1985 Pontiac Fiero
I acquired this Fiero back in 2020 through a straight trade for my 2009 Hyundai Elantra equipped with a 5-speed manual. Learning stick shift on the Hyundai was a bit of a mechanical ballet, and in my learnings, the transmission was filled with metal shards. After six grueling months of repairs, the Fiero finally hit the road. Or so I thought.
On its maiden voyage, the car met an explosive fate. Unbeknownst to me, the gauge cluster wasn't fully operational, and the water pump was a dud. I drove it home and then to the mechanic's, completely oblivious to the blown head gasket-evidenced by the massive cloud of white smoke tailing me. My mechanic informed me that I'd need a new engine, and finding a used one was like searching for a needle in a haystack.
Over one research-intensive weekend, I procured a 2002 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP with a working engine but a blown transmission. Fast forward through two stress-laden years, peppered with disappointments from some aftermarket parts stores, the car was finally back in my hands. And then it blew up. Again. A rod burst through the block while I was casually driving through a residential area. To add insult to injury, the car caught fire.
My mechanic and I were, and still are, devastated. I'm $20,000 deep into a car that hasn't given me a single fulfilling drive. But am I giving up? Absolutely not. Another 3800 Supercharged L67 engine will soon take its place, this time fortified with ZZP rods and an array of new aftermarket components. I'm also installing a Haltech IC-7 digital dash and a Haltech Elite 2500 ECU. If this setup fails me again, I'll be at a loss for words. It's not about the investment; it's about seeing this project through to the end.
2023-09-28 Update: I have acquired several new components to enhance the Fiero, including:
I've asked my mechanic to replace any additional parts he deems necessary, such as new gaskets. The rest of the task now lies in his skilled hands. I am targeting Spring 2024 for the Fiero to be back on the road. My hope is that the individual tasked with tuning the car will incorporate robust engine protections to ensure its longevity. This project has indeed been a costly venture, but I am looking forward to the eventual fruition of my & my mechanics efforts.
I just want it to run at this point.
The Fiero and the Grand Prix GTP.
Somehow, I made it to Walmart and back on one drive.
The custom wiring harness the mechanic had to figure out, with no documentation, plugging pins randomly... That is now useless.
The car at the shop at some point after I got nice wheels put on.
The original engine that blew up due to a faulty water pump.