88 suspension

[robbybobbyshobby]

I currently have a 87 GT 5sp with 53000 miles I have replaced all bushings with poly and installed antisway bar. Im not very impressed with the way it handles. I want to put a v8 in a 88 and am wondering if they really handle that much better? They are harder to come by than other years. Is it really worth it ? What can I do for my 87 to make it better? Will the rear cradle swap off of an 88 on to my 87? What about the front ? Thanks rrm Any 88 gt 5sp for sale

[MagicRat]

If you want a good handling Fiero, sell your '87 and buy an '88. It will be much cheaper than reworking your '87 the way you suggest.

Also, IMHO a big heavy v8 will make any Fiero, 88 or otherwise, handle worse than stock.

[coop8267]

you could get a smaller aluminum v8 such as a 4.9 PFI.
the 4.9 weighs approx. 371lbs. fully dressed.
the 2.8 v6 weighs approx. 345-376lbs fully dressed.
3.4 twin dohc v6 weighs 492 lbs fully dressed.
3800 SC series II v6 - 445lbs fully dressed.
4.6 northstar v8 - 468lbs fully dressed.
chevy SB v8 404lbs (aluminum heads & intake)(no accessories).
Transmissons-
Muncie 4 speed- 84.5 lb.
Isuzu 5 speed- 98 lb.
Getrag 5 speed- 101.5 lb.
TH125c 3 speed- 151 lb.
TH440T4 / 4T60 4 speed- 177 lb. }
4T60E 4 speed- 186 lb. } overdrive
4T65E 4 speed- 196 lb. }
4T80E 4 speed- 296 lb. }

[Old Lar]

The 88 Fieros were the best handling stock Fieros. If you are doing a V8 build up, you can take any 85-87 Fiero and build up the suspension so that it will handle as well as an 88 Fiero. The one good thing is that there are lots of available 85-87 suspension components and brake components around. The 88's had a limited build run so fewer used parts are available.

If you are doing a major v8 conversion, money won't be a problem, so you can do all the upgrades to make the best handling car in the world. If you are going to do a cheap v8 conversion, don't.

[coop8267]

depending on how much money you want to spend on suspension there's some really good stuff at http://www.heldmotorsports.com/fiero.htm