I got a strange idea earlier today as I noticed in a parking lot a wrecked Solstice (real shame).
Is it possible to retro-fit a Fiero body on a Solstice/Sky chassis? I ask because I was half-tempted to leave a note on the Solstice window offering to buy the vehicle and utilize the parts, but then rather than motor that 2.4 into my car, why not place my car on it's chassis?
I looked up a few specs, and I'm not really knowledgeable on any of this so sorry if it's a stupid idea, but here's what I found:
You know, I just thought...there's going to be a big problem with the engine in the front -- the Solstice is a little taller and I doubt the engine could fit under the front hood of the Fiero... although I have seen front engine Fieros... ?
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09:35 PM
Francis T Member
Posts: 6620 From: spotsylvania va. usa Registered: Oct 2003
You could probably do it if you cut some of the pieces up and glass them back together in different positions. Also alot of custom fiberglass peices will be necessary. you could lay the Fiero pieces in place and glass in all the spaces in between. It would be alot of work but it would be really cool. If I had the money and the time I might try it. LOL. Anything is possible.
Maybe it's just me, but I've have always wanted a Fiero just because it is mid engined and affordable. I took a Lotus Europa for a test drive years ago and fell in love with the balance. Before my Fiero, my last sports car was an Austin Healey 3000. It was a front mid engined car with the engine behind the front axle but in front of the driver. The Solstice is built in this fashion also. Front mid engined is good, but rear mid engined is better. A front mid engined car as a lot more rotational (polar moment) inertia because the engine is at one end of the car and the differential is at the other. This makes the car more stable but less willing to change directions. Once it is rotating (or spinning) it takes more to make it stop. Also, having more weight on the back wheels is better. During acceleration, especially coming out of a curve, you want the rear to stay planted. During braking weight is transferred toward the front because the center of gravity is higher than the tire contact patches. With more weight in the back, all four tires are working and not just the fronts. This is important when one is braking at the entrance to a curve. So, to put it all together, you brake going into a curve and accelerate coming out and the rear mid engine configuration comes out on top every time. For all the power of a modern Corvette, it can’t catch a comparable mid engine car because you can’t maintain traction at low speeds when the lower gears are amplifying the torque. Once you get past 40 mph or so, traction is not as much of an issue. Most of our spirited and fun driving on the street is at lower speeds. The bottom line is the fun factor since not many of us race our cars. The enemy to beat is boredom and a rear mid engine car just plain feels right and feels good, no matter what the stop watch says. I’d rather have an old Acura NSX than a new Corvette. My Fiero makes me smile everyday though and that’s just fine. I have briefly considered the Solstice GXP engine for a swap, but the intercooler ventilation requirements render that impractical methinks.
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10:05 AM
BigB Member
Posts: 75 From: Mississauga, ON Canada Registered: Oct 2007
I'm with Leafy, it might be easier to take the sol's body and fit onto the fiero space frame. The specs seem close enough and with a cutting torch, welder, grinder anyone in any of the car/chopper shows seem to be able to do anything so with time ....
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10:26 AM
jscott1 Member
Posts: 21676 From: Houston, TX , USA Registered: Dec 2001
Maybe it's just me, but I've have always wanted a Fiero just because it is mid engined and affordable. I took a Lotus Europa for a test drive years ago and fell in love with the balance. Before my Fiero, my last sports car was an Austin Healey 3000. It was a front mid engined car with the engine behind the front axle but in front of the driver. The Solstice is built in this fashion also. Front mid engined is good, but rear mid engined is better. A front mid engined car as a lot more rotational (polar moment) inertia because the engine is at one end of the car and the differential is at the other. This makes the car more stable but less willing to change directions. Once it is rotating (or spinning) it takes more to make it stop. Also, having more weight on the back wheels is better. During acceleration, especially coming out of a curve, you want the rear to stay planted. During braking weight is transferred toward the front because the center of gravity is higher than the tire contact patches. With more weight in the back, all four tires are working and not just the fronts. This is important when one is braking at the entrance to a curve. So, to put it all together, you brake going into a curve and accelerate coming out and the rear mid engine configuration comes out on top every time. For all the power of a modern Corvette, it can’t catch a comparable mid engine car because you can’t maintain traction at low speeds when the lower gears are amplifying the torque. Once you get past 40 mph or so, traction is not as much of an issue. Most of our spirited and fun driving on the street is at lower speeds. The bottom line is the fun factor since not many of us race our cars. The enemy to beat is boredom and a rear mid engine car just plain feels right and feels good, no matter what the stop watch says. I’d rather have an old Acura NSX than a new Corvette. My Fiero makes me smile everyday though and that’s just fine. I have briefly considered the Solstice GXP engine for a swap, but the intercooler ventilation requirements render that impractical methinks.
