Surfs Up Brah

Surfs Up Brah

As part of Geo’s initial lineup in 1989, the Geo Tracker was based on the popular Suzuki Sidekick. It was sold as less expensive off-road (like) alternative to the Jeep.

First couple of year runs of the Tracker had a two-door with either a convertible or fixed hard top in base or upscale LSi versions. All models between 89 and 90 were offered in 5-speed manual with four-wheel drive. More »

Geo Metro Convertibles

Geo Metro Convertibles

The Geo Metro was available as a convertible option starting in it’s second year of production.
Just looks at those MPG stats! More »

Snow? That’s SNOW problem.

Snow? That’s SNOW problem.

We were able to capture this Geo Metro family in the wild, doing what they do best: playing tag in the snow.
Observe how the male alpha-metro leads the pack. More »

Modded

Modded

A modded Geo Metro. This things a beast! Is that a NOS is there? Yikes! More »

The Geo Storm

The Geo Storm

In 1990 GM decided to spice up their lineup with the sporty Storm.

Initially mocked for it ’s (at the time) forward-thinking body stylings, driver mags loved the car. In a April, 1990 issue of AutoWeek entitled Slick, Quick and Inexpensive the Storm was described as,“..rev(ing) quickly and easily. Running up to the 7600 rpm redline can be a delight.” More »

Brad’s Rad Ride

Brad’s Rad Ride

“So...like, thanks to my Geo Metro LSi Convertible, I’m pretty much the most popular guy in school right now.”- Rad Brad
More »

 

The History of the Geo Metro and Its Place in the Modding Scene

man checking a car for modification

The Geo Metro, a small subcompact car produced by General Motors in collaboration with Suzuki, first hit the market in 1989. Despite its initial low sales figures, the Geo Metro soon became a popular choice for car enthusiasts looking for an affordable, fuel-efficient vehicle that could also be easily modified. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the Geo Metro and its place in the modding scene.

The Early Days of the Geo Metro

The Geo Metro was introduced in 1989 as a replacement for the Chevrolet Sprint, another subcompact car produced by General Motors in collaboration with Suzuki. The first generation of the Geo Metro came with a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder engine that delivered 55 horsepower and a five-speed manual transmission. The car’s lightweight construction and fuel efficiency quickly made it popular among budget-conscious consumers.

The second generation of the Geo Metro, which was introduced in 1995, featured a more modern design and a slightly more powerful engine. It also came with a new 1.3-liter, four-cylinder engine that produced 70 horsepower. However, despite its improved performance, the Geo Metro still struggled to attract mainstream buyers.

The Rise of the Geo Metro in the Modding Scene

While the Geo Metro may not have been a hit with the general public, it quickly gained a following in the modding community. The car’s small size, lightweight, and simple design made it an ideal platform for customization. Car enthusiasts began to experiment with different engine swaps, suspension upgrades, and body modifications, transforming the Geo Metro into a sleek, high-performance machine.

One of the most popular modifications for the Geo Metro is the engine swap. The car’s original engine may be underpowered, but it’s also very easy to remove and replace with a more powerful one. Some car enthusiasts have even managed to fit V8 engines into their Geo Metros, resulting in an incredibly fast and agile car.

Another popular mod for the Geo Metro is the suspension upgrade. By replacing the car’s stock suspension with a more advanced system, car enthusiasts can improve the car’s handling and cornering abilities. This is especially important for those who use their Geo Metro for racing or autocross events.

The Future of the Geo Metro

While the Geo Metro is no longer in production, it still has a dedicated following in the modding community. Car enthusiasts continue to experiment with different modifications and upgrades, pushing the limits of what this little car is capable of. Whether you’re looking for an affordable daily driver or a high-performance racing machine, the Geo Metro has something to offer.

Conclusion

The Geo Metro may not have been a commercial success, but its place in the modding scene is secure. Car enthusiasts continue to modify and customize these little cars, transforming them into unique, high-performance machines. Whether you’re a seasoned gearhead or a new enthusiast, the Geo Metro is a great platform for experimentation and customization.

Geo Metro: A Great Car That May Not Be For Everyone

car wheel with airbag

As I sipped my coffee and watched yet another sunset, it came to me that the Geo Metro, a car that I absolutely love, may not be for all. Of course, not all vehicles are for all people. I mean there are plenty of vehicles to choose from and plenty of varieties because we are not all the same when it comes to preference.

Why Do People Love To Own A Geo Metro?

What’s your reason for being on my blog? Do you like my writing so much or do you simply love the Geo Metro as much as I do? It is no surprise that I think that this car is the best and I am not alone in thinking that way. In fact, you being here means you think that this car is great or is pretty decent or can give you loads of benefits.

