And as for the fuel economy, allegedly only the 84 economy geared transmission could hit that, very rare, so not much proof in either direction, all other 4 cyl got around 40mpg, and the v6s got around 25-30mpg. All of that is assuming a perfectly running Fiero, with any misreporting sensors, carbon buildup, etc, they can run pretty badly. The v6 is pretty spunky, 4 cyl manual is surprisingly alright, and a before mentioned badly running 4 cyl auto is, well, not remotely pleasurable to drive. You're right that the corvair is rear engined, the Fiero was the first American mid engined mass produced car, and GM's only until the Corvette.
Yea from the research I've done there were many options for the auto transmission. Technically the 84 auto could be modified to have good fuel economy and I might go down that road if gas prices keep going up. As geared I average 32mpg at 70mph, running about 3700rpm. If I can track down the right set of chain gears and change them out It would drop the rpm down to the sweet spot. They had 3 regular options and technically a fourth. Mine has a gearing of 33(engine) to 37(transaxle) on vin tag it's designated as F-16. They had a 38(engine) 32(transaxle) set produced for the transmission. If everything else remains the same, I'd see a 28% drop in rpm and possibly see that return as an increase in fuel economy.
They still exist, but tracking down one that doesn't need a ton of work is either difficult or expensive. I'd personally recommend finding one that has a good frame that may need mechanical vs over paying for a "decent" one that may still have hidden problems. Also tires, finding one's for 13in rims is next to impossible. Tires for 14in rims are still around, though I didn't go with stock tires as they're almost 2x the cost.
No, it is the correct shifter pattern, as shown, there is a reverse lockout that can rust up really bad, also the 84s have a shorter shifter, increasing the effort even more. even in the best of Fieros it is hard to get into reverse, you need to really slam it to the left from neutral, you'll feel it click in as it moves over.
Hey there, thanks for the comment. I hate to be that guy, but I did have the car moving under its own power after I got it. To put it in first, you have to go left and up, straight down for second,and right and up for third. Reverse is over right and down, and it took us days to find it. That's why I wonder if the transmission hasn't been swapped out at some point. Again, thank you for the information.
@@mr.vehicular oh ok, it sounded like it had never moved under its own power, and the pattern was a guess based on 4 available slots, I don't see that gm made any 3 speed FWD manuals, so that's even more confusing, I have no idea what's up with that
As an owner of an 88 model Fierro I see it more as a rear engine and not a mid engine. The engine sits over the the rear tires and the golf bag wide make believe trunk that melts ice cream purchased from Safeway a half mile from home begs the difference to being the first mid engine ride made in America.
Good to see you making videos like this man, keep up the good work.
@@conorhutton3646 Thank you very much.
I own a 1986 GT and I bring mine to shows. It gets a ton of love.
And as for the fuel economy, allegedly only the 84 economy geared transmission could hit that, very rare, so not much proof in either direction, all other 4 cyl got around 40mpg, and the v6s got around 25-30mpg. All of that is assuming a perfectly running Fiero, with any misreporting sensors, carbon buildup, etc, they can run pretty badly. The v6 is pretty spunky, 4 cyl manual is surprisingly alright, and a before mentioned badly running 4 cyl auto is, well, not remotely pleasurable to drive. You're right that the corvair is rear engined, the Fiero was the first American mid engined mass produced car, and GM's only until the Corvette.
Yea from the research I've done there were many options for the auto transmission. Technically the 84 auto could be modified to have good fuel economy and I might go down that road if gas prices keep going up. As geared I average 32mpg at 70mph, running about 3700rpm. If I can track down the right set of chain gears and change them out It would drop the rpm down to the sweet spot. They had 3 regular options and technically a fourth. Mine has a gearing of 33(engine) to 37(transaxle) on vin tag it's designated as F-16. They had a 38(engine) 32(transaxle) set produced for the transmission. If everything else remains the same, I'd see a 28% drop in rpm and possibly see that return as an increase in fuel economy.
I so wanted one of these!
They still exist, but tracking down one that doesn't need a ton of work is either difficult or expensive. I'd personally recommend finding one that has a good frame that may need mechanical vs over paying for a "decent" one that may still have hidden problems. Also tires, finding one's for 13in rims is next to impossible. Tires for 14in rims are still around, though I didn't go with stock tires as they're almost 2x the cost.
No, it is the correct shifter pattern, as shown, there is a reverse lockout that can rust up really bad, also the 84s have a shorter shifter, increasing the effort even more. even in the best of Fieros it is hard to get into reverse, you need to really slam it to the left from neutral, you'll feel it click in as it moves over.
Hey there, thanks for the comment. I hate to be that guy, but I did have the car moving under its own power after I got it. To put it in first, you have to go left and up, straight down for second,and right and up for third. Reverse is over right and down, and it took us days to find it. That's why I wonder if the transmission hasn't been swapped out at some point. Again, thank you for the information.
@@mr.vehicular oh ok, it sounded like it had never moved under its own power, and the pattern was a guess based on 4 available slots, I don't see that gm made any 3 speed FWD manuals, so that's even more confusing, I have no idea what's up with that
@@1985FieroGT All good, thanks again.
As an owner of an 88 model Fierro I see it more as a rear engine and not a mid engine. The engine sits over the the rear tires and the golf bag wide make believe trunk that melts ice cream purchased from Safeway a half mile from home begs the difference to being the first mid engine ride made in America.