Have you ever owned a Fiero?

[KentishS2]

If so, what did you think of it?

I had a nice example of an '85 2.5 2M4.

It was a bit slow but very well made. The clutch was OK on mine but they can be a bast*rd of a job to replace, so I'm told.

1987 2.8 V6GT auto fastback is the one I fancy.

[v8thunder]

I've heard they're good cars but the manual 2.8 is the one to go for - the 2.4 is seriously underpowered (88-90 bhp!) and teamed with a slushbox it can't be good news.

MK1 MR2 still has it licked, but they do make a good basis for kit cars, especially rather convincing 308GTB replicas.

[KentishS2]

UUhhhmm, I like them standard to be honest.

IIRC the notchback was styled on the ferrari 308, I think it was when Stevie Wonder was chief designer

Yep, 2.8 is the best one to go for and they can easily be remapped (ECU) for a fair bit more power (either model) but the auto box is a better bet for long term hassle free motoring.

Here are the standard(ish) models.

The notchback


The fastback


>> Edited by KentishS2 on Monday 14th February 14:59

[v8thunder]

No, IIRC the notchback was done at the same time as the MK1 MR2 and, like that car, styled after the Fiat X1/9.

The buttressed fastback was built because pretty much every Yank coupe at that time had notchback and fastback options. I prefer the notchback, actually, preferably with the original, cleaner more pointed nose without the front skirt.



Edited to say - Still not tempted by a £20k-£30k discount on some classic Pininfarina styling?





>> Edited by v8thunder on Monday 14th February 15:04

[KentishS2]

I had a black one the same as that (85 model) and it was a real gem, I wish I still had it and I'd have a go at one of the many engine conversions, there are several alternatives and not too difficult to fit either.

[KentishS2]

The Fiero Factory 308 kit is my favourite of the conversions. Gorgeous

I still think the standard car is a nice looking machine, mine used to get as much attention as my TVR.

[v8thunder]

Well, I love classic design and if it's teamed with user-friendly mechanicals that don't have a drink problem and produce usable performance, I don't see what all the fuss is about, especially as the Fiero Factory Monzas are down in the £5k bracket in the kit classifieds.

I wish someone would import the Berlinetta Boxer replicas from America. There are two versions, the Corson GT (pictured), and the Aldino Excalibur. The 308 and BB proportions are suited well to the Fiero's shape, but other kits I've seen (Testarossa, F40, F50) just don't look right. If you're going to have a replica at least make sure it's the right size and proportions!

[Trooper2]

www.v8archie.com/v8fiero.htm


If you find that a 2.8L isn't enough power.

[suggs]

I have a mate who has a fiero one that needs a home.
I met the fiero designer in stratford upon avon some years back when he was working at the gaydon proving ground. nice bloke called dale webber and quite a pretty daughter as I reall.

[KentishS2]

suggs said:

I have a mate who has a fiero one that needs a home. I met the fiero designer in stratford upon avon some years back when he was working at the gaydon proving ground. nice bloke called dale webber and quite a pretty daughter as I reall.

Do you know what model Fiero it is?

If he fancies a TVR I might be prepared to strike a deal.

[LRdriver II]

When in the US, I had two.. a 4-pot followed V6. same year and colour. fairlybulletproof and dont rust as the panels are plastic. They were my first rear engine RWD cars (actually my first cars..)

[Kentish]

Well, I eventually found this 2.8 V6 (auto) and I'm hopefully concluding the deal today.

A rather unusual SE in that it has full leather and RHD.

It does need some interior TLC mainly the dash replacing but I have sourced a replacement already.





>> Edited by Kentish on Wednesday 4th May 11:23

[LuS1fer]

Nice but fergawdsake, don't stick a 308 "kit" on it. They are istantly recognisable as a fraudulent kit and only someone who is fooliong himself will think otherwise. I was once tempted by a Covin Turbo which was a Porsche Turbo kit on a Beetle chassis...until I saw one. LOL.

[Kentish]

LuS1fer said:

Nice but fergawdsake, don't stick a 308 "kit" on it. They are istantly recognisable as a fraudulent kit and only someone who is fooliong himself will think otherwise. I was once tempted by a Covin Turbo which was a Porsche Turbo kit on a Beetle chassis...until I saw one. LOL.

I'm not against replicas to be honest, if one can't afford a 911 then why not have a Covin or a 308 Fiero kit but that's not why I'm after getting this one, I like the Fiero for what it is. They are a very well egineered sports coupe and are great fun.

If I ever rebodied the car I'd probably go for a non-replica kit like the Candy Apple Finale.

[Kentish]

Having said that, I have seen a Fiero Factory Monza (308) in the flesh and that was very nice indeed but the owner had done everything, interior etc etc.

OK, it may not have been exact but if you love the 308 style and not just the prancing horse logo then why not!

Stock Fiero is still a gem of car though and has great style IMHO.

[anonymous-user]

I had a long hard look at the Fiero some years back but never took the plunge. It's about as unusual a car as General Motors ever made although built around some tried and tested mechanicals. As V8 said the 2.8 manual is without doubt the pick of the bunch.

[LuS1fer]

Kentish said:

Stock Fiero is still a gem of car though

From reports amid the American car owning fraternity, including those who've owned Fieros, I've heard a lot of swear words uttered at the mention of it's name. So I hope you've got a good one. LOL.

[Kentish]

LuS1fer said:

Kentish said: Stock Fiero is still a gem of car though From reports amid the American car owning fraternity, including those who've owned Fieros, I've heard a lot of swear words uttered at the mention of it's name. So I hope you've got a good one. LOL.

Any details relating to niggles?

I know they are not that well loved in the States (although they did sell in large numbers) they are not the traditional big V8 monster that an American Petrolhead would aspire to.

I know the clutch is a real b*stard to replace on the manual cars and that the handbrake can be unreliable but that can be due to lack of use in an auto where park is used instead.

[Wildfire]

So have you bought one then Kentish?

[Kentish]

Wildfire said:

So have you bought one then Kentish?

The deal is almost complete