Dave Balfour's Sliver V-8 SE

The 2M8 Fiero
Dave Balfour

Love at first site

My first Fiero was impact tested; leaving the car a pile of junk.

The second time is better

In 1997 I thought that it was time to have another Fiero This time it was also an 84. The previous owner had put a V8 into it....What a combination. So far it has been a Love/Hate relationship. The car now has great straight line performance. Something lacking in the original 2.5 liter version.

The cooling system.

Well I have gotten it sorted out. I have removed the thermostat from the engine cutting the main restriction to flow through the system that is driven by an electric water pump pushing the coolent to the 4 core Archie radiator.

The handling.

The Fiero isn't noted for balanced weight distribution. Now add a couple of hundred pounds to the back of it. When I first purchased the car it was like "the tail wagging the dog." I have put gas struts and 16 inch wheels on it and it is better but it pushes the front while on the gas and hangs the tail out while off the throttle. great fun but you dont want to be eating an apple and trying to drive, it might bite ya.

I really love this car.

Pulling G's in top gear brings a big smile to yourself and your lucky passenger. The grunt of the 350 cubic inch V-8 gives the car effortless power. I have several high performance motorcycles (1000-1200 cc) and the 5.7 liter Fiero has many of the same engine qualities. I also have a GMC Syclone Turbocharged truck that cannot accelerate as well as the Fiero.

More things about my Fiero

I have replaced the original transaxle (Muncie 4 speed) with an Isuzu (Fiero) 5 speed. The cruise RPM dropped to 2200 at 60. With the four speed the car felt like it was in third when it was in fourth. Also I plan on stiffening the rear suspension and shortening the front springs.

Need Parts?

As it turns out you can't just own one Fiero. They are still pretty cheap and the junk ones abound. I have another Fiero that is my parts car. Its an 86 so if you need new interior parts, 2.5l engine or many body panels let me know.

E-Mail Dave Balfour