Nah, just plumb it like the 86 turbo prototype GT, run the I/C through the spoiler wing! Imagine a 65 lb block Direct injection turbo aluminum four putting 265 horsies to the ground in a fiero. It's like that powerplant was made for the car. I say go for it man.
------------------ 1984 Fiero SE, White, first love, sold... 1986 Fiero SE 2M6, gold 1988 Fiero 2M4, the Fox 1987 Fiero GT, Blue, 3.4/4T40 Still looking for that perfect CJB 88 GT...
Ah yes, cavy, that is one of my most favoritest cars of all time. I like to think it's what the fiero would be if they hadn't cancelled it. sigh... someone photoshopped one up to look like a fiero not too long ago on here.
------------------ 1984 Fiero SE, White, first love, sold... 1986 Fiero SE 2M6, gold 1988 Fiero 2M4, the Fox 1987 Fiero GT, Blue, 3.4/4T40 Still looking for that perfect CJB 88 GT...
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03:53 PM
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gem1138 Member
Posts: 631 From: Baton Rouge, LA Registered: Aug 2007
Thanks fierodeletre. I remember seeing the intercooler in the wing bit, kind of 911 turboish. I have a couple of years before my swap happens to consider the options. In the meantime, the options always are changing. And cavy, are you confusing the current Opel Speedster with its predecessor? The predecessor was a rebadged and re-engined Lotus Elise. The current Opel Speedster is a rebadged Solstice. When GM changed the Speedster, Lotus was forced to start selling Elises in the US to keep their production lines busy. Good for those of us who can buy one.
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04:40 PM
BigB Member
Posts: 75 From: Mississauga, ON Canada Registered: Oct 2007
Opel Speedster is bulit on the Solstice chassis, and is midengine with the L61 Ecotec....
Imma get one imported someday
You have your facts a little mixed up. The mid engine version of the speedster is discontinued, and the New Speedster is built on the Soltice/Sky chassis but it is not mid engine.. The engine is in the front just like on a Solstice. Unless you are one of those people that claim any car with the engine between the axles is mid-engine even if it's in the front, then the speedster is not mid-engine.
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02:47 AM
fierodeletre Member
Posts: 834 From: Behind Animal's Drum Set. Registered: Oct 2006
You have your facts a little mixed up. The mid engine version of the speedster is discontinued, and the New Speedster is built on the Soltice/Sky chassis but it is not mid engine.. The engine is in the front just like on a Solstice. Unless you are one of those people that claim any car with the engine between the axles is mid-engine even if it's in the front, then the speedster is not mid-engine.
Right on, except the new opel 2 seater is called a GT, no longer speedster. And it is nearly identical in sheet metal to the sky.
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10:46 AM
darkhorizon Member
Posts: 12279 From: Flint Michigan Registered: Jan 2006
i was quite disappointed with the turbo sol, my friend did a cheapo M62 blower kit on his base model and he ran circles around the GXP with a much more pleasing power curve. The gxp package price is super significant compared to a base model, and the blower guy with his basic setup for $4200 installed by a local perf shop is really happy, because the GXP is at times $7-8k more than a base model.
He is still un intercooled, and has very little else done more than a basic exhaust setup. The way the blower setup is, an intercooler will be a very easy add on.
