Nov. 19th, 2022
NIFE Winter Kick-Off Meeting: ZOOM Meeting

Ready for the road?  Going on a weekend cruise or to a local car show is not the same as a long, cross-country road trip. As many of us consider attending the Fiero 40th Anniversary event next year in Pontiac, MI, gaining some peace of mind that everything will hold up would be priceless. Our November club meeting will give you the information you need to improve the odds that your beloved Fiero will bring you back home without incident.
Join us for this online Zoom NIFE Club Meeting on Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 9:00am (CST). We are scheduling this event to last ninety minutes to allow time for our guest speaker to take questions from the audience. We will provide a link to this online meeting under the Events tab on fierofocus.com and via an Eblast sent out a few days prior. You must register in advance either using a link in the NIFE Eblast or through the Events tab on fierofocus.com.
Our presenter will be Jon Miller of Tuckerton, NJ who is an ASE Certified Mechanic and has an independent automotive repair business. He has owned and restored many Fieros over the years, has been in the automotive parts business, and is well known as “Fiero Jon” in the Fiero community. Check out Jon’s website at fieroservice.com.
 Jon will explain some of the vulnerable components of a Fiero and show us how to inspect them. Some of these parts may still be original from the factory on your car, and Jon will show us if they are still up to their task. Even if you have problems corrected professionally, this meeting will give you a better understanding of the issues and will help you more effectively communicate with your mechanic.
October 29th, 2022
NIFE Fall Color Tour - U.S. Naval Station of Great Lakes, IL:

This year’s NIFE Fall Color Tour will be on Saturday, October 29, 2022. We will start meeting at 9:15am and depart at 9:45am from the northeast corner of Old Orchard Mall near the California Pizza Kitchen Restaurant located at 4999 Old Orchard Rd in Skokie, IL. From there, we will follow a route along the famous Sheridan Road as we cruise through Chicago's North Shore. The beginning of this road dates back to the 1880s, and it was named after a general in the Civil War who coordinated military relief efforts in Chicago following the Great Chicago Fire, Philip Henry Sheridan. Come be awestruck by the architecture of all the large, beautiful homes while driving the winding, slow-paced streets with mature trees, and watch out for bicyclists because it's a popular cycling road. Plus, steal a couple peeks of Lake Michigan along the way as an added bonus.
This iconic road is home to many well-known places, including our destination, The National Museum of the American Sailor at the U.S. Naval Station of Great Lakes. There, we will have a 30-45-minute guided tour of the history of the United States Navy’s Enlisted Sailor. Unfortunately, NO PHOTOGRAPHY is permitted while on Naval Base property (including parking lot and grounds).
Following our tour, we will zig zag through Lake County with a stop at a unique home, The Pyramid House, for a photo opportunity. We will then head to Dockers, a lakeside restaurant located at 33 W. Grand Avenue in Fox Lake, IL, for a late lunch, overlooking the water in a private room. We hope you join us for the beautiful scenery, naval history and to share a meal with friends!
If you live in the western suburbs and would like to caravan to the event’s start at Old Orchard as a group, please meet at the Oakbrook Costco located at 1901 W 22nd Street, Oakbrook, IL any time after 8:15am for an 8:45am group departure.
Please have full gas tanks before leaving the Old Orchard Mall; gas stations don't fit the decor of this scenic route (there is a gas station on Old Orchard Road right off of I-94).

                                       
Departure Location          Naval Base Location         Lunch Location
September 18th, 2022
NIFE Car Show Event Pontiac Museum Regional Car Show - Pontiac, IL:

Join us as we head to Pontiac, IL for the 11th annual Regional All Pontiac Cruise And Show. This is one of the largest all Pontiac shows in the area with over 200 cars last year. Let's make sure Fieros are again well represented this year. The show benefits the Pontiac/Oakland Museum located in Pontiac, IL, an organization that is preserving Pontiac history, including the Fiero. The show is on Sunday, September 18, 2022 in downtown Pontiac, IL.  Besides the show, this event is also a great opportunity to check out the Pontiac/Oakland Museum, the Route 66 Museum, and the Livingston County War Museum. We will meet in the parking lot of the Cheddar's Restaurant in Bolingbrook, IL located at the Northwest corner of the intersection of I-55 and Route 53. We will be leaving from the parking lot at 8:00am sharp, so please begin arriving anytime after 7:30am. We will then travel South on I-55 to Pontiac, IL with an expected arrival time around 9:30am. The show hours are from 10:00am until 2:00pm with the awards ceremony at 3:30pm.

