![Old is New is Old | by [jonrev]](http://live.staticflickr.com/3164/5732945900_f567ed22ce.jpg)
Old is New is Old
Long time since I've done any kind of Fiero update, hasn't been fun.
Nearly a month ago I ordered new exhaust headers to fix a leak. Although advertised as "stock fit replacements", this was far from the case... as the guy who made them changed the design without taking nearby components (air cleaner hose being one) into consideration. It also did not connect to the downpipe, which had I kept going with the installation would have meant limping the car with no exhaust to another shop to connect the headers to the plumbing going to the muffler, as my primary shop can't weld. Strike one.
On top of this, several components had to be altered to accommodate the headers... advertised that only the ignition coil needed to be mounted up an inch. The distributor ALSO had to be turned (with the plugs rotated to compensate), AND the vacuum canister had to be moved. Strike two.
So, we finally get the fit figured out, after butchering a good part of the motor, and then we go to bolt them on... cylinder head cracks at the mounting point for an exhaust manifold bolt, and it can't be tightened! New cylinder head ordered, and the damn headers are going back. One complication after another, and the guy who made them "forgot" a good chunk of information regarding installation. Strike three... HUGE pain in the ass!
The stock exhaust manifolds are going back on once the cylinder head is finished, albeit a little cleaner. I've also taken the tin-foil heat shield off the crossover pipe for now, and I'm looking for an 85-87 3-piece set to replace it, since the old one looked like crap.
Which brings us to the picture, I figured since they were off I'd clean the plenum and valve covers... and wow they look like shit!
I wanted to get them powder coated but couldn't sit and wait any more with the return time (about two weeks), so I offered to trade my set plus some cash for a freshly done set my friend was sitting on. It looks awesome and I can't wait to get it in the car!
Afterward I need struts done, and hopefully that should be it. I'll be missing the entire month of May as far as car shows go, and I am praying things will be ready for Nostalgia Days.
Once roadworthy again, I am going to start saving to do a down payment on a 2011 Ford Taurus. Test drove one yesterday and I love it! No, I am not getting rid of the Fiero... it will likely go on collector insurance (and antique plates in 2013). At this point, however, I need a reliable car for a daily driver... the Fiero will be retired to show car duties.
Old is New is Old
Long time since I've done any kind of Fiero update, hasn't been fun.
Nearly a month ago I ordered new exhaust headers to fix a leak. Although advertised as "stock fit replacements", this was far from the case... as the guy who made them changed the design without taking nearby components (air cleaner hose being one) into consideration. It also did not connect to the downpipe, which had I kept going with the installation would have meant limping the car with no exhaust to another shop to connect the headers to the plumbing going to the muffler, as my primary shop can't weld. Strike one.
On top of this, several components had to be altered to accommodate the headers... advertised that only the ignition coil needed to be mounted up an inch. The distributor ALSO had to be turned (with the plugs rotated to compensate), AND the vacuum canister had to be moved. Strike two.
So, we finally get the fit figured out, after butchering a good part of the motor, and then we go to bolt them on... cylinder head cracks at the mounting point for an exhaust manifold bolt, and it can't be tightened! New cylinder head ordered, and the damn headers are going back. One complication after another, and the guy who made them "forgot" a good chunk of information regarding installation. Strike three... HUGE pain in the ass!
The stock exhaust manifolds are going back on once the cylinder head is finished, albeit a little cleaner. I've also taken the tin-foil heat shield off the crossover pipe for now, and I'm looking for an 85-87 3-piece set to replace it, since the old one looked like crap.
Which brings us to the picture, I figured since they were off I'd clean the plenum and valve covers... and wow they look like shit!
I wanted to get them powder coated but couldn't sit and wait any more with the return time (about two weeks), so I offered to trade my set plus some cash for a freshly done set my friend was sitting on. It looks awesome and I can't wait to get it in the car!
Afterward I need struts done, and hopefully that should be it. I'll be missing the entire month of May as far as car shows go, and I am praying things will be ready for Nostalgia Days.
Once roadworthy again, I am going to start saving to do a down payment on a 2011 Ford Taurus. Test drove one yesterday and I love it! No, I am not getting rid of the Fiero... it will likely go on collector insurance (and antique plates in 2013). At this point, however, I need a reliable car for a daily driver... the Fiero will be retired to show car duties.