Pontiac Fiero
| Pontiac Fiero | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Pontiac |
| Production | 1984–1988 |
| Designer | Hulki Aldikacti |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Sports car |
| Body style | 2-door notchback 2-door fastback |
| Layout | RMR layout |
| Platform | GM P platform |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 2.5 L Iron Duke I4 2.8 L V6 |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual 5-speed Isuzu & Getrag manual 3-speed TH-125 automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 93.40 in. |
| Length | 4072 mm (160.3 in) |
| Width | 1750 mm (68.9 in) |
| Height | 1191 mm (46.9 in) |
| Curb weight | 1176 kg (2590 lb) to 1265 kg (2790 lb) |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | none |
The Pontiac Fiero is a mid-engined sports car that was built by the Pontiac division of General Motors from 1984 to 1988. Today, the car has a cult following making it a prime example of a cult car.
Brief history
Once a dream originally envisioned by John DeLorean (inspired by his Pontiac Banshee prototype), the Fiero -- meaning "proud" in Italian -- was finally designed by Hulki Aldikacti as a Pontiac sports car. The Fiero was the first two-seater Pontiac since the 1926 to 1938 coupes, and also the first mass-produced mid-engine sports car by a U.S. manufacturer. Additionally, many technologies incorporated in the Fiero design were radical for its time. Alternative names considered for the car were Sprint, P3000, Pegasus, Fiamma, Sunfire, and Firebird XP. The Fiero 2M4 (2-seat, Mid-engine, 4-cylinder) was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list for 1984. The 1984 Fiero was the Official Pace Car of the Indianapolis 500 for 1984, beating out the new 1984 Corvette for the honor.
Already selling the Chevrolet Corvette, General Motors management and accountants were opposed to investing in a second two-seater sports car. But in 1979, during the infamous oil-crisis, management saw a market opportunity for a fuel-efficient sporty commuter car and design work on the Fiero commenced. To this end, it was fitted with an extra-fuel-efficient version of Pontiac's 2.5L 4-cylinder engine capable of 27 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway with the economy 5-speed transmission option (author's own experience), but the 3-speed automatic reduced highway mileage to only 32 mpg. It was impressive mileage for a 2.5 liter engine of the period, and still good by today's standards. In this respect, the Fiero would appeal to a market niche for which the Chevrolet Corvette with its V8 engine was unsuitable.
A mid-engine layout was chosen as a way to reduce both aerodynamic drag and vehicle weight to improve fuel efficiency, and also for it's handling, traction, and braking benefits. The sports car potential of the mid-engine layout was not fully realized when the Fiero debuted. In line with its market position, the tires, brakes, and some suspension components were carried over from other GM economy cars (like the Chevrolet Citation and Chevrolet Chevette) so the Fiero could be priced appropriately. As a result, the handling and cornering abilities of the initial Fiero were merely on par with other contemporary sporty coupes (Road & Track 1985). The public had high expectations for the Fiero with its mid-engine layout and futuristic styling which resembles more exotic mid-engine sports cars costing much more. While initially garnering good reviews for its handling (Motor Trend 1984), the Fiero soon received disappointing reviews, as the automotive critics expected higher performance from a mid-engine two-seater. Despite the critical press, the Fiero sold extremely well and Pontiac operated three shifts at the factory during 1984, and could not keep up with initial demand (Aldikacti 2003).
The sharing of suspension components with other GM cars meant the rear suspension and powertrain was almost identical to that of the Chevrolet Citation and Pontiac Phoenix; the Fiero even included rear tie rod ends attached to a "steering knuckle", although these were hard-mounted to the engine cradle and only used for maintaining the rear tire alignment. Chevrolet Chevette enthusiasts found they could upgrade their undersized brakes and rotors using Fiero parts.
By 1985, the oil-crisis was a thing of the past and demand developed for a Fiero having more engine power and better sports car performance. Pontiac responded by introducing the GT model which included upgraded suspension tuning, wider tires, and a V6 engine having 43 additional horsepower compared to the base 4-cylinder. In 1986, the GT model was restyled to look even more sleek.
