Alternative Engine for Solstice

[funkywinkerbean]

Lots of knowledge and experience indicated here.

My research on this forum reveals that Mallett wants about $15K to $20K to install a 400 HP Corvette motor and all the associated gizmos. Suddenly the $25K car becomes a $40 to $45K car.

If great results could be had for $5K or so, then.....

Perhaps there is a way to install a crate motor (V-6?) and use as much of the existing power train and suspension as possible. For instance, are there other GM cars which use the base Solstice motor and which also have an upgrade option of a V-6? (see where I am going here?).

I understand that it could be possible to coax amazing power from a 4 banger - but it will still be a four banger.

[brentil]

Originally Posted by funkywinkerbean Perhaps there is a way to install a crate motor (V-6?) and use as much of the existing power train and suspension as possible. For instance, are there other GM cars which use the base Solstice motor and which also have an upgrade option of a V-6? (see where I am going here?). I understand that it could be possible to coax amazing power from a 4 banger - but it will still be a four banger.

Unfortunately the only car that uses the 2.4L VVT ECOTEC that also uses a 6-cyl engine is the G6. Which does use the new 3900 which makes good power, ~240HP. However that car is FWD so it might take a good bit of research and work to create the parts necisary to make what's needed to swing that engine around into a N-S position instead of E-W.

[Greg55_99]

Originally Posted by funkywinkerbean Lots of knowledge and experience indicated here. My research on this forum reveals that Mallett wants about $15K to $20K to install a 400 HP Corvette motor and all the associated gizmos. Suddenly the $25K car becomes a $40 to $45K car. If great results could be had for $5K or so, then..... Perhaps there is a way to install a crate motor (V-6?) and use as much of the existing power train and suspension as possible.

Yeah.... If you've got the stock 5-speed, get a bellhousing from a 96-00 Dodge Dakota 2.5L. It has the GM 60 degree bolt pattern and the AR5 trans pattern. You're halfway home with the 3800......



Greg

[mrfredsporty]

well.... if we are doing this might as well put a lovely v10 viper in and not take prisoners. just a thought

[GradSoulStice]

how about the z06 engine, 5 more horses and a smaller engine?

[SCISOLSTICE]

Put a huge engine.Take curve at high speed and watch the ass end catch up with front end. Makes alot of sense.

[Greg55_99]

Originally Posted by SCISOLSTICE Put a huge engine.Take curve at high speed and watch the ass end catch up with front end. Makes alot of sense.

Yes... but... isn't that the American way? Big motor... little car.... evil handling... but FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAASSSSSSSSSTTTTT in a straight line. Isn't that how we've always done things....

Greg

[LatinVenom]

If I were considering a motor swap my choice would be the I6 Vortec 4200, this motor produces somewhere in the 265-275 HP normaly aspire, and since it is an inline six it does not shake at all, it is smooth running engine.
That said what I would like to do is have something like the PROCHARGER supercharger with an intercooler bolt it to the 2.4 and see if 265 - 275 with about 6psi of boost can be had.

[Rickady88GT]

Originally Posted by SCISOLSTICE Put a huge engine.Take curve at high speed and watch the ass end catch up with front end. Makes alot of sense.

I guess you are right, there has never been a car that could handle well without perfect 50/50 weight distribution

[jimbo]

Originally Posted by jester316 no need to get testy. maybe some people are new to this site and would rather just ask then go on the hunt.

I'm sincerely sorry if I came off too strong or implied that he should have searched 1st. I only meant that many of us are a bit disappointed or frustrated that the only engine offered for the Solstice is a 4-banger - so much so that it generated weeks and weeks of discussion.

The Solstice is almost a direct bulls-eye for its intended market, worthless trunk and all. But I think the single biggest mistake that GM made was to design a platform that could not use an existing GM 6-cylinder engine for the flexibility of adding one later. I can't say this was achievable within the car's mission of being "affordable, simple and pure under $20,000 MSRP".

A 6-cylinder power plant does not conflict with that mission, but if it would have added too much weight, or too much cost, or ruined the handling - then they did the right thing. But I sure wish they found a way to design the car to handle a 6-cylinder motor.

Sorry if my post came off as critical. I didn't mean for that.

[jimbo]

Originally Posted by LatinVenom If I were considering a motor swap my choice would be the 6IL, this motor produces somewhere in the 265-275 HP normaly aspire, and since it is an inline six it does not shake at all, it is smooth running engine.

In my dreams.

[Fformula88]

Originally Posted by funkywinkerbean Lots of knowledge and experience indicated here. My research on this forum reveals that Mallett wants about $15K to $20K to install a 400 HP Corvette motor and all the associated gizmos. Suddenly the $25K car becomes a $40 to $45K car. If great results could be had for $5K or so, then..... Perhaps there is a way to install a crate motor (V-6?) and use as much of the existing power train and suspension as possible. For instance, are there other GM cars which use the base Solstice motor and which also have an upgrade option of a V-6? (see where I am going here?). I understand that it could be possible to coax amazing power from a 4 banger - but it will still be a four banger.

To the best of my knowledge right now, V8 Archie ( www.v8archie.com ) is
planning on developing a "kit" to install a V8 into a Solstice. Most likely a Chevy small block. This is pending his receipt of a car to check over, measure, and develop the kit with. Right now he sells V8 install kits for the do-it-yourselfer Fiero owner, offers tech support, etc. If he does develop a kit, it would be far cheaper than having Mallett do the work for you if you can do the wrenching yourself. It also would let you be selective on engine.

[Rickady88GT]

Originally Posted by Fformula88 To the best of my knowledge right now, V8 Archie ( www.v8archie.com ) is planning on developing a "kit" to install a V8 into a Solstice. Most likely a Chevy small block. This is pending his receipt of a car to check over, measure, and develop the kit with. Right now he sells V8 install kits for the do-it-yourselfer Fiero owner, offers tech support, etc. If he does develop a kit, it would be far cheaper than having Mallett do the work for you if you can do the wrenching yourself. It also would let you be selective on engine.

I live in CA and I have to pass smog, so ANY engine I put in a KAPPA has to be 2005 or newer. This means I need ALL of the electronics to run the engine and gauges and smog equipment and anything else linked to the engine management system. ANYTHING older than 2005 wont pass smog in CA for a Solstice and this is one thing people need to think about before getting into an engine swap. This is why some only do turn key conversions. The do it your self people may buy a kit cheap but if it is going to be legal they will spend ALLOT of time on the conversion to do it right. So add your time and pay your self $60 p h and see if you still pull it off under $15,000 for ALL other costs?

[LatinVenom]

Originally Posted by jimbo In my dreams.

That figure was quoted by the Engineer that was in charged of bringing this Eng to market.

[Ex-Miata Man]

I say let's just use the lawn blower option on the original 2.4 and save the conversion time.