             
Meeting Location          Show Location
September 9-11th, 2022
Fierorama 26 - St. Charles, IL:



The 26th Annual Fierorama. Mark your calendars for Friday, September 9th through Sunday, September 11th.
Find more information on this years historical show on the Fierorama page or the Fierorama Facebook page
August 20, 2022
Cruise to the Heartland (Coralville, IA):

The Heartland car show is on for this year!!!
NEW LOCATION, NEW IDEAS.

The Heartland Fiero Show is returning on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at a new location in Coralville, IA on Ninth Street, in front of the Antique Car Museum of Iowa located at 200 East 9th Street in the Iowa River Landing District.
To get to the museum off of I-80, use exit 242 and head south on First Avenue, then turn left on East Ninth Street (which is the first left) and continue for one block. The show registration opens at 9:00am. The show is a points-judged show using a 100-point judging scale encompassing all areas of each Fiero
Heartland Fiero Club is excited about the return of this event at its new location. This venue will increase public exposure, allowing for the opportunity to share our love for and knowledge of Fieros with the general public. There are many dining options and a variety of shopping opportunities within a four-block radius of the show.
The host hotel is the Drury Inn & Suites located at 815 1st Avenue in Coralville, IA with a negotiated group rate of $117/night. Individual call-in reservations can be made at 800-325-0720, or reservations can be made online by visiting druryhotels.com. The event group number is #10020405. You must reserve your room quickly as the cut-off date for this special rate is July 18, 2022! Drury Inn offers a complimentary hot breakfast and complimentary evening drinks and snacks (a rotating menu of hot food, beer, wine, mixed drinks and soft drinks) from 5:30pm-7:00pm.
Plans for group dinners on Friday and Saturday evenings are still in the works. Keep an eye on the Heartland Fieros Facebook page as details unfold. If you would like to caravan to the event on Friday, we will be departing at 2:00pm from the Dekalb, IL Oasis along the I-88 East-West Tollway. Please begin arriving anytime after 1:30pm.

       
Show Location
August 12-14, 2022
Indian Uprising All Pontiac Weekend - Crystal Lake, IL:

On August 12-14, 2022 the Cruisin’ Tigers GTO Club will be hosting their 31st annual Indian Uprising All Pontiac Weekend located at the Holiday Inn Chicago NW Convention Center, Crystal Lake, IL. There are events beginning Friday night with a classic movie in the parking lot under the stars. Saturday during the day, a parking lot is open for all Pontiacs to park and mingle informally. At about 4:00pm, all makes/models are welcome for a Mega Cruise Night featuring food, drinks, and a live band.
Sunday, come join us for fun with hundreds of Pontiacs at the All-Pontiac Car Show! NIFE members will meet at 8:30am for breakfast at the McDonalds located at 230 State Route 31, Crystal Lake, IL 60014, about two miles north of the Holiday Inn on Route 31. At 9:30am, we will head over to the show to be among the 500+ Pontiacs expected to attend. You have the option to meet us at the show or at the McDonalds at your convenience, however parking together is easier when arriving as a group. Showtimes run from 11:00am to 4:00pm with awards at 3:00pm. There will be guest speakers/presentations throughout the event days; see full details at cruisintigers.com.
Registration is $30.00 per car (plus processing fee for credit card) and includes attendance at all three days of the event. Pre-registering online is recommended and available until July 22, 2022 by going to crusintigers.com, or there will be registration on-site the day of. This event draws all years and models of Pontiacs from across the Midwest and is one of the largest all Pontiac shows in the U.S. Come on out and help display our Fiero spirit by joining us at this event. NIFE out-of-towners, this is a huge event, so why not make a weekend of it and visit your NIFE friends? For more event and lodging information, visit cruisintigers.com.


       
 Holiday Inn - Show Location
July 30, 2022
Caffeine & Chrome - Kenosha, WI:

Like classic cars? Want to look? Want to buy? Want to sell? Gateway Classic Cars is the world’s largest classic/exotic car dealership. ey have been in business for 23 years and have 19 locations all over the U.S. On Saturday, July 30, 2022 they will be hosting their monthly Caffeine and Chrome at their Kenosha,
WI location from 9:00am-12:00pm. The Northern Illinois Fiero Enthusiasts will be their feature car club at this event.

Gateway will be providing preferred parking and goodie bags for all Fieros who participate. ere will be free coffee and donuts available, and their showroom will be open to browse through. The Caffeine and Chrome event is open to all makes/models/years of vehicles and motorcycles. This is a great time to show o our cars to the others in the collective/hotrod/exotic car communities and introduce them to our club.

