Have you ever looked at a custom build and thought it was so crazy you weren’t sure how to assess it? That is how I feel about this 1996 Geo Metro. It looks quite unassuming until you notice the bulging rear quarter panels and their integrated scoops. They are functional, supplying cooling air for its rear-mounted V8. It isn’t a trailer queen, because this brutal beast runs, drives, and is roadworthy. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Rocco B. for spotting the Metro listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Los Angeles, California. It could be yours for $16,000 OBO.
Introduced in 1995, the Second Generation Geo Metro remained on sale until 2001. The Metro represented a joint venture between General Motors and Suzuki. The result was a subcompact returning respectable performance and economy with above-average build quality. Our featured Metro rolled off the line in 1996, ordered by its first owner in Wildfire Red. The seller became its custodian in 2022 after the previous owner completed most of the custom engineering. However, they were unhappy with a few aspects, so they tweaked the rear bodywork and applied a fresh coat of paint. The car presents well, with no significant cosmetic shortcomings. The panels are straight, and the trim and glass are in good condition. The wider rear wheels and the quarter panel scoops aren’t cosmetic, because both are functional.
This is as close as we come to discovering what makes this Metro such a crazy beast. It originally featured a transversely mounted front engine, and in its most potent form, the 1.3-liter four delivered 70hp and 74 ft/lbs of torque. However, the word “potent” is a relative term when you consider the Metro’s profound changes. The original motor is gone, with the previous owner installing a 5.3-liter LS4 V8 where the back seat once was. Forget 70hp, because this LS4 would send 303hp to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. The cooling system wasn’t as efficient as it needed to be when the seller purchased the car; hence those additional air scoops. This Metro isn’t a trailer queen. The seller recently took it on a one-hour road trip, and this beast didn’t miss a beat. It might not be an appropriate weapon for cross-country adventures, but for hitting the show trail or heading to a Cars & Coffee, it should be great fun.
The interior is essentially standard Metro fare, with a shift light added and the shifter moved back slightly to cope with its new duties. It isn’t pristine, because the driver’s seat looks dirty, but at least there are no holes or other problems. The dash looks excellent, and the remaining plastic is acceptable for a driver-grade classic. I was initially worried about engine noise, but the builder installed a pretty robust firewall and a screen made from what appears to be fairly heavy perspex. Therefore, the sound levels might be bearable for short journeys.
I typically like unmolested classics, but there is something almost irresistible about this crazy 1996 Geo Metro. I can imagine the crowds it would draw wherever it goes, and the surprises it could spring at the local drag strip. Would I buy it? Probably not. That said, I’m sure some enthusiasts will appreciate its engineering and performance potential and gladly hand over the cash to take it home. Would you?
I’d like to see pictures of the frunk.
Interesting car. But seller must not want to sell. If so, I hope they have more….better pictures in ad. From this write up. lack of good pictures showing the custom engineering work done, makes me wonder what issues this car really has. But seller not saying.
I like it just because it’s DIFFERENT! I bought a 91 GEO Metro XFI new, drove it many years, routine maintenance and repairs were only thing it needed.
There is one in Louisville KY with a Buick 3800 mid-engine that’s purdy cool.
This Metro is ideal for sneaking up on Renault R-5’s and the Shogun.
I love it.
One has to at least give a tip of the cap for the ability to make it work. How successfully, I’m not sure. At least, for a one-hour trip (under what driving conditions?).
Any potential buyer had better watch out for exhaust leaks, with the engine in the back seats. You’re driving along, and suddenly you begin to feel very dizzy… I don’t think it’s worth it. Granted, it’s unusual, but I’d rather let someone else have this.
That’s what the bulkhead is for & gases should be sucked at the bottom of engine compartment.
Hope there’s a cover to hide engine for more stealthyness.
Love it bet it’s great fun.
I’m not driving it in anything but warm and dry weather anyway with those skinny front tires, so keeping the windows and sunroof open would be nbd.
