Is there such a thing as too much power? I’m not talking 1,000-hp Bugatti Veyron quad-turbo W16 power, but a 65% bump in horsepower? That sounds just about right to me. This 1988 Dodge Omni has a 1985 GLH-T (turbo) drivetrain transplant, and it’s listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Montecello, Minnesota. The seller is asking $4,800 or best offer, and here is the original listing.
Made for a baker’s dozen (13) years, Dodge offered the Omni for model years 1978 through 1990. Bonus points to the seller for adding the legendary wheels found on some Omni, Daytona, and other Chrysler vehicles in the 80s. I can see some rust on the bottom of the passenger door, and being in Minnesota, this one should probably be checked out underneath just to make sure it’s solid.
This car looks great, other than the small area of rust showing on the bottom of the front passenger door. My mother-in-law had an Ice Blue Metallic Omni just like this one, but without the turbo or these fancy wheels. It was a great car, even on the steep hills during Duluth, Minnesota’s long winters. Chrysler knew a thing or two about front-drive cars in this era, and these were great little daily commuters.
This is the only interior photo, but it looks great from what I can see. I don’t see any surface rust on the sills or anywhere else, and those “silver” cloth seats appear in nice condition, but it’s hard to tell from one vertical photo that’s a bit contrasty. The five-speed manual is nice, and from what the seller reports, it’s from a GLH (goes like hell) turbo car, which is where the engine also comes from.
Dodge offered a factory version of the GLH-T from 1984 to 1986, and we’re not sure why this particular car was converted to a stealth GLH-T tribute. I’m usually a keep-it-stock guy, but for a car like this Omni, I love that it’s kicked up several notches. I hope the suspension has also been upgraded, but we don’t know. This engine should be Chrysler’s 2.2-liter SOHC inline-four turbo with 146 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque – the standard engine would have had around 96 horsepower. It should be backed by a 5-speed manual sending power to the front wheels. They say it “runs and drives,” which is never a glowing recommendation, but maybe they’re understated. Any thoughts on this stealth Dodge Omni?
To complete the sleeper, garage those nice rims, put some black steelies on w no hubcaps and you’ve got it !
Actually that was my plan if I was keeping it. Leaving it open for the next buyer
Matte silver steelies with black hubcaps that only cover the hubs themselves, not the lug nuts. That’s what the ’81 Omni Miser I had as my first car in the early 90s had. That or silver steelies with the trim that all the late models had.
None of these came with black steelies from the factory and they would just look wrong on an 80s car.
Those pizza rims looked great on anything. Have them on my 84′ turbo z, I’d let’em be.
I’m guessing the suspension was upgraded, too, as the rims have 5-bolts, where the standard Omni suspension would’ve had only 4-bolt wheels.
I’d hope so. What good does upping the power of the engine without also upping the brakes, suspension, etc.?
Yeah, but did we think of that when we were young hot rodders?
Girls.
Yes everthing from an 85 GLJ was moved over.
Need that swap in a Dodge Rampage!! Keep it a sleeper too!!
Lol..for the tradesman 🔨 Dennis 👍
That and use these rims, it would look sharp. I always liked those little trucks.
Jon, great idea and looks to have been done well.
I had an ’86 GLH-T new and it was a blast!
GLWS.
Very nice!!
My dad bought a new Omni back in 84′. It was a great little car on long commutes to work and back. If there’s no serious rust on this one it could be a fun little toy.
Although I won’t name names, I have a cousin who drove a Plymouth Horizon. I thought at the time that it was the best looking of the two cars.