This LS4-Swapped Geo Metro Makes The Most Of GM’s Oddball V8

Every GM nerd dreams of shoving a giant V8 into a tiny car. In fact, that’s really the fundamental concept behind hot rodding. Find a lightweight sled, turn up the power, and outrun everyone else, right? Well, every once in a while, the internet gifts us with the occasional big-block Chevette, crazy-built Spark, or, in this case, a sweet, LS4-powered Geo Metro!

That’s So Metro!

The Humble Geo Metro stormed (hardcore Geo fans will appreciate that pun) the market way back in 1989. The car was rooted in a partnership GM established with Suzuki and, in this editor’s opinion, was more a product of changing regulatory requirements than changing consumer tastes. The idea was simple: a small, lightweight vehicle that was inexpensive to purchase and economical to operate, which is essentially stage one of hot rodding.

All that Japanese-designed malaise flowed to market through Chevrolet’s Geo sub-brand in America and Pontiac’s Asuna sub-brand in Canada. And obviously, all is well as enthusiasts continue to happily drive super-efficient, super-small, and super-bland appliances on the daily.

Wait, LS What?

We all know about the LS4, right? The DOHC V8 that powered the front-wheel drive Oldsmobile Aurora and Pontiac Bonneville GXP. Oh, wait.. Nevermind. That was GM’s other front-wheel drive V8.

We’re talking about the hot powerplant that gave rise to the Pontiac Grand Prix GXP, Buick LaCrosse Super, and the most recent versions of the Impala SS and Monte Carlo SS. Clocking in at 5.3 liters, the LS4 was an all-aluminum mill designed specifically for transverse applications, which is an important detail, present case considered. In typical LS fashion, the engine put out impressive numbers from the factory, churning a stout 303 horsepower into 323 lb./ft. of torque.

1+1 = 2

That brings us to this incredibly interesting Facebook Marketplace find. What looks like a run-of-the-mill, second-gen Metro from the front absolutely transforms when you take two steps to the rear of the car. That’s when you’ll notice a hatch stuffed full of GM’s latest and greatest transverse-mounted small-block. But wait, that’s not all. The car also features a traditional 4-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the correct wheels.

According to the listing, the current owner purchased the Monster Metro about four years ago and had the car’s rear bodywork modified to improve airflow to the engine. Naturally, those mods were also wrapped in fresh paint.

So, if you’re in the market for something unique and cool, roughly $16,500 will land you a “fast and fun” Geo Metro. Check it out right here.