1988 Pontiac Fiero

Coupe

4 Cylinder 2.5 Liter

Manual

Gasoline

1988 is likely the best, and last, year of the Fiero. From Wikipedia: 1988 Fiero brought a new suspension design; it was the suspension the Pontiac engineers had designed in the beginning, along with what they learned from the racing program. Up front were revised control arms and knuckles that reduced steering effort and improved the scrub radius. In the back, the old parts were replaced with a real tri-link suspension with all new knuckles… 1988 marked the end of production for the Fiero, and is also considered to be the best Fiero produced. Improvements to suspension, brakes, steering, and improvements to both the four-cylinder and V6 engines took the car to a level far beyond the 1984 model. During the Fiero's final model year, the Pontiac, Michigan plant, where the Fiero was built, was closed down. This Fiero is my version of the 1988 evolved further. When I was looking for this car I specifically chose a base model. This car started life with four cylinders, and a five speed manual transmission and a sunroof. No air conditioning, no power windows or locks, no power anything. The V8 installation was completed to look stock, no blazing orange intakes or lime green air filters. The engine bay is natural looking enough that I have had people asking what years came with V8’s. Why did I want no options – the reasons are as follows. This is a 1988 car, and power options with twenty-plus years of use don’t often work well. Not having any power options leaves less to break later. Also, weight savings were considered when I purchased this car. A 1988 no-option coupe is the lightest 88 I know of. The GT model and Formula both weighed more – the GT because of the extra body panels and V-6, the Formula because of the V-6. And quite possibly the best reason is the VIN for a four cylinder is cheaper to insure. This car can be driven as the sleeper it is, or one could switch it to the GT look by adding the GT panels, or the Formula look with just a spoiler and some decals. Many use the Fiero to build into Exotic replicas, this one comes with the power to back up the look. How sad it is to see awesome replicas being passed by today’s Mini-Vans…. The Engine is a fusion of 4.9 Liter Aluminum block V-8 sourced from a 1993 Cadillac Sedan De Ville and performance parts from a Cadillac Allante. The 4.9 V8 donor car had 64K miles on it before being hit on the passenger rear. Before the engine was installed, the timing, front and rear seals, and water pump were replaced. The rocker bridges and intake manifold are from a Cadillac Allante and were installed next -- the rocker bridges from the Allante’s engine are made from Steel, and don’t flex like the stock 4.9’s aluminum ones can at higher RPM’s. The Allante intake manifold, with tuned port injection, breathes much better than the stock Cadillac 4.9 manifold. The Allante was Cadillac’s version of performance at the time. This V-8 is now cooled by a custom 3-core aluminum radiator. The clutch is a Centerforce Dual-Friction, and the Flywheel is custom made by LSC. The rear suspension is full poly, and handles like it is on rails. If you have ever driven an 88 stock set-up, this one is just that much more. The chip has a custom program with allocations made for the Allante intake. The 4.9’s idle is controlled through the computer, and is set to idle at 800 RPM. The speedometer gets its signal from the computer as well, and this has been corrected to match with the stock rims, which have new tires. The car also has a new magnaflow catalytic converter, and flowmaster style muffler. I did not have the O2 sensor programmed out, the computer still uses this input, and it should help keep our air cleaner. The fuel pump (Corvette) and fuel filter (stock V6 Fiero) are new as well. The air intake is set up using a V6 Fiero air cleaner and filter element. The tires are less than six months old. So why am I selling? Well, I have fun building and restoring all things automotive, and this car is now mechanically sound. I want to sell it to start on my next toy. Its next stage in life is up to the buyer. Remain a stock sleeper – or an awesome replica – or maybe a GT? This one is a blank canvas for your ideas. What is wrong with the car? It does have some faults. The passenger fender is damaged, it was when I got it (something the previous seller forgot to mention) and you can see it in the You Tube videos. The gas gauge works intermittently; I just use the trip odometer and fill accordingly. Also, the tachometer is not calibrated for the V8, and there is some damage to the front marker lights on both sides. The paint is okay, but does have scratches here and there. I did not work on the body or paint because the next owner may want a different color or whole new look. If you miss this one, there something you should know about Fiero's in general. All cars are subject to rust, and 20 year old cars should be examined closely. Fiero's have non-metallic bodies, and can hide rust. At a minimum, any Fiero buyer should see the trunk corners, under the carpet, as severe rust can be hidden there. If you can get the car on a lift, or safely look under it, you should. Structural, car ending rust can be completely hidden! My car is the most rust free Fiero I have seen, the pictures / videos speak for themselves, and if you need more pictures, please let me know, I have more I can email to interested bidders. Interested parties are welcome to view, inspect, or test ride the car by contacting me through eBay and scheduling a time. Due to the power of this car, test drives will not happen - sorry. Disclaimers, Shipping, and the Fine Print: * This car is for sale as-is, where-is, with no warranty expressed or implied. * Winning bidder required to make a $500.00 USD non-refundable deposit within 24 hours of auction close. This car needs to sell; it is not fair to other bidders to relist several times due to a winning bidder not being able to complete the sale. * Shipping is the winning Bidder’s responsibility. I cannot transport, or deliver the vehicle. If your shipping agent requires, I will drive the car (within ten miles of zip 97103) to a parking lot or similar area to facilitate loading. * Placing a bid on this auction confirms that the bidder understands and accepts the terms and conditions listed. Please do not bid if you have any unanswered questions about the auction, terms, or the vehicle listed. * The bank still has the title, once funds have cleared, the title will be sent to the new owner