Anybody stuffed an LS3 into one of these???


N

nota4re

GT Owner
Mark IV Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Feb 15, 2006
4,367
I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on one of these and then one day soon doing the LS3 conversion. I'm not the biggest fan of the OEM Solstice but the car's chassis is highly successful in SCCA T2 (mustangs, evos, STi's, E46, E36, etc.) Opinions?

2009_pontiac_solstice_coupe.jpg

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2009_pontiac_solstice_coupe5.jpg

2009-Pontiac-Solstice-Coupe.jpg
 
Sounds like a fun project.

The coupe has very clean lines!!
 
I looked long and hard at a Mallett conversion. I am sure you have seen their website, but for those not familiar with them, here is the link:
http://www.mallettcars.com/solstice-conversion.htm
The install looks very clean. I have seen one or two for sale on eBay.

As a big Cobra fan, I love the idea of a SBC in that car.
 
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Well, I pulled the trigger last night on a coupe in the same color as the pics above. Coupes are very rare with only 1266 ever produced - all in the final year (2009). Of this 1266, 850 were the GXP model (better engine). Further, there were only 288 manual transmission GXP coupes...... and now I have one of them.

The GXP engine is pretty remarkable and said to be the highest HP/Liter engine ever produced by GM. It is a 2.0L, direct injection, Turbo (twin scroll) 4-cylinder rated at 260HP and 260TQ. But, GM came out with a power upgrade (~$450) and fully covered the power upgrade under their warranty. With the factory upgrade the numbers are 290HP and 340TQ. This are pretty amazing stats for a light, 2.0L motor. IMO, the motor and styling (especially the Coupe) are the highlights of the car. Typical GM el-cheapo plastic interior and a 5-speed transmission straight from a truck are the odd compromises that GM sometimes does. However, another highlight is the chassis which is said to be the stiffest ever produced by GM - including that of the C6 corvette. 4-wheel independent suspension, RWD, and a stiff chassis is what made it a real winner in the SCCA T2 class. These attributes also make it attractive for an LS3 +T56 swap-in which numerous owners have done. Not quite sure what I'll do with it but like Sinovac, the idea of a big engine in a small stiff chassis is kind of appealing!
 
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Why not run it in a stock class? I'm sure the dependability would be a plus.Also once you go to an open class, its matter of who spends more.
Just my 02
 
That is a rare car, enjoy.
 
 
http://www.gas-motors.com/09_SolsticeGXP.html
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This is pretty much the build I was following. (Thanks for the link.)

Just seeing if anyone here has done one or driven one. I'm going to have some fun with this project!
 
I've never seen the coupe, it looks much nicer than the convertible, very cool.
 
nota4re said:
However, another highlight is the chassis which is said to be the stiffest ever produced by GM - including that of the C6 corvette. 4-wheel independent suspension, RWD, and a stiff chassis is what made it a real winner in the SCCA T2 class...the idea of a big engine in a small stiff chassis is kind of appealing!
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My only question is how well might it handle 'at speed' in the 'twisties' once the extra weight is placed up front?

Of course, if curves aren't going to be any real big factor in the type of use the car will be put to (like a "sleeper" role maybe?), then who really cares?
 
That's a neat project Kendall, I wish I have your talent !
 
A big engine in a small car is always a good combination. There may not even be much of a weight difference after the swap.
 
MTV8 said:
A big engine in a small car is always a good combination. There may not even be much of a weight difference after the swap.
Click to expand...

Proven over and over again

289 in an AC
289 in a Sunbeam Tiger
427 in an AC
427 in a GT40
 
.............aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah, not so good

a 289 in a Griffith
a 350 in a Cheetah
 
When I was in High School in 60s, had a friend who put a Pontiac 389 (GTO engine) with 4-speed into a 50s MG-TF! Was a rocket in a straight line but it's cornering ability was non-existent. Basically had no suspension up front! Dr Frank-- it was RED!
 
".............aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah, not so good

a 289 in a Griffith
a 350 in a Cheetah "

Kingman, you are O SO Right! Trying to drive a Cheetah on a road course is a good way to wake up dead.
 
I love big engines in small cars, but they are not the way to go if you like safe handling! Case in point, my MG Midget with 501hp 383" SBC. 500+hp in an 80" wheelbase = scary all the time (but fun!) even with full coilover suspension and big-ass discs.



rebuild 023.jpgrebuild 005.JPGrebuild 016.jpg
 
Kendall,

I've never seen a GXP coupe either. That sounds like a really fun project for someone like you and your son who can make it all work. I look forward to seeing it. Talk about a sleeper with an LS3 under the hood.

Chip
 
As of 5PM in the Pacific Northwest, the Sol is on the transport soon to be heading South!!

Please, no hail!!

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Hey, Harnish is one of my local dealers (well, I assume it is in Puyallup). I bet they took the pic earlier tho, It is pitch black at 5pm. This part of the year sucks that way.

This will be a cool project.
 
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