[The Falconater]

Hey guys. I decided to upgrade from my '97 Miata a few weeks ago, and my 2007 GXP arrived yesterday. It's fantastic; I'm blown away by how much car you can get for fourteen grand. It's quick as hell, the stereo is killer, and I'm getting nearly 30 mpg. Plus, it's absolutely gorgeous. I was cross-shopping Solstices with new Miatas as well as RX-8's and 350z's, and I think I made the right buy. I do have a few questions, though:
1) That ticking noise coming from the dash - is that the fuel pump? What can be done about it?
2) When I put the top in the trunk, the trunk lid contacts the top when I close it. If I slam the trunk it seems like there's no problem, but is this damaging the top or is it normal?
3) When I crank the wheel all the way to the left or right, there's a groan from the engine bay and the revs drop a little bit (~100 rpm at idle). Is this a sign that the power steering is going out or will it last a while longer?

Thanks for reading. In the near future I'm hoping to put a Probeam on it and get the Trifecta budget tune. I'm looking forward to driving this car for years to come!

 

[Sting Ya]

Welcome to the forum nice car ! When I put my top down I always push down on both sides as it will go down a couple of inches you have to be careful with slamming the trunk down as it is easy to put a dent in it I know hope this helps .

 

[jeffgtx]

The ticking noise is the power crickets. They give you your speed!

There's a 10 dollar foam cover you can buy to minimize it but it's basically a byproduct of the power train design. Search the forums. There's a part number posted somewhere. It was used on the Opel version of the car.

If you just spend a little time to make sure the top is down nice and snug you should get the clearance you need. You can also lift up on one of the flaps to give the air someplace to go when you close the lid. Lowers the resistance.

Welcome to the forum. Enjoy your new hot rod.

 

[sirwm]

Welcome !

arty:

 

[silverfox90]

Very nice color! The ticking is the HPFP and is normal, there is a redeveloped cover to reduce the noise, but it doesn't bother me enough to make the switch. I put a blanket across the top after it's lowered into the trunk, it will develop wear spots otherwise. There are a few threads discussing this issue. Good solution posted by TS: http://www.solsticeforum.com/forum/f62/cheap-easy-trunk-convertible-roof-blanket-70783/

Answered above before I posted, but here anyway :thumbs:

 

[ChopTop]

Welcome and nice GXP. May want to check out *DDM brace bundle (front, tunnel, and rear probeam), along w/ZOK F&R swaybars. Than a Mach Shorty Solo exhaust, and finally lower it!

*Few vendors have annual Christmas sales closer it gets to it.

 

[mcpigm01]

First of all, welcome to the family.

I don't think anyone answered the power steering noise. When turning all the way to one side and holding it there, yes the pump will make more noise and the rpms will drop. This is completely normal for GM cars from my understanding. The GXP is a beautiful car that is fun to drive. You will become addicted to it quickly.

 

[The Falconater]

Thanks for all the responses and suggestions! I'm glad it showed up yesterday while the weather was still nice so I had one day to put the top down...

 

[twowheeladdict]

I make sure to push the top all the way down into the trunk before I close the lid. Do you have the owners manual?

 

[jeff465]

When you close the trunk, stand behind the license plate and push down in the center of the lid. I use a hanky, no bare hands. Welcome to the forum.

 

[rob the elder]

Welcome to the forum.

You have received some good answers already but here goes.

1) the direct injection motor has a fuel delivery pump in the trunk adjacent to the fuel tank that provides fuel to the high pressure fuel pump which is mounted to the motor. The delivery pump is electric and for all practical purposes silent. The high pressure fuel pump provides fuel to the injectors at very high pressure, north of 2500 PSI and is mechanically driven by the engine internals. It is the clicking sound you hear. After you become used to the car you will probably not hear it anymore. There is a sound insulation "kit" that you can apply but personally I do not recommend it. It insulates the noise but also insulates the pump from heat rejection which over time is not a good thing.