There are a lot of reasons to own a Geo Metro. I’ve had people tell me that they want one because it’s unique, small, economic, or that it handles great. I’ve even seen people who just want one because a friend or a family member has one. Me? I just think they are awesome cars that deserve more attention than they get.

  • Unique– When it comes to uniqueness, the Geo Metro has it in droves. It’s not a popular car by any means which makes it even more unique.
  • Small– The Geo Metro is a small car and that’s one of the main reasons people love them so much. They are easy to park and maneuver through traffic. They are also great for city driving.
  • Economic– Another reason people love the Geo Metro is that they are very economic cars. They get great gas mileage and don’t cost a lot to maintain.
  • Handle Great– One last reason people love the Geo Metro is that they handle great. They are nimble cars that can take corners at high speeds with ease.

These are just some of the reasons why people love the Geo Metro. Of course, there are other reasons as well but these are some of the main ones.

Why Some May Not Like The Geo Metro

Even though the Geo Metro is a great car, there are some things that some people may not like about them. One of those things is safety. The Geo Metro is not a safe car by any means. Clearly, it isn’t part of the safest cars available today. They don’t have airbags and they aren’t very crashworthy. This is one of the main reasons why I wouldn’t recommend them to everyone.

Another reason why some people may not like the Geo Metro is that they are slow cars. They aren’t made for speed and they can be quite sluggish at times. However, you can tweak them and make them as fast as you could but you should not forget about safety.

I drive my Geo Metro almost every day and thankfully I haven’t met any serious accidents with it. A few bumps but nothing too serious. My secret is being a defensive driver.

Even if I may look like I haphazardly drive because I live on the edge and want to feel the thrill of it all, I still take precautions when driving with my Geo Metro. You see, I love my car and even though it may not be the safest, I still take care of it as best as I can.

The Geo Metro is a great car for those who are looking for something unique, small, economic, and fun to drive. Just remember that it’s not the safest car out there and that you should take precautions when driving one. Drive safe!

The Benefits Of Choosing A Hatchback Sedan

hatchback sedan

You all know how proud I am of my Geo Metro. Not all people will understand the love I have for this car. Most people would choose this car over the others because of its gas mileage but that’s not all this car has to offer.

I also like it because it is a hatchback sedan. I know not all people will like how it looks but beyond appearances, it is actually a pretty good design for a car. Don’t believe me? Read further and maybe I could change your mind or you can somewhat consider getting hatchback cars like the Geo Metro.

What Is A Hatchback Sedan?

A hatchback sedan is a car with a sloping rear end that allows for easy access to the trunk. The main benefit of this design is the extra storage space it provides.

The front trunk, or “frunk,” can be used for smaller items while the larger cargo area behind the seats is perfect for larger items. This makes hatchback sedans ideal for families or anyone who needs a lot of storage space.

Hatchback sedans are also generally more fuel-efficient than other types of cars. This is because they have a smaller engine and less weight, which means they use less gas. They also have a smaller environmental impact than other cars since they produce fewer emissions.

Why Choose A Hatchback Over Other Types Of Cars?

Now that you know what a hatchback sedan is, let’s talk about why you should consider one over other types of cars.

As I mentioned before, the biggest benefit of a hatchback is the extra storage space. If you have a family or often need to transport large items, a hatchback sedan is a great choice.

Hatchbacks are also usually more affordable than other types of cars. This is because they have a smaller engine and less weight, which makes them cheaper to produce.

They are also more fuel-efficient, which means you’ll save money on gas over time. And as I mentioned earlier, they have a smaller environmental impact than other cars.

Benefits Of Having A Large Cargo Area With Front And Rear Access

Take a look at the Geo Metro and you will see that there is really a larger cargo area when compared to sedans. Additionally, the hatchback design also gives you access to this cargo area from the front and rear. This dual access provides easy access to the cargo area.

You can either use the rear hatch to load and unload large items or you can use the front trunk for smaller items. This is especially convenient if you have a lot of groceries to carry or if you need to transport large items like furniture.

Hatchbacks are also easy to park since they are typically shorter than other types of cars. This makes them ideal for city driving or crowded parking lots.

Other Hatchback Sedans Aside From The Geo Metro

In my opinion, the Geo Metro is an awesome hatchback sedan. However, they have stopped production of this vehicle and it can be difficult to find one in your area. There are still some units that could still be working or may need a little bit of repair and care but if you can’t find one, here are other hatchback sedan alternatives that you could also choose.

Honda Fit

The Honda Fit is a great choice for drivers who need a lot of storage space. The hatchback design provides easy access to the cargo area, which can be used for carrying large items. The Honda Fit is also fuel-efficient and has a smaller environmental impact than other types of cars.