Numerous changes were made to the 1988 Fiero. The most significant was a completely redesigned suspension (and parts of the space frame) to realize the potential of the mid-engine layout. Now original to the Fiero, the new adjustable race-bred suspension included lighter aluminum brake calipers and upgraded brake rotors for 1988. (See [1]). The available 4 & 6-cylinder engines benefitted from evolutionary improvements, but the planned availability of turbochargers and newer DOHC engines, did not happen before production ended. Officially, production ended because of an internal GM forecast of insufficient future profits due to an expected decrease in overall demand for two-seater sports cars. The forecast may have been a year premature, as the actual sales in 1988 were lower than prior years but still double the forecast. The Fiero was still turning a small profit for the company even in its final year.
An interesting article was published in the May 1984 Car and Driver about Henry "Smokey" Yunick and his Hot Vapor Fiero. Smokey Yunick reportedly produced 250 HP from the GM 151 2.5 four-cylinder engine using heated fuel pumped through a turbine "homogenizer" and an exhaust-heated "heat exchanger". In this instance, the power was reportedly doubled as well as the fuel economy. A 14 second 0-60 mph car became a 5.9 second 0-60 mph car. This concept is based on the theory of the adiabatic engine, where no heat is gained or lost during the process.
Engine fire reputation
Total production of the Pontiac Fiero over all 5 years was 370,168 (Corbin 1996). Regarding the number of cars which suffered an engine fire, we have the following two references, one from NHTSA and one from Pontiac Division.
"The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration...said it has received 148 complaints regarding [Pontiac Fieros catching fire] including reports of six injuries...Low levels of engine oil may cause a connecting rod to break; allowing oil to escape and come into contact with engine parts. The oil would catch on fire when it contacted the exhaust manifold or hot exhaust components...David Hudgens, a GM spokesman in Detroit... said, 'If you ran out of oil, and then that coupled with some aggressive driving perhaps, and maybe not changing the oil very often, you end up with a broken rod, and that's where the connecting rod came in, it is still the owners responsibility to check the oil.' " (Associated Press 1989)
"GM tests have shown that running these [1984] cars with low engine oil level can cause connecting rod failure which may lead to an engine compartment fire...Pontiac is aware of 260 fires attributable to the condition, along with ten reported minor injuries." (Pontiac Division 1987)
The larger of the two reported numbers of cars with fires (260), amounts to 0.07% of Fieros produced. The fires affected almost exclusively the 2.5 L engine, and mostly 1984 models. (Note that there may have been additional occurrences after the above reports were published.) The primary cause of engine fires was a batch of poorly cast connecting rods which failed when the oil level became too low. The faulty connecting rods were produced in GM's Saginaw plant. The theory is that the sports car styling attracted buyers who would drive the car hard, most notedly over-revving the engine. Another factor was the three quart oil capacity, and perhaps a leaky valve cover gasket which would allow the oil level to decline over time to a dangerously low level. If the proper oil level was not maintained, the bearings could seize, snapping the porous castings of the connecting rods resulting in punched holes in the engine block, thus spraying oil onto hot exhaust components where it could ignite.
Most vehicles existing today have been serviced by GM during one of the safety recalls on the car. On the fire-related recall, shields and drip-trays were added to prevent leaking fluids from contacting hot surfaces. The presence of drip shields between the engine block and the exhaust manifold are a good clue that the car was retrofitted. The addition of the longer AC Delco PF51 oil filter and a recalibrated dipstick added extra oil capacity to the oiling system, and enabled running 4 qts of oil in the crankcase instead of 3 qts to help prevent oil starvation to the rods. Certain vehicles had their connecting rods or entire block replaced.
Another theory is that some fires may have been due to the engine wiring harness being located in the center of the engine bay above the exhaust manifold, where the heat could theoretically melt and ignite the wiring. Also, the 1984 model had a magnesium grille over this area. In later models, this was improved to some degree with much better heat shielding wrapped around the wiring harness.