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10:55 AM
Fiero STS Member
Posts: 2045 From: Wyoming, MN. usa Registered: Nov 2001
I think technicaly the Solstice is mid engine as the engine is mounted behind the front wheels, not over them as most front engined cars. The layout difference is the passenger is behind the engine where most mid engine cars the passenger is in front of the engine.
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11:42 AM
fierodeletre Member
Posts: 834 From: Behind Animal's Drum Set. Registered: Oct 2006
Right, but a GXP is warranted by GM, you put a blower on your base model kiss your warranty goodbye. The 2.0 has direct injection and forged internals, which the 2.4 lacks. I doubt a blown 2.4 would last as long at similar horsepower and boost levels. Not that it's not cool.
------------------ 1984 Fiero SE, White, first love, sold... 1986 Fiero SE 2M6, gold 1988 Fiero 2M4, the Fox 1987 Fiero GT, Blue, 3.4/4T40 Still looking for that perfect CJB 88 GT...
The Solstice is ok if you want 1. no storage room at all 2. vehicle you can't service yourself 3. cramped cabin space 4. a Corvette wanna bee.
The advantage the Solstice has is new technology, however, a Fiero can be made to handle just as well for not close to the cost of a Solstice, and the engine can be upgraded easily.
In short, the Fiero has more cabin space, more stowage, has classic styling, is easy to work on, and is just as much fun to drive.
I really don't want a Solstice at all. Just my .02
When I first looked at it I thought how funny it would look if you built it this way and drove it. The body on the car backwards. Sure would get alot of attention going down a highway backwards. Sorry It was early this morning I guess I was a little tired. It would make me look twice if I saw it going down the street backwards. LOL.
Ryan
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03:18 PM
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typhoon Member
Posts: 1006 From: The Peoples Republic of Wisconsin Registered: Sep 2005
The Solstice is ok if you want 1. no storage room at all 2. vehicle you can't service yourself 3. cramped cabin space 4. a Corvette wanna bee.
The advantage the Solstice has is new technology, however, a Fiero can be made to handle just as well for not close to the cost of a Solstice, and the engine can be upgraded easily.
In short, the Fiero has more cabin space, more stowage, has classic styling, is easy to work on, and is just as much fun to drive.
I really don't want a Solstice at all. Just my .02
Arn
I have a 2008 Solstice GXP 5 speed. I can store just as much stuff in it as my Fiero. Yes, I can service it myself, it's not against the law to do so, but it is all guaranteed for 5 years. There is plenty of room in the cabin, and a Corvette wanna be? Hardly, it's a whole different animal than the Vette. There are now software upgrades for the Solstice GXP to bring it up well over 315 horsepower. Having owned both, the Fiero does not hold a candle to the Solstice. Don't bash a Solstice because you can't cough up the ching. My .03 Oh, and my Solstice has 3, count 'em, 3 cupholders!
------------------ ..from beautiful Caledonia, WI 88 GT 5-speed soon to be an LS1 87 GT 5 speed V8 SBC TPI--SOLD-- 08 Solstice GXP 5 speed 04 Caddy STS 00 Pontiac GTP with GTX package 96 Suburban 92 Dodge Shadow 28K miles
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05:28 PM
Will Member
Posts: 14278 From: Where you least expect me Registered: Jun 2000
I have a 2008 Solstice GXP 5 speed. I can store just as much stuff in it as my Fiero. Yes, I can service it myself, it's not against the law to do so, but it is all guaranteed for 5 years. There is plenty of room in the cabin, and a Corvette wanna be? Hardly, it's a whole different animal than the Vette. There are now software upgrades for the Solstice GXP to bring it up well over 315 horsepower. Having owned both, the Fiero does not hold a candle to the Solstice. Don't bash a Solstice because you can't cough up the ching. My .03 Oh, and my Solstice has 3, count 'em, 3 cupholders!
