Page 224 - Wayne Carini's Guide to Affordable Classics

radius, reduction in kingpin angle, longer upper and lower A-arms, As a car that stands out for its design, for its role as technical
and a larger (28- vs 22-mm) anti-roll bar. In back, the list of changes included a new subframe with different suspension attachment points, three-link design allowing adjustment of each component, reduced impact harshness, lower spring rates, and the inclusion of a 22-mm anti-roll bar on the Formula and GT (i.e., V6) models.
This significant engineering change brought with it a major handling improvement: “Does all this work better? Definitely yes,” said Road & Track in late 1987. “How much better? It’s a noticeable improvement over the 1987 Fiero but still with a way to go. The Fiero remains a wide, heavy car with slow steering, not very subtle and not responsive to the light touch. Manhandle it and you’ll get results. Much of the older design’s numb feel is gone, there is more road feel and the car turns in better, though retaining a basic understeer.” In a comparison test with the contemporary supercharged MR2, R&T was willing to give the Fiero some credit for its aesthetic advantages over its Japanese rival, but the MR2 was the clear winner in the technical department – despite its $4,500 price premium.
All of this leaves the Fiero buyer with something of a quandary.
innovation and for its general rarity, the Fiero chalks up points against the quirkier X 1/9 and the more expensive and more highly prized (and priced) MR2. Easy to work on with a relatively ample parts supply, the Fiero is fun, interesting, reliable and a bargain compared to its competitors – and something that will always draw attention wherever you drive it.
Enthusiasts regard the 1988 model Fieros as the versions to buy, especially in V6, GT form.
The Knowledge
dRust areas: sunroof weatherstrip tracks, rear strut towers, rear “frame” rails above the tires (hidden behind the rear quarter panel and wheelwells), floors and rear trunk well (be sure pull up the trunk carpet). Currently, there is not enough demand to produce any patch panels so this is a complete DIY repair job.
dWeatherstrips for the T-top are not available and, due to low production volume, are unlikely to ever be reproduced, so approach these cars with caution due to the likelihood of wind noise and water leaks.
dSunroof cars are also prone to leaks and rust. Pay special attention to the weatherstrip tracks, which are completely hidden without ripping the weatherstrip out. This rusts then clogs the drain ports that are meant to move water down the pillars and out from the car. Expect to spend some time cleaning the drains and replacing the sunroof tracks.
dThe 1988 model year is the last and most valuable model year, BUT many components were produced only for that year, such as brakes and suspension. These parts can be hard to find and will only become more difficult longer term – especially if you want to keep the car in stock form.
dBrakes on all years are a potential problem if the car has sat for a long time or the parking brake has not been used. All brake parts are currently available, except for 1988 calipers. Caliper rebuilding is not for the novice and The Fiero Store can rebuild customer cores.
dDue to the long cooling pipes that extend the length of the car, overheating is a risk. The pipes require a close inspection for kinks, dings, bends, rust, etc. Does the
car still have a thermostat in it (it is very easy to remove on these cars)? If not, this is usually masking a problem elsewhere.
dInterior consoles have a tendency to warp due to the glue on the vinyl cover drying out. They can be repaired with a little patience and guidance from Fiero clubs and forums.
dThe baffle in the fuel tank that keeps fuel around the pump tends to move around or dislodge from its original position because GM used a plastic baffle that is simply pressed in place over the filler tube as it enters the tank. If the baffle shifts, it will interfere with the sending unit float (impacting the fuel gauge) or, worse, the baffle falls off the filler tube completely and then just floats around the tank causing fuel starvation and improper gauge readings.
dInspect the car for the quality of parts used. Though “box store” parts are becoming rarer over time, they can sometimes be of inferior quality – better to look for OE,
or OE-certified parts from a specialized Fiero vendor. “In such a niche market, most big box stores sell what is left of old inventory,” says Justin Cote of The Fiero Store in Manchester, Conn., “which is rapidly dwindling. Without much incentive to reproduce Fiero specific parts, the burden falls on specialists to keep Fieros on the road. The Fiero Store is one of a small handful of companies actively reproducing parts and filling the void left by GM and retail parts giants. For those new to the Fiero, seek out us vendors since we are working hard to keep these cars on the road.”
222Wayne CariniAffordable Classics