Cooling system issues
With the mid-mounted engine and long pipes carrying coolant to the front-mounted radiator, the Fiero was also prone to overheating if the cooling system had not been properly filled. Simply pouring coolant into the thermostat housing (on the engine) would leave an air bubble in the radiator, while adding coolant to the radiator would leave an air bubble in the engine's coolant passages. Proper procedure (filling the thermostat housing, then burping the bubble out of the radiator by cracking open radiator cap until coolant exits) must be followed in order to ensure an air-free cooling system.
A second problem has become common as more Fieros are being serviced by shops unfamiliar with their design. The under-body coolant tubes are positioned in such a way that a casual glance beneath the car will not suggest their fragility. As a result, many have been crushed by the shop lifts, resulting in a near complete lack of engine cooling. The age of the car means that even GM dealerships may be unaware of the proper jacking methods.
Suspension design
The front end of the car is a wider direct derivative of the Chevrolet Chevette. A double A-arm (or double wishbone) design common prior to the advent of struts, it has naturally good geometry. But it also has four ball joints on the front and another four tie rod ends. The tie-rods allow toe-in/out adjustability. Minimal camber adjustments exist on 84-87 models without an after-market upgrade available from MOOG that replaces the upper ball joints with slotted mounting points units. The joints have typical grease fittings for regular lubrication typical on pre-2000 autos.
The rear suspension is essentially a GM X-car's front suspension moved to the rear of the Fiero. The uppers are top-plates and Chapman struts, while the lowers are attached with ball joints. In lieu of the steering rack which would have been installed in an X-car, tie rod ends are attached to the engine cradle and used to align the rear wheels.
The four wheel independent suspension provides uncharacteristically accurate handling for a vehicle of its size and price range. However due to the use of multiple suspension pivot and attachment points (similar to the Corvette's suspension architecture), maintaining the suspension is more costly than some less technical suspension systems.
With the 1988 model year came a completely new front and rear suspension with vented disc brakes at all four corners- what Pontiac's engineers had planned for the car to have from the beginning. The front suspension geometry was changed to decrease the scrub radius thus decreasing steering effort without adding a bulky power steering system. The camber curve was also much improved, the dampers are moved inside the coil springs, and new sealed bearing/hub units were used in 1988. The rear suspension featured multi-link (two lateral links and one trailing arm) Chapman strut suspension, and the tie-rod related bump steer experienced with the earlier suspension design was fixed. The brakes were also upgraded to 10.5" vented rotors on the front and rear with an improved slide caliper design having larger diameter slides. The Fiero Formula (new for 1988) and Fiero GT models also received a rear anti-sway bar to compliment non-progressive rate springs.
An important note is that the 84-87 frames will accept a 1988 rear cradle. However the struts must be replaced with a narrower diameter Carrera coil-over unit with a steel tube extension and offset mounting plates added to replace the Chapman strut unit. Thus yielding a larger, 1988 engine compartment with the ride-quality benefits of the 84-87 suspension.
In the August 1985 issue of Road & Track, the Fiero was tested against 6 other sports cars. The slalom results (MPH): Honda Civic CRX Si: 62.5 Toyota MR2: 61.6 Pontiac Fiero: 61.5 Alfa Romeo Graduate: 58.4 Bertone X1/9: 58.3 Mazda Rx-7 GSL: 57.2
Today
Currently the Fiero has a cult following of owners and customizers. Because of an abundance of replacement parts available from other General Motors vehicles, there are many upgrades that can be done to improve performance and reliability of the cars. Additionally, a multitude of different General Motors engines have been installed by enthusiasts, from the Quad-4 engine to the Chevrolet small-block V8 to the Cadillac 4.9L and Northstar V8s. Installation of the 4.9L V8 or smaller engines is possible with few modifications to the car itself, because Fiero prototypes were tested with a similar small aluminum V8 prior to production (Aldikacti 2003). As a result, the engine bay is large enough to accommodate engines of that size.
A large following of owners still exists with many web pages, groups, and clubs devoted to the car, and the basic chassis is commonly used as a kit-car platform from wild custom rebodies to Ferrari F355 replicas.