BTW I also still maintain it has less stowage space than a Fiero
You're being a little sensitive. I also have a GM warranty on my daily driver. I think if you look in your warranty info, you might run into a problem with unauthorized servicing. That aside, I've sat in the Solstice and looked it over pretty thoroughly. My comments stand. The stowage and cabin room are not good for a 2007 car, and yes, it has cupholders.
Arn
[This message has been edited by Arns85GT (edited 11-20-2007).]
When I first looked at it I thought how funny it would look if you built it this way and drove it. The body on the car backwards. Sure would get alot of attention going down a highway backwards. Sorry It was early this morning I guess I was a little tired. It would make me look twice if I saw it going down the street backwards. LOL.
Ryan
I always wanted to take the front half of 2 FWds (civics?) & weld them together. Each half would be totaly independent. Get in one side, drive it like a regular car. Get out, pull the key locking the steering, get in the other side drive it the same way. Just add taillights in each grille & you're good to go. Mechanical problems? Get out & get in the other side. No trunk, though... I'll do it if I ever find matching cars. ~ Paul aka "Tha Driver"
Easy on the Giggle Cream!
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06:49 PM
darkhorizon Member
Posts: 12279 From: Flint Michigan Registered: Jan 2006
I have a 2008 Solstice GXP 5 speed. I can store just as much stuff in it as my Fiero. Yes, I can service it myself, it's not against the law to do so, but it is all guaranteed for 5 years. There is plenty of room in the cabin, and a Corvette wanna be? Hardly, it's a whole different animal than the Vette. There are now software upgrades for the Solstice GXP to bring it up well over 315 horsepower. Having owned both, the Fiero does not hold a candle to the Solstice. Don't bash a Solstice because you can't cough up the ching. My .03 Oh, and my Solstice has 3, count 'em, 3 cupholders!
Well, my 3800 swap is much faster than both of them, regardless of rated horsepower.
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06:52 PM
madcurl Member
Posts: 21401 From: In a Van down by the Kern River Registered: Jul 2003
I would really like an "08 Z06 but can't cough up the ching.....;-) But, the Solstice is a blast and so is my Fiero. I just realized this is in Technical Discussion & Questions, so can anyone tell me how to rotate my tires?
------------------ ..from beautiful Caledonia, WI 88 GT 5-speed soon to be an LS1 87 GT 5 speed V8 SBC TPI--SOLD-- 08 Solstice GXP 5 speed 04 Caddy STS 00 Pontiac GTP with GTX package 96 Suburban 92 Dodge Shadow 28K miles
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09:05 PM
typhoon Member
Posts: 1006 From: The Peoples Republic of Wisconsin Registered: Sep 2005
Someone argued that the base Solstice is $7-8G less than the GXP. Not true. The GXP is $2-3G more than the base (on average). That being said, I'd take the factory turbo (w/100,000 mi warrantee - that DOES NOT void if you service the vehicle yourself), over a $4200 aftermarket setup anyday. Now, that's not to say it's not possible to get the 2.4 Ecotec to outperform the 2.0 Turbo, but rather just wanted to counter some points made.
Secondly, I own a Fiero and want a Solstice. I think both cars are great. I only brought up the possibility of swapping body panels because I'm very happy with the Solstice's powertrain. I believe if the Fiero wasn't discontinued, we'd be looking at a Fiero and not a Solstice.
I have heard some call the Solstice/Sky/Opel GT design a front mid-engine car (as opposed to a rear mounted mid-engine design). That leads me to believe that "mid" simply refers to the placement of the engine in proportion to the wheels/axles. In any event, I don't think I'll be buying any wrecked Solstice's anytime soon. I'd rather see what can be done with my Fiero.
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06:47 PM
darkhorizon Member
Posts: 12279 From: Flint Michigan Registered: Jan 2006
I just realized this is in Technical Discussion & Questions, so can anyone tell me how to rotate my tires?
Common misconception there is no need to rotate your tires its the old air in the tires that cause the problems, so what you need to do is rotate the air in your tires
I guess my source for that "the gxp is 7k more" was a bit bias'ed.
