FYI: The Classic EV Conversion team near Denver, Colorado, showcases their latest masterpiece: a 1980’s Pontiac Fiero GT conversion.
The YouTube channel Out of Spec Renew recently had the pleasure of visiting the Classic EV Conversion team in Denver to explore their latest innovation—a fully electric 1980’s Pontiac Fiero GT. Known for preserving the essence of classic cars while adapting them for the modern era, this Pontiac Fiero GT conversion is the project that truly distinguished their expertise in the industry.
Modern Power, Classic Charm
The Pontiac Fiero GT now boasts an 85 kWh battery pack and dual motor drive unit sourced from a 2014 Tesla Model S. The battery pack was ingeniously divided into two sections: a smaller pack positioned under the hood and a larger pack occupying part of the trunk and the former engine bay. The low and high-voltage components snake through the car’s center, in what was originally the gas tank area.
Though it hasn’t hit the dynamometer yet, estimates suggest the Tesla-powered Fiero delivers between 350 and 400 hp and around 400 lb-ft of torque. This dwarfs the original Fiero GT’s peak output of 140 hp and 170 lb-ft of torque, representing a monumental boost in performance.
A Brief History of the Fiero
After its debut in 1984, the Pontiac Fiero quickly became a popular choice, undergoing several updates in subsequent years. However, by 1987, early models were plagued by numerous issues such as engine, oil pan, and wiring faults, leading to an alarming frequency of engine fires. While no deaths or severe injuries resulted, the problematic model earned a poor reputation, prompting Pontiac to discontinue the Fiero by 1988 and eventually recall every unit sold.
A Personal Story
So, what motivated the choice to convert a Fiero given its rocky history? "I had this exact car," says Tim Bradley. "At that time in my life, it was the best car I ever had. It held a special place in my heart." As life progressed, Tim had to part with his beloved two-seater. Years later, he found a well-maintained Fiero with just 14,000 miles on the clock and seized it as a hobby car. After enjoying it for a few years, Tim concluded that the Fiero would be the ideal candidate for an EV conversion.
The conversion project began in March 2020 but faced frequent delays due to the pandemic. According to Nick from Classic EV Conversion, while the team only spent about 180 days actively working on the car, these days were spread over two years. Finding a donor car for the EV components alone took several months. The electric Fiero GT was finally completed in 2022.
Enhanced Performance
With the vehicle’s newfound power and heft, the braking system required substantial upgrades. "This is a hydraulic brake booster that generates around 2,000 psi of hydraulic pressure, sourced from Speedway and typically used in race cars," explains Nick. The original brakes were "terrifying" post-upgrade, and regenerative braking struggled with the factory setups. "It’s a solid alternative that provides sufficient pressure for racing brakes."
The craftsmanship of this build is impeccable, with customized gauges replicating the original look, a Tesla badge upfront, and "Electric" spelled out on the rear light bar. Interestingly, they retained the original quad exhaust purely for aesthetic purposes. "The GT is so iconic for those beautiful quad-tips on the back. Removing them left a glaring hole—it just didn’t look right."
A Reflective Conclusion
What are your thoughts on this EV conversion? Is there a vehicle from your youth that you’d love to see transformed with an electric drivetrain? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
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William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
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