I’d likely keep the windows down no matter the weather, with a V8 sitting directly behind me. I imagine it would also be rather loud.
what a waste of a 5.3.
LS4s aren’t practical for a rear wheel drive setup, if that’s what you’re thinking. There’s no provision to bolt a starter to the engine, it’s got the 60 degree trans bolt pattern, and you need a custom flywheel or adapter for a rear drive trans. There’s tons of suitable RWD 5.3s all over marketplace.
This guy loves cars , and has lots of money. I don’t see anything wrong with this picture. Kind of sounds like he would love for people to stop and chat about his collection of “vehicles”.
It looks like the engine is behind the rear axle. That must be one tail-happy SOB.
Yeah, no oversteer here, right?
Only power induced over steer.
The engine is in front of the transmission. The center of the axles are about an inch or two further back than the rear head. It would indeed be terrible the other way around.
Can’t remember the nickname that was applied to the Ford Fiesta or Festiva that had a Taurus SHO drivetrain installed in the backseat – SHOGUN? Jay Leno owns one now.
Can’t remember the nickname that was applied to the Ford Fiesta or Festiva that had a Taurus SHO drivetrain installed in the backseat – SHOGUN? Jay Leno owns one now. so does this mean I’m permanently banned now?
Yes it was a 1989 Ford Festiva named SHOGUN Ford installed the 6 cylinder from the Taurus SHO that produced 220 HP with a 5 speed. The car weighed just under 2000 pounds Ford built a total of only seven and were sold through Ford. Jay Leno added an 80 shot of NOS to his for a total of 300 HP.
It needs to be part of a collection with a stock one in the same condition.
At present gas prices the stock Metro would be the daily.
I wonder how loud it is, both inside and outside the car. I wouldn’t think it handles or brakes very well, probably falls under the category of, “Could you do it? Sure. Should you do it? Probably not.”
Could call it Chevy under glass,some will no what Hemi powered 60s Plymouth I’m talking about .🏎️🏎️
“Drivers seat looks dirty “ says it all.
I would test it for FECAL MATTER!
Can’t imagine that thing thrashing around in my back seat, just inches from the back of my noggin’!!
It must have great acceleration because the curb weight of a Geo Metro is only 1900 lbs !
A Monte Carlo that had that LS 3 engine weighed about 3500 lbs.
Losing 1600 lbs makes a HUGE difference in acceleration.
Looks like fun. Kinda like a drive.
Here’s an older article for your reading pleasure. https://gmauthority.com/blog/2022/02/ls-swapped-geo-metro-is-in-need-of-a-brave-new-owner/
This is one of those that when someone says, “just because you can doesn’t mean you should” that you can say, “I did because it’s cool!” Geo’s were cool little cars that served an economical purpose and actually looked good, and with this very interesting modification, it makes for a great conversation piece at a C & C. From what you can see in the pics (I agree, there needed to be more pics of the modification work in back, and what is now in the “frunk”), from what I can see of the engine area, there still needs to be some work done to tidy up and cover some of the bare spots, maybe by adding a decent cover, and change out the base rims in the front to better match the new rear setup, but it is pretty cool!
With the recent changes to California’s smog laws, it should be exempt in about another 20-25 years.
Very cool, but would like a peek atvthe engineering used to make it fit. I was very seriously looking to do this to a 600 Honda Coupe (AZ600) with a 1,300 Civic engine and transmission. And yes it would have all fit nicely. Providing all the engineering is well done. It could be a blast on the drag strip. But cornering wise with those small tires/wheels up front I’m betting on terminal understeer. I’d be interested at a much lower price IF it has been done properly.
This thing must pop wheelies at any time the Go pedal is touched.
I want the scooter/minibike disguised as a jet ski.
I cannot expect much from l.a.
Everyone i have met is a cuckoo , brainwashed as shown with this ad , crummy pics and a stupid asking price
It would be interesting to know how the engine was mated to the transmission. It looks as though the engine is sitting on top of the rear axle or behind it.
I’ll bet it pops a mean wheelie!