He said it was because of the "dealer markup" fee because they were rare and low volume.
When they first came out, maybe. But now the demand has slowed down (or become more normal) and the prices have reflected that. Put it this way, there's a stripped, base model Solstice on the lot that I work at for $22,900. We also have a GXP, with leather, 5-spd, for $25,900. The most expensive Solstice on our lot is $28,XXX. So, maybe there's a $7K difference but that's the difference between the absolutely stripped base, and the fully-loaded GXP.
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11:13 AM
darkhorizon Member
Posts: 12279 From: Flint Michigan Registered: Jan 2006
This was around middle summer too, location MIGHT be a small difference also. For some reason he said they cost 31k from what I remember, but dont quote me on that.
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11:20 AM
aaronrus Member
Posts: 870 From: bradenton, FL USA Registered: Nov 2003
i'd say corvette killer, and i'm a die hard corvette fan too.
you know, i think the discussion is related to REASONABLE upgrades.. not 850 HP engines. anybody can put an 850 HP engine in any f-ing car with the right amount of cash...
but that is one nice looking engine...
anybody know what the curb weight of a solstice is?
anybody know what the curb weight of a solstice is?
Its website ( http://www.pontiac.com/sols...specs_capacities.jsp ) lists it as 2860 pounds for the Solstice and 2976 for the Solstice GXP, and, since others have brought the topic up as well, the "cargo capacity" for both models as 5.4 cubic feet with the top up, and 2.1 with it down.
The base 2.4L four-cylinder Solstice engine is rated at 173 horsepower, and the turbo four-cylinder 2.0L in the GXP at 260.
For comparison, the Enthusiasts' Guide to the Fiero lists the weight of the lightest Fiero (the 1984) as 2464 pounds, the weight of the heaviest (the 1988 GT) at 2735, and the cargo capacity for all Fieros at 5.85 cubic feet.
Depending upon the engine and the year, horsepower ratings ranged from 92 for the 1984 to 1986 four-cylinder Fiero engines, to 140 for the 1985 and 1986 V6s. In 1987 and 1988, the V6's horsepower rating was taken at a lower RPM, thus technically showing 5 fewer horsepower (even though the engine had not been detuned).
Overall, those figures indicate the Solstice has more weight and less cargo capacity than the Fiero did, but more horsepower.
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01:21 PM
Nov 24th, 2007
aaronrus Member
Posts: 870 From: bradenton, FL USA Registered: Nov 2003
Its website ( http://www.pontiac.com/sols...specs_capacities.jsp ) lists it as 2860 pounds for the Solstice and 2976 for the Solstice GXP, and, since others have brought the topic up as well, the "cargo capacity" for both models as 5.4 cubic feet with the top up, and 2.1 with it down.
The base 2.4L four-cylinder Solstice engine is rated at 173 horsepower, and the turbo four-cylinder 2.0L in the GXP at 260.
For comparison, the Enthusiasts' Guide to the Fiero lists the weight of the lightest Fiero (the 1984) as 2464 pounds, the weight of the heaviest (the 1988 GT) at 2735, and the cargo capacity for all Fieros at 5.85 cubic feet.
Depending upon the engine and the year, horsepower ratings ranged from 92 for the 1984 to 1986 four-cylinder Fiero engines, to 140 for the 1985 and 1986 V6s. In 1987 and 1988, the V6's horsepower rating was taken at a lower RPM, thus technically showing 5 fewer horsepower (even though the engine had not been detuned).
Overall, those figures indicate the Solstice has more weight and less cargo capacity than the Fiero did, but more horsepower.
well, there you have it. MOST fieros weigh in at around 2600 lbs on avergae, so theres a significant difference.. the solsitice is literally a 20 year younger vehicle.. id say the fiero isnt doing too bad
With the Fiero being lighter, imagine the possibilities with the Solstice drivetrain! I know I've heard of some doing an Ecotec swap in the Fiero... hm.. any results?
!!
Wow... that's great!
