The new life of the formula fastback

[NoMad]

I know Mike handed me paperwork but I can't find it at the moment so no joy there.

I decided to go with an HPF quantum 255LPH pump with a lifetime warranty and grrat reviews from others. It is known to support cars in the 400-500 whp range and was less for the full install kit than the napa or carquest basic ones. This should cover the LQ1 even after the turbo. It is also said to be near silent. Should make for a much better total system.

While it is out I plan to rewire to a heavy gauge power and ground as well as a relay so the current should be sufficient to ensure a cooler running pump. Will also figure out this damn vent system so my car can fill normally instead of the trickle method I currently use.

Marilyn's question of "How much more of the car is there to replace at this point?" Is starting to ring rather true. 😭

[Fierofool]

I assure you, we never knew of all these problems you're encountering. 

[Raydar]

...
Marilyn's question of "How much more of the car is there to replace at this point?" Is starting to ring rather true. 😭

Holy moley!
I echo Charlie's sentiment. I thought it was ready to rock n roll. Jeez.

[GTRS Fiero]

I have to hand it to NoMad for his persistence.

[MikeMac]

Is this the fuel pump wiring mod you are doing?

http://www.gmtuners.com/fiero/hot_wire.htm

[NoMad]

I know you (the Club) were unaware of the issues. I was so excited about the car I failed to do all my normal checks which puts the onus on me, not thw club. Totally fine with all stuff. I still would have bought the car, just probably have made a smaller offer to cover time and materials. No worries here.

Mike, yes I am doing that mod to improve power. Been a bit of a mission on every circuit I touch.

[MikeMac]

I've done that to 2 Fiero's. None of them were mine,  but definitely in the near future.

[GTRS Fiero]

I know you (the Club) were unaware of the issues. I was so excited about the car I failed to do all my normal checks which puts the onus on me, not thw club. Totally fine with all stuff. I still would have bought the car, just probably have made a smaller offer to cover time and materials. No worries here.

Mike, yes I am doing that mod to improve power. Been a bit of a mission on every circuit I touch.

It is entirely possible that many things would have checked out OK, anyway, since it drove fine for about 8 months.

[NoMad]

Exactly, nothing to worry about. I am still thrilled with the car and will just be that much happier when it is all how I want it.

[NoMad]

Well I got the coolant flushed and the rust remover in and circulating. Replaced all the caps and the thermostat at the same time.

Also go the fuel pump changed out. I have all my materials for the pump rewire but held off as I wanted to get the car back together and test drove. I will do the rewire when I drop the cradle for the motor swap since I will be cleaning up the whole engine bay and all wiring at that time.

The inside of the tank was quite dirty but seemed mostly solid. I actually pulled grass clippings or straw from the sender assembly to Fuel pump stand base. Alsp cleaned loose dirt and gunk from the float and all over the sender. If I had more time I would have drained and cleaned it again but there is only so much I could get done last night.

Quick results look positive that the stumble is gone. Will be checking a plug this morning to see if it is running okay and doing a longer test drive to confirm my quick results.

More to follow but hopefully back to being my daily driver again.

[GTRS Fiero]

Are you saying that is was basically drinking fuel through straws?

[TopNotch]

You can't drive it in California. Straws are illegal there.

[GTRS Fiero]

Eventually, only stupidity will be legal there.

[NoMad]

Got several hours on the car now and not having any more stumbling. Had one moment and at the same time the dummy light for heat was starting to come on and then the car just spooled and pulled hard with the light going out so it was likely a bubble in the coolant.

I am planning to strain the coolant drained during the first flush and will do the same for the coolant I drain this time with the evaporust. Should be interesting to see what all comes out. Plan to use an automotive paint strainer so it should pull some very fine particulates.

[GTRS Fiero]

When you swap your engine, I highly recommend replacing your radiator with the 3-core.  My radiator was in excellent condition, and we almost put it back in.  We did find it was running about 98% of original specs, which is far better than other stock radiators we tested, which in the 80's.  Mine just had a slight buildup on the bottom.  There was no visible tust, and the fins looked great.  The tanks also looked great.

I already had the Champion radiator, but the stock one looked great.  With testing, we did eventually find a pinhole leak.  Not enough for coolant to get through, but a bit of air at 40 PSI.

So, we swapped.  My old radiator was sealed, and is now in another Fiero.