The engine that was to power the Fiero: 0-60 in 6.2 seconds
This article was in relation to the 1986 Pontiac Fiero “Porsche Eater”, which was redesigned with a Pontiac racing suspension, a brand new 2.9 aluminum block V6 with an intercooler mounted in the rear.
The gentleman responsible for the built was named Tim Petersen, who said the project was a great one. They were able to test the limitations of the engine on the Fiero, and we’re able to make significant gains.
Obviously, this didn’t go well with the authorities in GM’s upper level.
Tim said the engine propelled the Fiero from 0-60 in ~4.9 seconds from his personal experience and stated that on the dyno the engine made 235 hp as opposed to the 220 stated.
The engine even made its way onto the Pontiac 6000 STE test run l (of which only 128 were ever made and broke the nose of the crank).
This motor had an RPO of LA9 which was picked for aluminum (la) and 2.9 (9) but a quick google search shows that rpo as being a 2.2l dohc gm 4cyl, so it was recycled as the project never made it to production
Although the engine never made into into mass production for the Fiero, it is incredible to see how advanced the P-platform car was for it’s era.
With endurable body panels that resisted rust, a space frame design that was revolutionary and created a new technology for GM (same technology that was used in Saturn’s body panels) and a desire to build excitement, it is not wonder why Pontiac was a controversial yet exciting brand.
Pontiac knew what the public wanted and gave their all. Pontiac knew what was possible, and despite all odds, the Fiero made it into history as the car that shook General Motors foundations
For GM knew what was at stake, so they killed the program before it could evolve into something greater.
For those of us who own this piece if history, we cherish it with all our might.
We restore these Fiero’s, we bring them back to life. We preserve the history that GM tried (and still tries) to erase.
As enthusiasts, together, we form a Fiero Nation.
“You got it, Pontiac!”
Comments
I really wish the Fiero had stuck around longer. I think it was going to become a vette killer and GM didn’t want that..
Thats supposedly the reason it was discontinued. It was a budget corvette that at the time wasnt much slower and with a little tweaking looked and handled better. The engine was its only limitation even with the 2.8 v6 model. Me driving one every day iv noticed the car is a beast lacking the teeth to fit its mouth if you will. The platform is there. And a simple 50 hp boost would set fieros into a whole new category.
How do you feel about the indy over roof scoop? I would like it if it was functional but making it functional is tricky. Iv seen people run their cold air intake to it but heard theybhad issues with the rain.
There are members here in Calgary who have a functional working scoop, with one member named Bob having the only replica I know of with the dual scoops.
The other one as a real Super Duty I4 that was given to the pace car.
It’s so shiny
… I’ll take a picture soon when we Have meets :)
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