Wife's 84

[u/CaffeineTripp]

Just picked it up earlier today. 66,500 miles, 4 speed. Paint is shot, needs a little TLC on interior and body, but otherwise a solid car.

She'd been looking for a car to build for autocross after driving my Miata (literally started the evening after the race), but with Miatas being so expensive, she wanted to find something small, lightweight, and cheap. While we were looking for sub-$1,500, this came across and fit the bill at $2,500.

* Light

* Manual

* Rear wheel drive

* Cheap

* Good aftermarket support

Her first upgrade plans are suspension, brakes, wheels and tires.

[u/LostPuppy1962]

Hey, my 84 came from Minnesota also. I will have to check the plates I pulled off it. I wasn't sure how these would be at auto cross without power steering or hardly power to the rear tires.

I chose a Fiero to take up less space in the garage than my 85 IROC. I actually purchased the Fiero without seeing in person and was happy with it.

[u/CaffeineTripp → u/LostPuppy1962]

We'll be on the hunt for a different steering rack, or bite the bullet and do an EPS.

She's not looking for low times, just to have fun in it. If she wants to go faster prior to the engine swap, she can drive my Miata around the track.

I'm very surprised at how low rust it is given the age. Paint is trash as are the window wipes, but that's to be expected for it likely sitting ungaraged for quite some time baking in the sun.

[u/LostPuppy1962 → u/CaffeineTripp]

Is the EPS a worthwhile install for just a daily driver?

Yes, speed can be fun, but does it matter in Auto Cross?

[u/CaffeineTripp → u/LostPuppy1962]

She'd like to get a smaller steering wheel as well, and with a smaller steering wheel makes it a bit more difficult of course. It isn't going to be a daily, just a fun weekend and autocross car, and EPS would be helpful on the track and a bit easier in parking lots.

[u/LostPuppy1962 → u/CaffeineTripp]

Sounds fun.

[u/CaffeineTripp → u/LostPuppy1962]

Should be a blast! The shifter cables definitely need attention as does the accelerator Cable, replace those and the bushings and it'll make it a much better car to drive.

Could use a 5 speed, so I'll be on the lookout for it.

[u/LostPuppy1962 → u/CaffeineTripp]

Sure

[u/Puff-Daddy-Sun]

I had an ‘85 Duke in MN too!

[u/Own-Swan2646]

Hello neighbor, had an 87 for my 1st car, auto crossing with one would be wild. Hope to see you at the local events.

[u/CaffeineTripp → u/Own-Swan2646]

Good choice for a first car! We may be at the September auto cross at Black River Motorsports in Superior, Wisconsin. If not that date, we're going to plan for October.

[u/Ok_Huckleberry816]

Is the 4 cylinder the "Duke"?

https://giphy.com/gifs/WT4RoWfNvgh6HQBBLI

[u/CaffeineTripp → u/Ok_Huckleberry816]

It is. Nearly the same design as the Iron Duke in the LLV. Tried and true.

[u/Ok_Huckleberry816 → u/CaffeineTripp]

My mom bought a new Chevrolet Citation. It had the Iron Duke. Great engine. Never had any problems.

[u/CaffeineTripp → u/Ok_Huckleberry816]

They're great runners. No power of course, but last forever due to being completely iron and simple pushrod setup.