References in Popular Culture
On the CBS television series How I Met Your Mother, one entire episode is based around a Fiero. In "Arrivederci, Fiero," Marshall's beloved car breaks down just as it is about to hit 200,000 miles. As the gang waits in the garage to see if it can be repaired, each of them remembers their most memorable moments in the car. The episode first aired on February 26, 2007. It is also seen in a few other episodes prior to that one, and is always mentioned as a Fiero.
The G1 Transformer Double-Spy Punch-Counterpunch transforms into a Pontiac Fiero as both Punch and Counterpunch.
A Solar powered electric Fiero conversion car called the Destiny 2000 appears in the movie The Naked Gun 2 1/2.
Fieros also were featured in a pair of major, 1986 release, theatrical films.
1) "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" A white Fiero SE, can be seen in this movie. The car was driven by Ferris Bueller's sister as portrayed by Jennifer Grey and was featured in at least two prominent scenes in this wildly popular mid-eighties film. The car is either a 1984 or a 1985 model as head-rest speaker holes are clearly present in one of the scenes. This feature was permanently removed by Pontiac for all 1986 Fieros.
2) "Star Trek IV; The Voyage Home" Several Fieros can be seen cruising the streets of 1986 San Francisco, including a relatively close shot of a red example driving past several of the Star Trek principal characters. Could be 1984, 1985 or 1986 models. Pontiac Motor Division received credit at the film's ending title crawl.
Transmissions
Automatics
All automatic-equipped Fieros were equipped with the three-speed TH-125 with torque converter lockup.
Automatic transmission final drive ratios:
- I4
- 1984-1986: 3.18 (RPO "F75")
- 1987-1988: 2.84 (RPO "F17")
- V6
- 1985-1986: 3.06 (RPO "?")
- 1987-1988: 3.33 (RPO "GX3")
4-speed manual
All 4-speed manual transmissions were built at the Muncie, Indiana Allison plant. The 1984 production line saw two transmissions, a performance 4-speed with a final drive ratio of 4.10, and an economy 4-speed with a final drive ratio of 3.32. The V6 on the 1985 model and part of the 1986 production year came with a 4-speed with a final drive ratio of 3.65.
5-speed manual
Isuzu and Muncie (Getrag)- 5-speed transmissions were available, depending on model and equipment beginning in 1985 for the Isuzu 5-speed which came on 4 cylinder cars and in 1986 for the Muncie 5-speed which came on V-6 equipped cars. The Getrag 282 5-speed is sometimes referred to as the Muncie 282 or the Muncie Getrag 282, as the design was licensed to General Motors for manufacture by Muncie (Getrag never built the 282). This Muncie transmission is the stronger unit, designed for use with the higher output of the V-6.
Manual transmission gear ratios
| Year | Style | Code | Axle | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | rev. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | econo 4 speed | MY8 | 3.32 | 3.53 | 1.95 | 1.24 | 0.73 | — | 3.42 |
| 1984 | perf 4 speed | M19 | 4.10 | 3.53 | 1.95 | 1.24 | 0.81 | — | 3.42 |
| 1985 | V6/4-speed | M17 | 3.65 | 3.31 | 1.95 | 1.24 | 0.81 | — | 3.42 |
| 1985 | I4/5-speed | MT2 | 3.35 | 3.73 | 2.04 | 1.45 | 1.03 | 0.74 | 3.50 |
| 1986 | V6 4 speed | M17 | 3.65 | 3.31 | 1.95 | 1.24 | 0.81 | — | 3.42 |
| 1986 | V6 5 speed | MG2 | 3.61 | 3.50 | 2.05 | 1.38 | 0.94 | 0.72 | 3.41 |
| 1988 | I4/5-speed | MT2 | 3.35 | 3.73 | 2.04 | 1.45 | 1.03 | 0.74 | 3.50 |
| 1988 | V6/5-speed | MG2 | 3.61 | 3.50 | 2.05 | 1.38 | 0.94 | 0.72 | 3.41 |
Production years
1984
1984 was the first production year for the Pontiac Fiero, which began production in August 1983 for the 1984 model year. In an effort to sell the car as being economically sensible, GM equipped and sold the Fiero as a commuter car but the marketing build up leading to initial release indicated anything but a regular commuter car. The car also proved uncomfortable for some drivers because of the lack of power steering.