2) the top is held in position in the stowed position by two rubber feet mounted to the trunk lid, one left and one right. Also, the trunk lid cover has a curve moulded into it that captures the second bow of the top to provide additional retention for the stowed top. This is to minimize motion of the top which has the glass rear window glued to the fabric. Over time the rubber feet can rub against the canvas top and leave scaring or they have been known to fail leaving the hard plastic mounting structures to cut a hole in the top. Keep an eye on them. Better yet, cover the top with microfiber towels, a Kappa blanket or the material of your choice to protect the top when in the trunk. They will last a very long time if you take good care of them but are expensive and challenging to fix if they have a problem.

3) Clean the top canvas regularly using one of the approved methods and treat it to keep it happy and living long. See threads about raggtop vrs 303 protectant for more information.

4) Get the DDM probeam or the Werks equivalent. Its a low cost, much needed and highly effective brace for the rear suspension that is a huge handling improvement.

5) Join a local club. There are a lot of unique challenges that may arise from the platform that are well understood and can be easy to deal with should they arise if you know what to do. Local clubs are generally very knowledgable and fun.

6) Consider getting the GMPP tune or the after market tune of choice. They are relatively inexpensive and provide a HUGE improvement in mileage and overall performance of the car. Cheapest and best way to add 30 - 50 HP. See threads on GMPP tune by Flashesowner from 2008

7) there are many threads on this forum with a lot of information on just about every mod or problem that you can experience. Check them out or ask a question and people will point you to the right place. For example, go read the Punisher tread about half way through to find out how to disassemble the entire interior of your car.

8) have fun and be careful out there!

 

[jedrojam]

Welcome to the party. What a sweet looking car. The gloss level of the paint is outstanding!!!

As far as closing the trunk lid, I always make sure to seat the top well in the trunk and then shut the lid using the silver buttress ring as my touch point. Always shuts smoothly with no interference or need to push down.

Whoever owned the car before me must have used the "hand in middle of trunk lid" method, as there was a slight dent there when I bought it. :brentil:

Thanks,
Jeff

 

[LatinVenom]

Welcome to the forum.
Since this is a used Solstice check to see what MODS maybe already installed in it.

 

[solli4me]

Congrats on your GXP and welcome to the forum, it's a great community!

 

[BellaVerde]

Welcome! Nice to have you on board.

 

[The Falconater]

@LatinVenom - it puts out 17 peak psi, which means it hasn't been tuned, I think. It does feel less inclined to understeer than the one I test drove, so I'll check later to see if it has a brace of some sort already installed.

@rob the elder - since you live in CO, perhaps you could recommend a local club? I'm in Boulder.

 

[EVILLANO]

New Member

Hi. and welcome to the group! That's a right handsome vehicle. One thing you might look into is a Wind Restrictor (see threads on subject) I put one on my 07 Solstice, and you can't believe the difference it makes at highway speeds. Plus it gives the car a personal touch. Good luck with your new ride!
Erick:thumbs:

 

[DeepEnder]

I would like to welcome you in Solstice family and many congratulation for 2007 GXP which is really looking stunning in red color. You can find authentic solution of different technical problems or suggestions from the members. Cheers!

 

[The_Ghost]

Welcome!! I know it was answered, but yes, the ticking noise is your high pressure fuel pump (HPFP). It is the chrome little gizmo in the engine bay right in front of the driver. It should be just a very faint tick. Almost like an old school pace maker. Should be barely noticable from inside the car....but loud enough to know it's there if you listen really hard.

As far as closing your trunk, never never never use the humps to close it. They are very thin and you WILL dent them!!!! I did... :cuss: Couple of other things... Oil changes require the use of Mobil1 full synthetic oil. NEVER put conventional oil in the car.

Are you tuned? Do you have the GM tune? Any mods? If you look at the intercooler piping on the driver's side there is a sensor bolted into it. Is it 1 or 2 bolts holding it in the tubing? If its 1, you have the GMPP tune. If its 2, you still may have another tune.

 

[warrenhotrod1]

Welcome and have fun with it.