Gateway Classic Cars is located at 9949 58th Place, Suite 400, Kenosha, WI 53144, which is ten minutes north of the WI/IL state line off of I-94. Please arrive as close to 9:00am as possible. If you are participating, please contact Activity Director Scott Campbell at scampbell@fierofocus.com so Gateway can reserve enough spots and have enough goodie bags for all in attendance. There is no limit, so the more, the merrier!
If you are traveling from the western suburbs, we will meet up at the Costco Wholesale located at 1901 22nd Street in Oak Brook, IL. We will depart here at 8:00am; please begin arriving any time after 7:30am. If it’s closer for you, feel free to meet up with us at Gateway Classic Cars.

       
 Gateway Classics
July 9, 2022
31 Mile Drive - Wheeling, IL:

Join us Saturday, July 9, 2022 as we exercise our Fiero engines for a 31-mile drive to dinner. Why 31 miles? To celebrate 31 years of NIFE! Please begin meeting after 3:00pm for a 3:30pm departure from the office complex calledMidwest Plaza located at 2021 Midwest Road, Oakbrook, IL 60523 (on the northern
border of the McDonald’s). We will be driving north on I-290 and exit heading east on Palatine Road. Then, turn left on Route 45/Milwaukee Avenue, and Superdawgs Drive-In will be on your right. Superdawgs Drive-In is located at 333 South Milwaukee Avenue in Wheeling, IL. We plan to arrive around 4:30pm if you prefer to meet us at the restaurant.

This will be a great opportunity to try their famous Superdawg Hot Dogs, which you can pick up at the window, or order from your car and have a carhop deliver your order on a tray. If you have them, please be sure to bring your twoway radios so we can socialize during our drive.

       
 Superdawgs
June 23-26, 2022
NIFE On The Road To Carlisle:

NIFE On the Road is revving up and heading East this year the weekend of June 23 - 26, 2022. We are headed to Carlisle, PA to participate in the Mid-Atlantic Fiero Owners Associations (MAFOA) Fieros At Carlisle show that takes place within the GM Nationals show at the Carlisle Fairgrounds. Last year this show had over 131 Fieros participate from all over the Midwest, East Coast and beyond. This event is the longest running Fiero show and last year was the largest in the country. This is a great opportunity to stretch those Fiero legs to meet and see many Fiero owners from other parts of the country.

We will be leaving on Thursday, June 23, 2022 at 2:00pm (Central Time) from the Chicago Southland Lincoln Oasis heading eastbound on I-80. From there we will go about 350 miles (5–6-hour drive time) to Streetsboro, OH with two or three stops along the way for gas and a bite to eat; our estimated arrival time is about 9:00pm (Eastern Time). We will stay at the in Holiday Inn Express Cleveland-Streetsboro (I-80 exit 187) (there are other hotels nearby also if you choose).

We will then depart 8:30am (Eastern Time) on Friday, June 24, 2022 for about another 280 miles (4-hour drive time) with two stops, which will bring us to Carlisle, PA. We will meet up with MAFOA and enjoy their activities on Friday evening including a group cruise (yes, more driving!), pizza party, tech sessions, and go karting. The host hotel is the Country Inn and Suites with group room rates between $153 and $170 (please call 717-706-6997 and ask for the MAFOA rate ASAP as the hotel is expected to sell out). If that hotel is booked – check out the Fairfield Inn & Suites Carlisle South (717-243-2080) and Holiday Inn Express – Carlisle Southwest (888-465-4329). Both are located near the host hotel. There are also a multitude of other hotels in Carlisle at varying price points, however they will sell out quickly too because this is a large, national event.

On Saturday, June 25, 2022 we will attend the GM Nationals Show at the Carlisle Fairgrounds where MAFOA has a large display for Fieros at Carlisle for all the Fieros and will be doing their own awards and judging for Fieros only. There will be over 1,000 GM cars at this event from old to new, from stock to completely radical customs. This is a great, wide-open venue to spend the whole day including food vendors, swap meet, sponsor displays, and much more. After the show we will go for a cruise with all the other Fieros and enjoy a nice dinner. Registration is $47 through MAFOA for the event which gets you into the GM Nationals for the whole weekend.  T-shirts are available for pre-orders also. Registration is already open at https://mafoa.com/fac2022/

Sunday, June 26, 2022 we will attend the awards breakfast in the morning and then the return trip will be at your own leisure, so you can stay to enjoy the sights of the area, sights on road or head straight home to attend other obligations you may have.