The 1984 was the only year in which the Limited "Indy Pace Car" edition, consisting of an Indianapolis 500-themed option package on SE-model vehicles, was offered. Approximately 2,000 of these vehicles were sold. The Indy had aero body cladding and new front and rear fascias that would be used on the 1985 GT. Only the underpowered 4-cylinder engine was available (though a few prototypes could be seen driving around the Greater Detroit area with a unique periscope-style inlet sprouting from the engine compartment and curving up and over the roof. This "periscope" style inlet was used on the actual Indy Pace Car Fieros that at the 1984 Indianapolis 500. This inlet scoop, and the 2.5 liter Super Duty engine that they fed were not available on the production model pace car replicas.
| VIN | Style | Cars produced |
|---|---|---|
| 1G2AE37RxEPxxxxxx | Fiero | 7,099 |
| 1G2AM37RXEPxxxxxx | Fiero Sport | 62,070 |
| 1G2AF37RxEPxxxxxx | Fiero SE or Indy | 65,671 |
| Total production | 136,840 | |
1985
In 1985, the problem with insufficient power was first addressed, much to the satisfaction of the general public. A Chevrolet 2.8 L V6 engine rated at 140 hp (104 kW) was put into the car, satisfying most critics of the base engine. The High Output V6 was paired with a modified Muncie 4-speed transmission. The 4-cylinder engine (known as the "Iron Duke") was now paired with the Japanese-designed Isuzu 5-speed (also produced at the Muncie, Indiana plant).
| VIN | Type | Cars produced |
|---|---|---|
| 1G2PE37R#FP2##### | Fiero | 5,280 |
| 1G2PM37R#FP2##### | Fiero Sport | 23,823 |
| 1G2PF37R#FP2##### | Fiero SE (I4) | 24,724 |
| 1G2PF379#FP2##### | Fiero SE (V6) | |
| 1G2PG379#FP2##### | Fiero GT | 22,534 |
| Total production | 76,371 | |
1986
1986 was the first year the fastback roofline was offered. Though originally conceived by Pontiac insiders as a new model, possibly called the "GTP" or "GTU," it has been said that GM management at the time felt that using "GTP" or "GTU" suggested a racing car and thusly an image they did not want to promote. Individuals present at the unveiling of the new fastback roof style at a GM test track actually thought it was a new Corvette at first. But this new body style simply became the GT model for 1986 while the old 1985 GT body style became the SE model. Also offered late in the production year was a 5-speed Muncie-Getrag transmission (coupled only to the V6 engines). Models equipped with the 4-cylinder engine remained largely unchanged. The clutch hydraulic systems were redesigned with new master and slave cylinders.
| VIN | Type | Cars produced |
|---|---|---|
| 1G2PE37R#GP2##### | Fiero | 9,143 |
| 1G2PM37R#GP2##### | Fiero Sport | 24,866 |
| 1G2PF37R#GP2##### | Fiero SE (I4) | 32,305 |
| 1G2PF379#GP2##### | Fiero SE (V6) | |
| 1G2PG379#GP2##### | Fiero GT | 17,660 |
| Total production | 83,974 | |
1987
1987 saw changes to the front and rear fascias on the "base coupe" with the SE & GT models keeping the same "Aero" nose. The new non-aero noses lost the black bumper chunks of the earlier models and had a smoother look. The 4-cylinder's power rating increased to 98 hp (73 kW) with some major modifications which included a roller cam, redesigned intake manifold, distributorless ignition system, open combustion chamber cylinder head and upgraded throttle-body fuel injection system. This was the last year for the spin-on oil filter on the 4-cylinder. The car was offered in Medium Metallic Blue and replacing the ribbed black moulding was the round style found on the GT models. As a side note, the SE models retained the ribbed moulding, and added the aero nose found on the GT. Redesigned headlight motors appeared in 1987. Additionally, starting with the 1987 model Pontiac dealerships offered an upgrade in the form of an "option" that changed the original body to a Ferrari-type body, called the Fiero Mera. While technically a "kit", the change in body style was offered only on new Fieros and is considered a class of car in its own right. There was a limited production of Fiero Meras made however, as the company that produced them, Corporate Concepts, was sued by Ferrari and ordered to stop.
