By Kamil Kaluski
Everyone loves the old hot rod theory of slapping a big engine into a small car. But is there is a fine point at which most of us would agree that too much power, is in fact too much. This Geo Metro, with a 450 horsepower Ecotec engine, might be approaching that too much line.
From the ad:
1996 geo metro engine swapped 2.2 turbo – $6000 (85635)
For sale here, a 1996 geo metro, engine swapped with a 2.2 turbo ecotec motor. Made over 450 horsepower on a dyno 2 months ago. Very fast, but not much fun for daily driving. Asking $6000 or possibly trade for odd or uncommon vehicle.
Emphasis my own.
The ad does not say anything about any other modifications. The hood has obviously been slightly modified and the tires do look chunky. It should be noted that the front wheels have a five bolt hub and the rears have a four bolt hub. I think I see some kind of a race seat inside.
The car probably weights less than 2000 pounds, giving it a horsepower to weight ratio similar to many exotics. Yet I somehow don’t think that it has the same road manners as a Pagani Huayra or even a Caterham Se7en. Color me skeptical. Still, cool and crazy.
Source: Sierra Vista Craigslist
Jeff Glucker
This seems like a moar entertaining way to increase power – add an engine! Too bad it’s still going to be way down on hp from the scary Geo.
http://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/5948013632.html
http://i.imgur.com/7POFz1o.jpg
Sweet Jesus.
But I can appreciate the craftsmanship.
Edit – where does the gas go?
The underhood spare tire & wiper fluid reservoir have been repurposed.
In my imagination.
Considering both the Beetle and the Subaru carry their spare tire in the front, there’s room for a donut-shaped fuel tank there! 😉
I love the clinical ad copy:
“This is a Subaru Volkswagen Car Invention. It is a functioning vehicle.”
But what is its function?
At the LeMons Rally the lucky owner should be able to talk the judges into at least half of the 300 bonus points awarded for “bringing a Beetle-pan kit car.”
Plus it could be entered in both the Japanese and German categories at Concourse d’Lemons.
Even with two engines, that thing probably only makes 150 horsepower.
That’s rather generous of you. I’ve owned plenty of ACVWs, and a handful of EA81/82 Subarus. In no case would a pair that included one of each add up to more than 120 hp at best.
Could someone call him please and post a story? I want to see interior photos.
Florida hoons, we implore you! Take it for a test drive, if possible.
It’s only too much because they stuffed the engine between the front wheels.
I quite like the sleeper aspect of it, even with the hood as it is. Why spoil it with the vanity plates?
I reckon this goes through sleeper and out the other side.
Major props for the understatement of the advert. If this had been in the UK it would read:
“450hp Geo Metro 2.2 Ecotec Turbo – still 1.0-litre on logbook – real sleeper – never lost a race – burns off Scoobies, EVOs no trouble – real head turner – custom install – #trackday #supercar….”
And I’m being generous with spelling and punctuation.
On a serious note, this Geo is a good example of what I’ve seen happen with so many project cars. They start out as a good idea, but the devil pops up at some point and starts whispering moar horsepowers! MORE! until the thing is undrivable and/or breaks something every 20 minutes.
I say this because I am trying to talk myself out of a expensive engine build right now.