Contact NIFE Activity Director Scott Campbell at scampbell@fierofocus.com or call/text 630-816-5291, with any questions. For the most up to date information follow Northern Illinois Fiero Enthusiasts’ Facebook page and the event NIFE On The Road to Carlisle.
June 2-5, 2022
Cruise to the Annual Dells Run 2022:

It’s time again for our annual Fiero community pilgrimage to the Wisconsin Dells. The Wisconsin Fiero Fanatics will be hosting Fiero owners from across the Midwest for the 30th edition of the Dells Run event, starting Thursday, June 1, 2023 and running through Sunday, June 4, 2023. This event is four days of Fiero fun with countless opportunities to meet new Fiero friends and experience everything Fiero – from mild to wild!

The host hotel and show site will again be Chula Vista Resort. Call 608-678-3119 to make your reservations and call early to guarantee a room. The group discount number is I84890 (letter “I” not number “1”). It’s a beautiful location and the staff have been very accommodating to the Fiero community in the past. Consider pre-registering for this event by downloading a registration form on fierofocus.com, or visit Wisconsin Fiero Fanatics on Facebook for the latest information. If you pre-register prior to May 1, 2023, you are eligible for the drawing for a free room night at the Chula Vista.

On Sunday, June 4, 2023 we will caravan back to Illinois after the awards ceremony and traditional NIFE club photo. We plan to be on the road headed back home by 10:30am/11:00am. Join us for great times and good fun in the scenic Wisconsin Dells!

Click the PRINT icon to download and print out the 2023 Dells Run registration form
May 14th, 2022
NIFE - Spring Driving Tour - Starved Rock:

Spring is here, and what better way to enjoy the season than in your Fiero? This year’s Spring Driving Tour will take place on Saturday, May 14, 2022 as we travel to Starved Rock State Park in Utica, IL. Chicago-area members can gather at the Red Roof Inn located southeast of the intersection of Route 59 and Diehl Road (just south of the Route 59 exit along I-88) in Naperville, IL. Please begin gathering after 9:30am. We will depart from this location at 10:00am and will head to Route 47 along I-88, then head south on Route 47 to Route 71 into Newark, IL.
In Newark, IL the group will stop at the BP station located at 303 E. State Route 71 where we will have an opportunity to refuel, etc. From here, we will proceed along Route 71 into Ottawa, IL. We anticipate arriving in Ottawa, IL around 11:30am. A short stop has been planned at Washington Park in downtown Ottawa, site of the first Lincoln-Douglas Debate. Then the group will continue through Ottawa on Route 23/71 over the Illinois River and follow Route 71 toward Starved Rock State Park.
For those not familiar with this park, Starved Rock is over 2,600 acres of woods, canyons, natural wonders, and hiking trails along the Illinois River near Utica, IL. Route 71 into Starved Rock is a winding drive up steep bluffs along the Illinois River and offers gorgeous views of the river that get better as you climb the bluffs.
As we enter the park, we will find parking in one of the many lots in the Lodge area. (We may not all be able to park together.) We should arrive at the park about 1:00pm. At this point, you will have a choice of boarding the Starved Rock Trolley Tour (1:30pm departure) for a tour of the grounds, the Visitors center, and the locks on the Illinois River. The trolley tour is $15.00 per person ($12.00 for seniors). If you want to do some hiking, you can opt to do that instead. We will then meet for a late lunch at the Lodge about 3:00pm. This lodge was built in the 1930s by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps), as were many of the state park lodges. It is a beautiful and rustic log structure overlooking the Illinois River.
After lunch, our driving tour will continue to The LaSalle County Historical Museum in nearby Utica, IL (only five minutes away from the park). We will leave the park through the West entrance and go north on Rt 178 a few miles to Utica, IL. This is a charming 19th century museum collection including a schoolhouse and blacksmith shop.
We hope you can join us to shake loose those winter cobwebs from your prized Fiero. Since this is only about 75 miles from Chicago, most of you can easily be back home by early evening!
Note: Changes in tours and dining could be affected by new updates to COVID restrictions.
April 9th, 2022
NIFE - Zoom Meeting:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIsd-2pqjstHNXHkrsHo3K-h3Wtx9ZEnNus

Zoom Registration Link:

