Goodbye Audi

"NinetyQ" (NinetyQ) 01/22/2014 at 11:34 • Filed to: A90Q20V

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I never made an official post on oppo about it, but I sold my Audi a couple weeks ago. I'm a little sad to see it go, but I'm also glad to be out from under it (figuratively and literally with all the hours I've spent under it fixing obscure, corroded, German parts).

A few days ago, I pretty much decided that I would buy a 240Z as my next "enthusiast" car.

But I've been thinking about the Pontiac Fiero GT a lot since then... cheaper, easier to maintain, still small, lightweight, RWD, American, mid-engine. No other car has all of those traits combined.

Also, as much as I like the stock gold basketweaves, these more modern 5-spokes make a nice case for themselves as well.

deekster_caddy > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 11:35

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If you can find a nice one the last Fieros are not bad. You may find a few with a Supercharged 3800 swap, if so, get it!

Big Bubba Ray > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 11:36

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Get a 240Z!! I hope to own one in the future. Maybe after I get my Baja Bug all fixed up and the thrill wears off after a couple years I can sell it for a very small profit and snag myself a 240.

Velocity- Peuguette Connoisseur > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 11:36

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Fieros are legit

camaroboy68ss > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 11:41

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camaroboy68ss > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 11:41

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Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 11:51

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The 240Z will baby.

505Turbeaux > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 12:06

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Man the 90Q club is dwindling here then! I will have my red one at least through the summer.

On the Fiero GT I say go right for it. My Aunt brought hers over when my Uncle was stationed in Munich and I got to drive at all over Bavaria. Man was it so much more fun than our Merc 230TE wagon. Got more looks on the autobahn than a Porsche too. (it was the same color as the one pictures, tan interior with the speakers in the headrests)

NinetyQ > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig 01/22/2014 at 12:09

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Baby? It's a two-seater and far less safe than the Fiero, which was rated as the safest non-airbag car ever, and in its day, second only to a Volvo.

NinetyQ > deekster_caddy 01/22/2014 at 12:11

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I have a pretty strict policy of trying not to buy someone else's project, but I suppose if the swap was clean enough, I might consider it. But the 2.8 V6 would probably be enough for a while. I would probably swap it eventually if the stock engine had issues.

NinetyQ > Big Bubba Ray 01/22/2014 at 12:12

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I'd like to get a Z, but the price difference between a clean '88 Fiero GT and a clean 240Z is pretty huge. Originally I was going to get a Z as a project car since I will soon have a garage, but it would also be cool to have the Fiero, and I could find one in better shape for less.

Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 12:13

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Huh. I always thought the 240z was a 2+2. But it does have a door in the back. You could probably fit a baby back there.

NinetyQ > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig 01/22/2014 at 12:14

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Have you seen the luggage area behind the engine in the Fiero? It's pretty deep.

I bet I could fit 3 or 4 babies comfortably back there!

NinetyQ > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig 01/22/2014 at 12:20

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More seriously, since neither car has airbags, both would baby. I just wouldn't be able to also take Lizziey.

But I'm not sure I'd put a baby in an old Datsun. Maybe on certain occasions.

Big Bubba Ray > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 12:22

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Very true. Luckily I have a small garage to work on my cars so I plan to buy a kinda beat up 240 and get it back to how it once was. Good luck on the car hunt!

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 12:32

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Congrats on selling your Audi, even if it is a bit of a wrench.

I do rather like Fieros, although I have next to no experience of them. I don't think I've even seen one in meatspace.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 12:34

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Fiero.

Then-

Northstar swap.

NinetyQ > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 01/22/2014 at 12:35

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Probably no Northstar, but maybe a supercharged 3.8L V6.

minardi > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 12:41

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240Z … gonna have a good time founding one not rusting

Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 12:44

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Now…what goes in the bay? You can't leave that anemic Iron Puke in there. How about the 2.0 Ecotec turbo out of a Regal GS? That's 258 hp in the 2014 model. It (probably) bolts right up!

EDIT: Oh, the GTs were probably all V6s, right? I'd still go for the Ecotec.

NinetyQ > minardi 01/22/2014 at 12:50

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One more advantage for the Fiero. With a 240Z, I figure it will have some rust. The key is just how much rust. I have a cousin who could probably help me with sheet metal work if needed.

minardi > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 12:54

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Make shure you check the frame just around the front wheel wells. Usually where the structural damage gets done.

NinetyQ > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig 01/22/2014 at 12:54

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No, no, no, the common swap is the supercharged 3.8, which is 240-260hp and 280+ torque. Bolts up to the Getrag 5-speed, apparently.

I'd probably keep the stock V6 until it just died. Then it's sc 3.8 or some other bit of awesome. Crazy stuff has been swapped into these cars.

Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 13:01

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I guessed that was the most common option, but you get the same hp with the 2.0, and it's a far smaller/lighter/more fuel efficient engine. How cool would a Fiero be as a lightweight sports car ?

OR we could go full retard and put in whatever's going into the ATS-V.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 13:02

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That would do nicely. Northstars are a bit of a pain in the ass anyhow.

I like the way you think.

I actually haven't paid much attention to this version of the Fiero, and I quite like it!

