I was sniffing around a car auction today looking for future challenge cars and found two Geo Storms. One was actually a station wagon. They show up quite frequently at the auction and they actually sell for less than the Metros and Swifts now. How could I build one of these?
I know they are rebadged Isuzu Impulses. I also know that there is a twin cam motor and a turbo for the Isuzu version. Will the parts from a Lotus Isuzu fit? What else can I do to one.
24hrs of Lemons?
I had a 8V Geo Storm back in the day.
It was a pretty bad ass little car. Good fuel economy, looked decent (like the NX2000 should have looked) and went OK.
I can't think of a Non-RS Impulse part that won't fit, but you should probably go to http://www.isuzone.org/ or somewhere for more information. I hope your fab skills are up to snuff, because there isn't much out there for these cars, and what is is expensive.
Looks like a fun car:
Check out joeym's storm in Reader's Rides.
I'm guessing the best plan would be add sticky tires and enjoy.
You can throw it in the water and watch the ripples grow.
You could give it to your grandmother as a paperweight.
(just kidding)
Not really.
what years?
some 92-93 came w/1.8L 4XF1 and the 1.6 turbo manifolds fit. I recall some guy pushing toward 400hp with a boosted 1.8, that was few yrs back. the awd components from the 91 RS have been grafted on to the fwd cars including the Stylus.
this swapped wagon was featured in SCC 5+ years ago? I have the issue collecting dust somewhere. the wagonbacks are pretty cool, kinda rare & definately different: http://members.aol.com/JGregg2/stormwagon.htm
as for the Lotus components, don't know specifically about the awd/fwd parts but on the rwd the package consisted of larger swaybars & tuned damper/spring combo. probably the same deal, check car-part under 91/92 Impulse for breakdown.
this is listed here in the NW just noticed this thread 
looks like a sweet deal for that price
oh and the GSi trim is w/the 1.8L motor
That craiagslist car is a truly beatiful Storm. I've been thinking of getting anther one lately. My neighbor has one and I wish for it often. I drove mine for almost 3 years, paid $404 for it, put a wheel bearing on it, two tires, an ignition module, and allowed the muffler to rust off. I got much better mileage after the muffler fell off, always 30+ mpg.
I also installed some electrical conduit across the strut towers, smashed ends, drilled holes, and bolted on with factory nuts.
I sold it for $375 and my buddy gave it to his nephew who is still driving it 4 years after I sold it to him. Nuts.
If I were to do it again, I'd start with the nicest GSi model I could find. Although, the base cars can be just as fun. This time, I'd go turbo and make some coilovers for it.
I worked with a guy that had an Isuzu version with the twin-cam turbo motor and AWD and all that, that thing broke more easily than a beer bottle dropped from a skyscraper would. Then again he beat that car like it owed him money....
Too bad i junked my GSI i allway wanted to swap the drive train in to a waggon.
I still have a new set of KYB GR2 front struts with springs and tops. I'd love to make room on the shelf...
44
This is my pal, Bob's GEO Storm that he runs in Penn. Hillclimb Association events. These pictures were taken at the Duryea Hillclimb. He would probably prefer to drive a "classic" but he's had good fun and good service from this car.
^I remember all the great pics posted from that event, was stoked to see a Storm charging it.
in general Zu powertrain stuff is quite robust, though the awd gearbox/t-case seems more susceptible to abuse & neglect. and of potential interest, iirc the dohc top end can be swapped onto the 1.6 sohc blocks.
if my Excel goes by the wayside and I can't find another one, then a GSi Storm is next in line for an economic fun & flickable dd.
This is what you don't want to do to a Geo Strom.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8_WPHEhkYA
It's abot 1:30 into the video.
Ya I know it's an old one but someone had to post it.
You could do this to it...it would be fun for a minute or so.
Are those the brakes lights I see on?
If so, it's too late.
I think that's just the light reflecting off the taillight lens.
Berkeley it, you should rallyX it.
Snowdoggie wrote:I was sniffing around a car auction today looking for future challenge cars and found two Geo Storms. One was actually a station wagon.
That one would be called an Isuzu Impulse.
Isuzu products are not for driving. They are for lying down and avoiding.
Not sure about the trucks, but the cars/light trucks are horrid, horrid piles of poo.
Feedyurhed wrote:This is what you don't want to do to a Geo Strom.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8_WPHEhkYA
It's abot 1:30 into the video.
Ya I know it's an old one but someone had to post it.
I will be getting tow hooks for the back before tracking one. 
TJ wrote:
You could do this to it...it would be fun for a minute or so.
I really don't want to be on the ground where that thing lands.
My '04 Challenge car was a '93 GSi and it was a nice little DD after the event. It was a little buzzy at highway speeds.
Q: What can you do with a Geo Storm
A: Here is what you "can" do. Not sure if you should?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1992-CHEVY-GEO-STORM-1985-SUBARU-BRAT-CUSTOM-CAR-TR...