| VIN | Type | Cars produced |
|---|---|---|
| 1G2PE11R#HP2##### | Fiero | 23,603 |
| 1G2PM11R#HP2##### | Fiero Sport | 3,135 |
| 1G2PF11R#HP2##### | Fiero SE (I4) | 3,875 |
| 1G2PF119#HP2##### | Fiero SE (V6) | |
| 1G2PG119#HP2##### | Fiero GT | 15,968 |
| Total production | 46,581 | |
1988
The 1988 Fiero brought a new suspension design, thought by many to have a striking resemblance to those designed by Lotus, which at the time, was about to be acquired by General Motors. The suspension was never a Lotus design though - it was the suspension the Pontiac engineers had designed in the beginning, along with what they learned from the racing program. The 4-cylinder engine received an in-pan oil filter element and balance shaft and a more powerful V6 was available. A "Formula" option was added, which offered many of the GT features with the standard coupe body. 1988 marked the end of production for the Fiero, and ironically is also considered to be the best Fiero produced. Improvements to suspension, brakes, steering, and improvements to both the four-cylinder and V6 engines took the car to a level far beyond the 1984 model that had received much criticism. Also 1988 was the only year T-tops were an option through dealerships, and the only year a yellow exterior color was available from factory.
| VIN | Type | Cars produced |
|---|---|---|
| 1G2PE11R#JP2##### | Fiero | 13,910 |
| 1G2PE119#JP2##### | Fiero Formula | 5,643 |
| 1G2PG119#JP2##### | Fiero GT | 6,849 |
| Total production | 26,402 | |
1990
.JPG)
A prototype of the never produced 1990 Fiero has been displayed at the 20th Anniversary show (July 2003), Fierorama 2005 and most recently at the Michigan show in 2006. Much of its design influence is apparent in the Fourth Generation Firebird. New engines were proposed for the 1990 model year, from the then new DOHC 190 bhp "Quad 4" 4 cylinder as a base engine to replace the 2.5 Iron Duke to a new 200+ bhp DOHC V-6 for the GT models. Even a factory installed V8 is rumored to have been seen at a test track. The single 1990 Fiero GT prototype had an early version of the upcoming DOHC V-6 that would be put into production in the Grand Prix and Lumina Z34 in the early 90's. This engine developed more than 200 bhp. Rumor has it that the car will again be on display at the 25th Anniversary Show in July of 2008.
Critics of the axing of the Fiero model claim this new and improved model would have been faster, quicker, better handling, and cheaper than the Corvette. GM cited slumping and unprofitable sales of the Fiero as the reason for its demise following its 5th model year.
| VIN | Type | Cars produced |
|---|---|---|
| 1G2PE11x#KP2##### | Fiero | 1 |
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References
- Aldikacti, Hulki. Speech given to the Classic Fiero Ownders Group International at the 20th Anniversary of the Introduction of the Fiero Celebration, July 2003.
- Associated Press. "U.S. Steps Up Probe of Alleged Fire Danger in Pontiac Fieros." Fiero Owner newsletter, 1st Qtr 1989.
- Corbin, Mark. Fiero Spotter's Guide. Second Edition. Galion, OH 1996.
- Pontiac Division of GM. "Pontiac Division Release-Nov 25, 1987." Fiero News newsletter, Spring 1988.
- Witzenburg, Gary. Fiero:Pontiacs Potent Mid-Engine Sports Car. Motorbooks International Publishers. Osceola, WI 1990.