I love it when I find a Rough Start car that is so close to done that all I can do is to shout, “BUY IT NOW” as loud as I can. Let’s face facts…not every Rough Start find is a winner. The Buick Pace Car certainly set the tone for what was “bad” according to your suggestions. Well, here’s the apology: a V8-swapped Pontiac Fiero that isn’t LS swapped, has a parts list that is pretty tasty and isn’t done but is so close that it is worth spending the coin. Surely, an eight-cylinder Fiero offers up something for the typical gearhead, right?
Let’s start with the engine itself, a warmed up 350 with the TPI kit from a Corvette. Certainly beats the hell out of a 2.8 V6 or an Iron Duke. Bored .040 and sporting Dart Iron Eagle heads and a Comp Cams bumpstick, it should be plenty for the car. We don’t know which five-speed manual is stirring the gears but at least you’ll have a stout clutch to work with. But the really, really good stuff is in the handling and braking department. Eibach springs and poly bushings keep everything in check, while 12″ Corvette discs and calipers and Koenig wheels on Falken rubber grip the road. 
The Fiero isn’t perfect. The paint has some typical sunburn in a couple of small spots, the fuel mapping needs to be tweaked and the water pump belt needs to be tightened up. Can you handle that kind of work? Want a mini-Ferrari that makes old-school V8 noises? Want to stay under your five thousand dollar budget? You’re welcome.
Like it, small car with a V8 is a BIG FUN Idea
HOLY CRAP ! ! ! Lookin’ fer a bank and some Scooby Snacks! SWEET!
I remember seeing a V8 Fiero in High Performance Pontiac mag. that had a 455 and did wheelies. Very cool!!!
Seems like freakin’ good value. Something worth spending time and money on
There’s a gentleman i Tulsa who has a Northstar powered Fiero. Beauftifully done, he drives it daily and shows it.