Pontiac Fiero V8

The Pontiac Fiero is a two-seat mid engine car from GM highly regarded by sports car enthusiasts since it was first launched and even decades after the manufacturer stopped its production. Fans liked its space frame, non-structural body panels, rack and pinion steering, 4-wheel disc brakes, and other unique features. The Pontiac Fiero was the first two-seater Pontiac after the coupes of the mid 20s to 30s period. It was also the first mid engine sports car that was mass-produced by a US manufacturer.

Pontiac engines are known for their powerful performance and at the height of the horsepower era, they reached a rated horsepower of 390 hp. The Fiero was designed as a response by General Motors to federal emissions laws and the oil crisis during the late 70s to early 80s. During this time, the saw a need in the market for a sports car that was fuel-efficient. The mid-engine layout improved fuel efficiency as it reduces vehicle weight and aerodynamic drag. This layout also brings with it other handling, traction, and braking benefits. However, pricing and market positioning considerations demanded that Fiero parts like the brakes, tires, and some suspension components were similar with other economy cars from General Motors such as the Chevrolet Chevette. Owners of the Chevrolet Chevette found out that they can upgrade the brakes and rotors of their cars by using Fiero parts. The rear suspension and powertrain of the Pontiac Fiero was almost identical with that of the Pontiac Phoenix and Chevrolet Citation due to the sharing of suspension components. The 1988 Pontiac Fiero was supposed to have redesigned features that would maximize its mid-engine layout. The suspension, aluminum brake calipers, and brake rotors were now exclusively designed and made for the Pontiac Fiero but production ended before the planned changes in engines and turbochargers was executed. General Motors forecasted a general decrease in demand for two-seater sports cars for the year, which in turn may significantly affect the company's future profits. With this forecast, the management decision to discontinue the production of the Pontiac Fiero was enforced.

Fiero enthusiasts who were waiting for a more powerful version of their car took matters in their own hands by taking to their garages and tinkering with the car to load a V8 engine into it. Internet research yielded that the first Pontiac Fiero V8 started with a certain Archie Archambault. The moment the Pontiac Fiero was launched, he felll in love the car but wished that it had a mor powerful engine. When the power engine upgrade didn't happen, he embarked on a project to modify this car and fully make it the car of his dreams. He bought a used '84 Fiero and selected a V8 engine from one of his Camaros to go into it. The whole project took five months of work but it was worth all the effort in the end. The Pontiac Fiero V8 monster he created thundered out of his garage like a turbocharged sports car should. The success of his experiment drew in a lot of inquiries from fellow enthusiasts. The huge and enthusiastic demand for a faster and quicker Fiero by other owners prompted him to assemble his Pontiac Fiero V8 conversion kit. At present, he has sold hundreds of these kits as well as installing V8s into customers' Fieros as well.

There are a number of other car shops that sell Fiero body kits to help out Fiero fanatics who want to build an exotic and powerful car that can compete with the latest sports car. Body kits are also known as ground effects, spoiler kits, aero kits, auto bodykits, car body kits, and so on. These kits give the biggest impact when changing the appearance of a car. Various styles can be constructed depending on the body kit. From having a lowered appearance, clean-flowing lines, aggressive look, racing car look, the possibilities are endless and the final outcome depends on the time, effort and creativity one is willing to spend. For example, the WideBody style Fiero body kits can convert one's Fastback Fiero up to 6" wider in the rear and 2" wider in the front.

Fiero body kits can come with front and rear bumpers, side skirts, fender flares, wings, hoods and other styling accessories. Depending on the kit one gets, either the factory bumpers of your car can be totally replaced or just have add-on lips to attach to the car's existing bumpers. There are two main materials that make up different body kits; they are either made up of polyurethane or fiberglass. Polyurethane flexibility and durability is an advantage in case of an accident. Fiberglass body kits are typically less flexible than the polyurethane ones. However, they have more resistance to extreme weather conditions. If one also plans to do a paint job, fiberglass is a better option as paint adheres better to it than a polyurethane body kit. Fiberglass is also more inexpensive compared to polyurethane.

Aside from the body kit, performance parts are necessary to make the custom Fiero run smoothly. One will need intakes, exhausts, batteries, radiator, fuel system, nitrous oxide, turbos, supercharges, and power programmers. Suspension parts are also available such as lowering springs, coilovers, struts, shocks, sway bars, bushings and end links. Brakes, transmission parts and wheels are also in supply.

For a total makeover, there are also other Fiero parts one can choose from in addition to the body kits. Exterior parts include hoods, fenders, grilles, vertical doors, wings, deflectors, and racks. Planning to go full blast with the transformation? Fiero accessories like antennas, mirrors, mudflaps, fuel doors, and wiper cowls are also being sold. Interior parts such as sterring wheels, seats, shift knobs, dashboard, pedals, rear view mirrors and door inserts are are also available for the taking. One can even install GPS systems and update the Fiero's old school appeal with present day technology. Other accessories like floor mats, cigarette lighters, air fresheners, fire extinguishers and even mirror ornaments are also available if one chooses to have them added.