Join us for another online Zoom NIFE Club Meeting on Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 9:00am (CST). We are scheduling this event to last ninety minutes to allow time for our guest speaker to take questions
from the audience.
This month’s guest speaker is NIFE member Ryan Gick of Sinister Performance. Ryan will briefly discuss the evolution of OBD1 (On-board Diagnostics 1) in GM applications, covering all Fiero production years, to the end of OBD1/OBD1.5 use. Ryan will describe the differences of data communications protocols in early OBD1 service (160 baud like the Fiero uses) and what changed in later OBD1 vehicles (8192 baud, OBD1.5, etc.). He will provide some examples of scan tools and Windows/PC scanning software that work with these various protocols and compatibility issues. Ryan will also explain the limitations of these systems as far as tuning and capabilities are concerned.
For OBD2, Ryan will very briefly touch on the various different communications protocols used by non-GM manufacturers.
For GM makes, Ryan will go far more in-depth explaining what OBD2 introduced (as far as diagnostics and capabilities) and also what came later (GMLAN/CAN BUS). He will provide some examples of scan tools that work with these applications and also show some slides of some of the exciting aftermarket products that are now being offered. These new products really open up options to car enthusiasts as far as providing the ability to mix and match modules and dash displays made by different car manufacturers.
March 19th, 2022
NIFE - Zoom Meeting:

Zoom Registration Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0vceqgrjksG9SgO7ky1RDqq8z31wA-Whd_

Our March Zoom NIFE Club Meeting will take place on Saturday, March 19, 2022 starting at 9:00am (CST) – please note the time change from what was previously published. We are scheduling this event to last ninety minutes or so to allow time for our guest speakers to take questions from the audience. We will provide a link to this online meeting under the Events tab on fierofocus.com and via an Eblast sent out a few days prior.

We will have several presenters for this meeting where we will discuss Fiero wiring harnesses and the electronics system. The first presenter is NIFE member Gary Pickardt from Maryland and owner/operator of Pickardt Performance. Gary has done several different engine swaps, but specialize in the LS4 platform.  Our second presenter is NIFE member Matt Goss of G3 Fieros from Virginia, who is a wiring and electronics specialist and Technical Instructor. Between Gary and Matt, they have worked on multiple Fieros of all years and trims, from stock, custom, to highly modified. They have great knowledge about what differences there are between wiring harnesses and what has to be done when completing swaps.

Matt will cover topics related to wiring harnesses, including the major differences between years (stock transmissions/engines), common grounding concerns, and common stock harness issues, both with fixes and their effects.

The topic will then change over to cover wiring changes needed for PCM or engine swapping. There will be an overview of the C203 and C500 connectors and what can be tied into them for swaps. Gary will talk about different types of PCMs that are available to work with the swaps and will also discuss some of the aftermarket wiring harness options for swaps, such as Fitech and Holley.
February 19th, 2022
NIFE - Zoom Meeting:

Zoom Registration Link:
 https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZckf-upqTwqHN3ttQM7Zzg3pzNV6tAC-7rQ

Join us for another online Zoom NIFE Club Meeting on Saturday, February 19, 2022 at 9:00am (CST). We are scheduling this event to last one hour to allow time for our guest speaker to take questions from the audience.

Have you ever wondered, “What is this car really thinking?” The Electronic Control Module (ECM) in our Fieros takes information from driver inputs and vehicle sensors to determine the optimum engine settings for performance and exhaust emissions. Though not as simple as a carburetor, the Fiero’s OBD-I (On-Board Diagnostic) system is much less complex than the OBD-II cars we drive today.

Join us for a discussion about the sensors and control systems used to communicate with the Fiero’s ECM. This knowledge is useful background information in diagnosing drivability problems like a rough idle. Our presenter for this meeting will be Mr. Joe Aranki, Program Coordinator for the Automotive Service Technology Department at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn, IL. Mr. Aranki is an ASE certified Master Technician as well as an experienced educator.
January 15th, 2022
NIFE - Zoom Meeting:

Zoom Registration Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpc--qpjotGNZboiqRsaMpxxpyLSBpAQDL

Join us for another online Zoom NIFE Club Meeting on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 9:00am (CST). We are scheduling this event to last one hour to allow time for our guest speaker to take questions from the audience.

This month’s guest speaker is NIFE member Kimberly Reck. Kimberly will introduce us to her electric Fiero, which she has rebuilt from the ground up and drives under its own battery power to club events. We’ve seen her lime green ’87 Coupe at Fierorama and now is our chance to learn about it from the owner’s perspective—everything from its motor to its many series-linked batteries. With everything I have learned about this car, I believe it’s a true work of art that Kimberly continues to improve upon as new technology is introduced. With the transition to electric cars already begun, this meeting proves to be an opportunity to learn from an expert on how to convert your Fiero to run on electricity!
 

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