would be sweet if it was bone stock but I'm not overly optimistic on that front. I'm not a mechanic and all my mechanic friends are out of state; but I can follow youtube videos like a good little monkey. I've done timing belt jobs and stuff on cars by watching them, so I'm confident in my abilities. I would also bet I could do some decent body/paint work given the small experience I have.
TL;DR Seeking guidance on my first fiero to make it look and run nice. What year, model, trans, price, etc. would you wait for?
[This message has been edited by WaterInYuhDish (edited 10-06-2021).]
For some back story; I'm 27 and looking to get my first car that isn't a daily/commuter. Never had a father figure, so I'm late to the game lol I don't know if I'll ever get into autocross or do a 3800sc swap even though it sounds and looks awesome. I'm looking for a car I can tinker around on and learn; mechanically and body/paint...and is more fun to drive then my 07 hyudia accent. Maybe down the road I'll do a swap and get into track days and all that but for now I'd appreciate some guidance on what you'd look for if you were me in todays market. I really like the look of the fieros, mr2s, supras, 240s, 300xz, etc. but given the price ranges for each and research I've done, I think the fiero is a good fit for me.
My preferences are 5 speed, v6, fastback; in at least running condition. But there's room for negotiation if the price is right...
Body Style: I could go either way. In some photos the fastback looks awesome, I am McFly... But in other photos the notchback looks good too. I'm in Utah and most of the fastbacks are in the midwest or east coast, I may settle on a notchback. Be aware that the quarter windows and taillights of fastbacks are more expensive than the sail panels and taillights of the notchbacks. You may want to shop around to find the prices for replacing these parts. Besides that, there's no real advantage of one over the other.
Transmission: I've always driven manual and so getting an automatic for fun sounds counter productive. I'd prefer the 5 speed but would getting a 4 really be a marginal loss? Yes, Fiero automatics are no fun (but I'm a diehard standard guy). Be aware that there are essentially four families of Fiero manual transmissions: Muncie 4-speed with smooth case. Used on 4-cylinder 4-speed cars. Muncie 4-speed with reinforced case. Used on 6-cylinder 4-speed cars. Isuzu 5-speed. Used on 4-cylinder 5-speed cars. Getrag 5-speed. Used on 6-cylinder 5-speed cars. It is not recommended to use the 4-cylinder transmissions with a V6 or souped-up engine; they are considered more fragile. It is slightly harder to get smooth shifts and stay in the powerband with the 4-speeds as the gaps between the gears are wider than they are in the 5-speeds. This may be an issue if you want to drive competitively. It's fine for a cruiser.
Engine: I can't imagine not getting the v6 unless for some reason I found a cheap v4 with a 5 speed in it in good condition. I've tried an L4/auto Fiero and it was quite lethargic. Can't comment on the L4/standard.
Base, SE or GT: I know there were changes to the GTs in most years for a number of things but am having difficulty finding a conclusive answer what changes were made across all years for the base model. Does anyone know if/how the base models changed through the years other than the engines and the 5 speed trans? Is the WS6 really worth holding out for or would I end up doing aftermarket mods anyway? The most important changes (all models, base or not) happened for the 1988 model year when the parts-bin brakes and suspension was replaced with better hardware for the Fiero. WS6 is mostly shocks, swaybars (I think), steering rack ratio. Not a dealbreaker if you want to change things anyway.
Availability: Not a whole lot in my neighborhood. There's a couple decent condition v6 4speed 86 SEs nearby, but they want $6-10k... Everything else online is out of state. A base 88 a couple states over that doesn't look halfbad. And some junky fixer uppers.
Condition: I'd prefer to find something running at the very least. Would be sweet if it was bone stock but I'm not overly optimistic on that front. I'm not a mechanic and all my mechanic friends are out of state; but I can follow youtube videos like a good little monkey. I've done timing belt jobs and stuff on cars by watching them, so I'm confident in my abilities. I would also bet I could do some decent body/paint work given the small experience I have.
TL;DR Seeking guidance on my first fiero to make it look and run nice. What year, model, trans, price, etc. would you wait for? Fieros can suffer from the rust bug. The most important thing is to find one without rust! The rest of the car bolts/unbolts like Lego. I suggest looking at a bunch of Fieros... when you find the right one, you just know it. I think I checked out maybe 5 Fieros before buying mine.
