Fiero Project Progress

Fiero is home with 4 new tires.  Time to get it ready to pass smog.  First a tailpipe sniff showed way too much carbon in the exhaust.  It also showed a “service engine soon” light occasionally.  The error code 44 indicated a lean mixture condition.  I followed the charts to diagnose this problem.  There are many possible causes including vacuum leaks.  I chased vacuum leaks, replaced vacuum hoses and other components.  Each change seemed to initially fix the problem but would it would eventually set the code 44 error.  The times between the error codes was getting longer so at least some of the fixes were probably appropriate.  But the problem persisted.

While on one of my test drives the driver side front brake started to hang up causing an uncommanded turn to the left.  This also caused the left front wheel hub to heat up.  Investigation revealed that the piston in the caliper was not retracting consistently.  I decided to replace all the brake calipers, have the discs resurfaced and while I had the front hub off replace the front wheel bearings.  While waiting for parts my temporary operating permit expired.  Test driving is no longer an option.

During one of my many online searches for solutions I came across John Metric’s “DC Plasma”.  John converted his Fiero to a battery electric vehicle (BEV) and raced it at the drag strip and in autocross.  I’m not much into racing but this got me thinking maybe I should consider converting my Fiero to a BEV.  At the very least I wouldn’t be chasing code 44s.

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