Topic: Solstice Makeover - New tires, stripes, exhaust and Supercharger

[LoneEagleHDS]

This fall my two boys and I decided it was time for a makeover on our Solstice, so we began to modify it, based on some good feedback off the websites.

First off, we were due for some new tires.  We went with the Goodyear Eagle GT’s and what a difference.  The original equipment  tires were squirrelly in the rain, and even more of a handful in snow and slush.  The new tires are a real improvement with rain and snow, and I think they even provide a little bit better traction on dry pavement as well.

Next thing on the agenda was a set of stripes from ASAP.  We have the charcoal gray paint, so went with the black.  Nice look without being too overbearing.  The instructions were good and we are very satisfied with the results.  A word of advice:  Don’t stress out if you get some wrinkles at the beginning of the application.  Keep working the air and water out.  Eventually the vinyl begins to dry and stick allowing the wrinkles to be worked out.  This is especially true around the front grill with the compound curves.

In preparation for the supercharger,  DDM suggested a higher flow exhaust system.  We ordered a high flow CAT and muffler from Solo Performance.  The Solo Performance directions were well written and the installation went without a hitch.  The most difficult task was cutting the existing exhaust pipe.  Solo has you measure three different ways so no confusion on where to cut.  Smart move.  We used a tail pipe cutter, which made the job fairly easy.  The sound quality with the new muffler and CAT is awesome!  No drone whatsoever and the exhaust tone has a raspy quality that really gives the car some personality.  My son’s like the burble and pop that comes with a deceleration from high rpms.

The most labor-intensive part of our makeover was of course the Supercharger installation.  In keeping with the other vendors,  DDM Works provided top quality parts and instructions.  This is not a window dressing modification and DDM produces a fine kit that the average mechanically inclined guy can do in his garage.  I have a pretty well equipped shop, but really didn’t need anything special for the install.  The shroud modification, one of the few alterations, was easily accomplished with a hack saw blade.  Suggest wrapped one end with duct tape to keep from cutting your hands.  A 2’ cheater bar is helpful for loosening and retightening the crankshaft bolt and pulley.  The pictures helped clarify many of the steps, especially the hose routing.  Not a lot of room to spare anywhere.  All the parts fit well, and were of excellent quality and finish.  I had several of my engineering colleagues comment that it looked like a factory installation.  The supercharger belt with self tensioning pulley was a nice piece of engineering.  It eliminates the guess work of belt tightening.  After buttoning everything up, the initial startup was uneventful.  Only issue was no power assist on the steering.  After a 5 minute drive, we came back to figure out what was wrong.  Fluid level checked out fine, hoses were still in place.  Hey what’s this extra belt lying on the workbench!  Oh well, at least it was an easy fix.

So how does it drive?  What a little fire breathing dragon.  If it weren’t for the new Eagle GT’s,  I think we would break the tires loose in 2nd.  1st gear, forget it; tire rubbers too expensive.  2nd gear really sets you back, just like the Mad Max movies.  3rd definitely get’s your attention.  4th and 5th are smoother and kind of catch you by surprise.  You really have to watch the speedo, or you can get yourself in serious trouble with the local mounties!

Overall, if you consider the capital outlay, there’s not been too many times in Automotive history when you can have 1960’s Ferrari performance for the cost of a mid-priced sedan!

[SolNut]

 

Steve
 

[GXPinKC]

Thanks LoneEagleHDS for such an informative 1st post.  I particularly enjoyed your write-up on the installation of the Supercharger.  There have not been to many posts on the installation of this performance mod.  You will love your new high flow CAT and mufler from Solo Performance.  Give us a shout back after you have time to get familiar with your 2006 Pontiac Solstice Super chargfed 2.4L on the road.  Sweet ride for sure!

[Critterman]

Welcome to the land of whine   two questions:

what stage?
How old are the boys?

[spicy3480]

Congrats on your new modifications...now post some pictures so we can all drool!