The problem with Kappa is the engine bay won't accept a V8 engine. It has nothing at all to do with the engine's horsepower. It's a pretty narrow bay that has to include some wide tires with the ability to do a very tight turning radius, a clamshell hood, a steering column that is in close proximity to the inline 4, along with other components. A V anything won't fit.

The car was engineered quickly around the straight 4 & neither money or time wasn't spent making the structure adaptable to V shaped engines (including the V6 as well as V8s). That's not to say that in the future, it couldn't be reengineered so the next Solstice could accept a V6 or a derivitive accepting a V8.

The Million Dollar Question for ya, LS6: If a car is made with one cars components, in a different way (ie: Nova), & had pieces shared with yet another vehicle, would it still be considered as being on the same chassis?

 

As modular as these platforms are reputed to be,what constitutes a chassis these days? The Solstice bodywork would not be present,re-locating the steering column is not a major issue so I suppose it could be done. However, without looking at both "architectures" side-by-side ,we are fumbling around blind. Zeta will be wider than the current Holden/GTO platform which seems right for Camaro. The cowl height could be too high though,so could Kappa begin at the firewall? We need more information and pictures. It sure is fun to think about though.

 

Not sure about that part buddy.

 

Not sure that it will be wider or not sure it's right for Camaro?

 

You guys are right on about Kappa. It's all about the engine bay.

The structure itself is extremely strong...maybe even stronger than Zeta. If the engine bay had room, it would only be a matter of beefing certain powertrain/suspension components for it to handle some scary power.

Camino, if you find anything interesting from your friend, PM me.

 

Will do.

 

Would a 60° pushrod V6 fit?

 

And this all-important statement is why it gets very tiring at times to hear all those who preach Camaro needs to be 'more like a Mustang" and "appeal to more people" to be successful.

Because, in reality, it does NOT, if the business plan is in line.

 

As far as I know......nope.

 

The engine bay on Kappa really isnt an issue since space frame's are easily widened or lengthened. The fiero which has almost identical dimensions to solstice has no problem accomodating the stock transverse mounted 2.8 60 degree v6 and many people have swapped in v8's(granted engine is in rear). The flexibility of the space frame is further illustrated by the fact that totally different vehicles like the old saturn s and vue were built on the same space frame! A space frame is like a blank sheet of paper-anything is possible.

The idea that kappa couldnt handle a high hp engine just isnt accurate.

 

a quote from that whole story i thought was funny was where he mentions how GM "found" Holden. its as if Holden was lost somewhere in the corporate jungle of GM and someone had redescovered them like the Mayen ruins.

 

Keep in mind, that if they do offer the ecotec as the base motor, there have been plenty of J-bodies putting 230-250+hp at the wheels, and thats on the stock internals using some of the various turbo kits. A car that is as small as the solstice doesn't need a 400ft-lb v8 to move like a bat outta hell, I think that if one builds the engine to run a descent amount of boost and get to a reliable 260-270whp that thing will absolutly fly, and handle very well also.

 

Dont curse us like that man!!!!

 

Stop yer cryin'.

I didn't say that was the only coupe.

 

haha, Sounds like a discreetly released "leaked" chevy publication saying................HOLD OUT, DON'T BUY THE NEW MUSTANG, GIVE US UNTIL 2007 to get our heads screwed on straight!!!!

well......they have till then, BUT NO LONGER