Remember the good old days when, in addition to the Corvette, GM sold a Camaro, offered multiple rear-wheel-drive performance sedans, and even showcased a whole platform of proposed vehicles that were basically downsized Y-bodies? Yeah, we long for those days as well. The Kappa platform, and more importantly, the Pontiac Solstice, was to be the first of a series of vehicles that revived the legendary Pontiac division, establishing a true GM performance outlet–a business plan that Fiat Chrysler pretty much perfected through Dodge. Well, now you can relive some of the glory of those days with a truly unique ‘mini Corvette’ that punches far above its weight!
Few modern cars were as anticipated as the Pontiac Solstice. In addition to being the first ground-up GM project led by legendary Car Czar Bob Lutz, it had all the ingredients for greatness: a sharp design wrapped around a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive platform. The only thing missing was some awesome V8 power, and that’s exactly why LS swapped Kappas have become so revered.
Currently for sale in North Carolina, this LS2-powered Solstice drop-top is more than just some backyard project car. The swap was completed by Boiling Springs, South Carolina’s Performance Autowerks, using a brand-new GM Performance LS2 crate engine and a proven T56 six-speed manual transmission. According to the seller, who also owns two turbo examples of the Saturn Sky, every major component was new when the conversion was performed. Presently, the car has just 49K miles on its chassis and approximately 39K miles on the swap.
As we all probably know, the LS2’s solid 400 horsepower and 400 lb./ft. of torque nearly doubles the output of even the hottest factory-spec Solstice, giving the roadster unique driving characteristics. Additionally, the clean V8 fits the car’s compact proportions surprisingly well, and, hovering just around 3,000 pounds, provides a great power-to-weight ratio that’ll make just about any enthusiast grin.
Naturally, the car’s GTO-grade drivetrain is something that can continue to be built, and within the last 5,000 miles, its T56 6-speed was fully refreshed and upgraded by Tick Performance. That transmission works well with an LS7 clutch, a Tilton 7/8-inch slave cylinder, and a Billet Pro short-throw shifter. The seller is also including a brand-new MGW-P shifter for anyone looking for a slightly smoother feel.
The car’s present owner has added many upgrades beyond the LS engine and improved driveline. Stainless headers feed electric Quick Time Performance exhaust cutouts, giving the driver the choice between civilized cruising and an unrestricted V8 soundtrack at the push of a button. BC adjustable coilovers, slotted brake rotors, and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires keep the newfound power under control.
Styling upgrades include a GXP front fascia, which joins GTO fuel rail covers, a GTO shift knob, and custom vented fiberglass fenders to subtly hint that this isn’t some run-of-the-mill Sunday cruiser. The car’s cockpit remains refreshingly functional with a full set of AutoMeter gauges filling a factory cluster beneath a ScanGauge that provides real-time engine data. Factory heat and air conditioning remain intact, and even the premium stereo, complete with its factory subwoofer, still works like a charm.
According to its seller, this Pontiac regularly steals the spotlight at local cruise nights. That’s easy to believe. Surrounded by rows of Camaros, Mustangs, and Chevelles, a clean LS swapped Solstice is the kind of build that makes people stop mid-stride. It takes an already fun driver’s car, adds world-class V8 muscle, and wraps it in a package you simply don’t see every day. Often, standing out isn’t about spending more; it’s about showing up in something truly awesome.
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