New Owner 86se, few questions

that's kinda embarrassing






there is my first vandalism attack, key to the trunk. and the only other real damage minus the crappy front bumper is the crack in side skirt drivers side.







very clean interior, typical sun expanded rubber on the console though

pretty and red but dirty... dirtiest engine compartment i have ever seen only takes a few hours on the road

Romeo wrote: Run 0W-20 for a little while and watch how dirty in gets post blow-by.

... ???

 

Dawg wrote: Patrick....he's been sniffin' glue again hasn't he? Romeo wrote: Run 0W-20 for a little while and watch how dirty in gets post blow-by.

Something about that boy just isn't quite right.

 

so that would test the rebuild status then? would it really harm the motor?
right now 10w30 every 3000k its dark but not black and lost about a half litre depending on how hard im hammering on it this last one was the first with a small amount of lucas synthetic stabiliser and only second change since ownership.
I have to do a oil change next month but im going on a trip should i wait till after im back?

Maybe I should have stated what I said a bit diffrently too, 0-20 will kill a Fiero engine.

If you are burning 1/2 liter of oil per 3000k and it is comming out dirty, (not black, but not clean looking)  I would really be hesitant on what was done as to a rebuild.  Your first check to see a basic upgrade is the rockers, remove the oil fill cap and peak in the hole, or feel in the hole for the rocker arm, a stock cheap rocker will have a smooth side at the tip area, a better roller tip or full roller rocker will have a shaft at the very least in the tip and a full roller will have a shaft in the side as well.    

cam2510 wrote: Dunno what to think of this car better yet the guy who sold it to me.

There are a few honest people, but realistically, you can't believe anything you're told by the seller of a car.

I'm always dubious of claims, for example, of a "new" clutch. So many used cars on the market (with manual trannys) are advertised as having a "new" clutch. When you dig a little deeper you find out that the clutch was indeed "new"... five years ago (or longer)!

Kind of similar to the following...

cam2510 wrote: fresh rebuild on motor...

cam2510 wrote: I talked with the gentleman out of Courtney who rebuilt the engine 4ish years ago.

 

Dude, there's a 12.5:1 piston for the Fiero? Is it like a GM racing part?

That's pretty sick. 94-octane, or is it only compatable with a straight 100+ octane?

Na 12.5 is doable for pump gas with the correct timing, I usually figure 13 is the tipping point. 

what a peice of work this has turned out to be so far!
-replaced rack twice now, this one seems to be holding
-nearly all bushings front and back
-found a crack in the front of block(welded&painted)
-crack in the rear block not recent but after painting(seeping coolant)

we took her on a trip through lower bc
-blew a lower balljoint again(may have been faulty but I think it was too heavy of a load)
-recharged a/c actually blew cold for 100km then started to make such a racket i was scaring people
-got discuraged on keeping track of exact oil consumption but it was a little over 2 litres going van - southern bc - christina lake - jasper - prince george - van

after tomorrow i believe that I should have only a few select bushing to replace besides the engine&tranny mounts with everything in the front and rear being new except springs. nevermind ive had to replace parts that i have reciepts from previous owner for!

what a prize this car has turned out to be!!! and only more problems to come!

big question whats the easiest and most cost efficient engine swap for power and economy? its only a matter of time before this engine burns itself out now so im forced to jump into the part i hoped to leave for a few years atleast. id like to try achieve a decent amount of power without having to worry about destroying anything else.