NinetyQ > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig 01/22/2014 at 13:08

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Doing a quick search, I haven't been able to come up with any solid numbers, but it seems like the Ecotec isn't the lightweight powerplant you might think it is. Remember, you're comparing DOHC to OHV. It's easier to get more displacement in a tighter space (and lighter weight) with OHV. With either engine, it would still be a lightweight sports car. It only weighs 2600 lbs. stock.

NinetyQ > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig 01/22/2014 at 13:18

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Oh, and also most importantly, I don't want a four-cylinder. I've never had fewer than 5 cylinders.

Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 13:19

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I suppose. I guess I'm just itching at the thought of a 3.8 V6 only making 240 hp. I'm spoiled on modern turbos.

NinetyQ > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig 01/22/2014 at 13:23

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I'm not bothered by it. For one thing, supercharged 3.8s are a heck of a lot cheaper than a brand new Ecotec. They're also known to be very reliable, and there's some aftermarket available I think. Turbos are awesome in their own ways, but I don't think I'd want one. I almost don't even want a supercharger. I like naturally-aspirated engines.

Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 13:24

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And you're missing out. They're so simple and light and sippy and stuff. Heck, I'm excited to see where the new 3cyls are going.

NinetyQ > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig 01/22/2014 at 13:30

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They have their place. Your car is fun to drive, but I'm still not sold on it for everyday. I like a smoother power band, which is another thing the 3.8 is praised for. Even the 2.8 has a relatively torquey power band, which is nice.

Just watched an old Motorweek last night of the MR2 vs the Fiero. The Fiero was a second slower to 60, but clocked nearly the same time in the quarter mile.

Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 13:31

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Yes, we have debated over this video before.

NinetyQ > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig 01/22/2014 at 13:34

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We have? I just thought we debated MR2 vs Fiero, lol.

Either way, Fiero won.

deekster_caddy > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 13:44

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Good policy! Try to find one that's complete and runs properly. There are some out there. Some that have even been mostly restored to go along with the swap! (even those aren't very expensive)

Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 14:23

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In your opinion.

NinetyQ > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig 01/22/2014 at 15:11

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Also in Motorweek's. Also objectively-speaking in terms of aesthetics.

And even in your case, it sounds like you'd fit in the Fiero better than the MR2.

Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 15:13

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I fit just fine in the one I drove, which looked like a bloomin' Ferrari.

NinetyQ > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig 01/22/2014 at 15:13

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Second-gen?

Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 15:16

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Yes, so it's a bit of a different argument, but I do love the 80s-tastic axe-head angles of the first gen, as well.

NinetyQ > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig 01/22/2014 at 15:19

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Second-gens do look pretty cool. I'd still take the Fiero because 'Merica, but I can't deny that the second-gen MR2 fixes a lot of my problems with the first-gen. It's just too upright or something. It has a certain charm, but it's not for me.

Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 15:30

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I wouldn't buy a first gen because of the power. But dang…that '80s interior...

It does look a bit goofy, but at least it's committed to the goof. The Fiero is only halfway goofy.

But this is a silly argument. Because when I get a mid-engine car, it's going to be Subaru-powered and much faster than all this other stuff.

NinetyQ > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig 01/22/2014 at 15:30

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What is that?

Also, the voice of the public is with you on Google+.

Axial > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 15:36

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I saw a red, babied '88 Fiero GT with a fwe tasteful modifications for sale on CL late last week for $8000 while searching for used C4s. It is in West Virginia.

NinetyQ > Axial 01/22/2014 at 15:40

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It's pretty common to find something like that. Was it this? http://columbus.craigslist.org/cto/4267405986…

Axial > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 15:42

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I literally just edited my post with the link and a picture after searching my browser history. Check it! :D

Axial > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 15:43

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Oh shit, it is the same one. Wow. Same contact info, too.

Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 16:32

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Factory 5 818. Actually, I think this photo is pretty heavily shopped. But it's a gorgeous car in person. I saw one at PRI last month and interviewed one of the designers. A WRX drive train and 818 kg.

The kit, sans engine, transmission, and a few other WRX parts, goes for $10k, and you can get a great drive train with zero tuning for $3-4K.

This thing stole me away from the idea of a Seven.

NinetyQ > Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig 01/22/2014 at 16:35

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Wow, that's far more lightweight than I thought a WRX drivetrain would ever allow. Impressive.

But would still take a Seven over this. Styling is a bit too third-gen MR2.

Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 16:43

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Well, it's MR, so it uses the front drive axles for the rear wheels and ditches the whole main drive shaft and rear diff.

The Seven does look better, I agree. But it's going to be at least another 5 grand if you build the entire frame and body from scratch. And I don't really fit, so there is that.

I met one of the Grassroots guys named Tom, whom I kept wanting to call Troy because he looks like he could be your brother. He's my height, and he said he's comfortable in the 818.

Andy Sheehan, StreetsideStig > NinetyQ 01/22/2014 at 16:48

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And then there's the infinite tuning options. The car I saw was tuned to about 340 hp (pretty standard for an STi of the era), and they said it was an absolute beast on the track.

I think it would be awesome to have a car I could upgrade as I grew in skill. Heck, I could build up a 500 hp 2.5 and have a Noble M600 for 20-25 grand, though the engineer I talked to said it would probably be undriveable.