Good to see that you followed my advice, and checked out this forum... the subreddit isnt very good honestly but I still check there from time to time. I hope one day you find the one
For a first hobby car I would go with the 85-87 GT's. The 88's seem to be priced substantially higher for the small extra for what you get and are in high demand. With a few suspension mods like adding a rear anti-sway bar my 87 performs very close to what an 88 gives in handling and I'm not road racing so it really doesn't matter. The stick cars cost more although some like myself am happier with the automatic especially when stuck in traffic. Before buying be sure to check out the steel under-frame. Used Fieros can be had for a decent price but on any 30+ yr old vehicle expect to do some serious repair work and don't expect perfect reliability. With an engine swap you can achieve really quality performance but the majority of Fiero owners that I have seen at the shows still keep them stock.
------------------ " 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 "
For some back story; I'm 27 and looking to get my first car that isn't a daily/commuter. Never had a father figure, so I'm late to the game lol I don't know if I'll ever get into autocross or do a 3800sc swap even though it sounds and looks awesome. I'm looking for a car I can tinker around on and learn; mechanically and body/paint...and is more fun to drive then my 07 hyudia accent. Maybe down the road I'll do a swap and get into track days and all that but for now I'd appreciate some guidance on what you'd look for if you were me in todays market. I really like the look of the fieros, mr2s, supras, 240s, 300xz, etc. but given the price ranges for each and research I've done, I think the fiero is a good fit for me.
My preferences are 5 speed, v6, fastback; in at least running condition. But there's room for negotiation if the price is right...
Body Style: I could go either way. In some photos the fastback looks awesome, I am McFly... But in other photos the notchback looks good too. I'm in Utah and most of the fastbacks are in the midwest or east coast, I may settle on a notchback. Be aware that the quarter windows and taillights of fastbacks are more expensive than the sail panels and taillights of the notchbacks. You may want to shop around to find the prices for replacing these parts. Besides that, there's no real advantage of one over the other.
Transmission: I've always driven manual and so getting an automatic for fun sounds counter productive. I'd prefer the 5 speed but would getting a 4 really be a marginal loss? Yes, Fiero automatics are no fun (but I'm a diehard standard guy). Be aware that there are essentially four families of Fiero manual transmissions: Muncie 4-speed with smooth case. Used on 4-cylinder 4-speed cars. Muncie 4-speed with reinforced case. Used on 6-cylinder 4-speed cars. Isuzu 5-speed. Used on 4-cylinder 5-speed cars. Getrag 5-speed. Used on 6-cylinder 5-speed cars. It is not recommended to use the 4-cylinder transmissions with a V6 or souped-up engine; they are considered more fragile. It is slightly harder to get smooth shifts and stay in the powerband with the 4-speeds as the gaps between the gears are wider than they are in the 5-speeds. This may be an issue if you want to drive competitively. It's fine for a cruiser.
Engine: I can't imagine not getting the v6 unless for some reason I found a cheap v4 with a 5 speed in it in good condition. I've tried an L4/auto Fiero and it was quite lethargic. Can't comment on the L4/standard.
Base, SE or GT: I know there were changes to the GTs in most years for a number of things but am having difficulty finding a conclusive answer what changes were made across all years for the base model. Does anyone know if/how the base models changed through the years other than the engines and the 5 speed trans? Is the WS6 really worth holding out for or would I end up doing aftermarket mods anyway? The most important changes (all models, base or not) happened for the 1988 model year when the parts-bin brakes and suspension was replaced with better hardware for the Fiero. WS6 is mostly shocks, swaybars (I think), steering rack ratio. Not a dealbreaker if you want to change things anyway.
Availability: Not a whole lot in my neighborhood. There's a couple decent condition v6 4speed 86 SEs nearby, but they want $6-10k... Everything else online is out of state. A base 88 a couple states over that doesn't look halfbad. And some junky fixer uppers.
Condition: I'd prefer to find something running at the very least. Would be sweet if it was bone stock but I'm not overly optimistic on that front. I'm not a mechanic and all my mechanic friends are out of state; but I can follow youtube videos like a good little monkey. I've done timing belt jobs and stuff on cars by watching them, so I'm confident in my abilities. I would also bet I could do some decent body/paint work given the small experience I have.
TL;DR Seeking guidance on my first fiero to make it look and run nice. What year, model, trans, price, etc. would you wait for? Fieros can suffer from the rust bug. The most important thing is to find one without rust! The rest of the car bolts/unbolts like Lego. I suggest looking at a bunch of Fieros... when you find the right one, you just know it. I think I checked out maybe 5 Fieros before buying mine.
Thank you very much for your input! Definitely keeping my eyes out for rust.