Hyundai Elantra GT

The Hyundai Elantra GT is another great hatchback sedan. It has a spacious cargo area that can be accessed from either the front or the rear. The Elantra GT is also fuel-efficient and has a smaller environmental impact than other types of cars.

Toyota Yaris

The Toyota Yaris is another great option that offers excellent fuel economy and a wide variety of features. It’s also available in both manual and automatic transmission.

These are just a few of the many hatchback sedans available on the market today. If you need a lot of storage space and want a fuel-efficient car, a hatchback sedan is a great choice. Do your research and find the perfect one for your needs.

Simple Car Modifications Anyone Can Do

wheels and tires

I take a look at my Geo Metro and realize it is simply one unique vehicle among the rest that I see nowadays. Yeah, it doesn’t look modern, it really kinda looks old but that’s one thing I love about it.

One thing that could make my Geo Metro even better is the modifications I have done to it. If only there aren’t any limitations to modifications, I could have done a few more. But alas, all of us have limitations. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t modify your own Geo Metro or any car you have because it is too difficult to do.

In fact, there are simple car modifications that anyone can do. This doesn’t only make your car look unique but it also makes it run better. Here are a few simple car modifications that you could try.

Adding a Body Kit

Adding a body kit to your car can actually improve its aerodynamics. This means that your car will be able to cut through the air better, making it more fuel-efficient. In addition, it also makes your car look more stylish and modern. If you want to add a body kit, make sure that you get one that is made of high-quality materials. You don’t want your body kit to fall apart after a few months, do you?

Installing New Wheels and Tires

Another simple modification you can do to your car is to install new wheels and tires. This is actually a very popular modification among car owners because it can really improve the look of your car. In addition, it can also help improve the performance of your car. New wheels and tires can provide better traction and grip, especially when you’re driving on slippery roads.

Light Upgrade

If you want to make your car look more modern, you can try upgrading the headlights. There are now a lot of aftermarket headlights that you can choose from. You can go for LED headlights or projector headlights. Not only do they look good, but they also provide better illumination than the stock headlights.

Car Decals

If you want to show your personality through your car, you can try adding some decals. There are a lot of decals that you can choose from. You can go for something funny or something that shows your hobbies. If you’re not into decals, you can also try painting your car. This is actually a very popular modification among car enthusiasts.

Although car decals don’t really improve the car’s performance, they can still make you feel really good. Making you feel good about your vehicle is a good thing because you’ll feel confident whenever you are using it.

Conclusion

These are just some of the simplest car modifications that I can think of. If you want to make your car look better and perform better, try doing these modifications. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to make your car look good. Just use your creativity and imagination, and you’ll be able to come up with something really cool.

Need To Save Some Cash? Buy A Geo Metro!

saving money on buying a car

If you’re looking for a car that’s fuel-efficient, reliable, and affordable then the Geo Metro is just what you need. This little gas saver will get you where you want to go without costing too much in fuel costs or repairs!

Not to mention, there are more stylish options like the Geo Metro convertible that could tickle your fancy.

I am damn proud of my Geo Metro because it is great! It’s easy on gas mileage, has low maintenance costs, it’s an inexpensive option if your credit score isn’t good enough to get financing for a different vehicle.

It’s also perfect for people living in urban areas because parking can be hard sometimes with larger vehicles, and its size makes it easier to park when driving around town.

It is simply perfect for everyone out there trying to save as much as you can. Why spend so much on a fancy new car that costs a lot to maintain and run when you can get a good old Geo Metro for cheap?

How Much Is A Geo Metro

The Geo Metro is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable and fuel-efficient car. You can usually find these cars for around $2,000 or less, and they get up to 40 MPG on the highway. That means you could save a lot of money on gas over the course of a year.

How much money could you save?

Well, the national average price of gas is $3.25 per gallon right now, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. If you drive about 15,000 miles a year in your Geo Metro – with an average fuel economy of 40 MPG – you’ll use about 510 gallons of gas a year. That means you’ll be spending about $1,650 on gas each year.

But if you bought a Geo Metro and got 40 MPG highway mileage, you’d spend about $860 a year on gas. That’s a savings of $790 per year!

The Maintenance Cost

The Geo Metro is also a great option for anyone looking for a low-maintenance car. These cars are known for being reliable and requiring very little upkeep. In most cases, all you’ll need to do is change the oil every 5,000 miles and check the tire pressure regularly. You can even do this on your own, to save more cash.

That means you’ll be able to save even more money on maintenance costs. The average cost of a tune-up is about $75, but with a Geo Metro, you can go much longer between tune-ups – up to 10,000 miles! Only changing the oil every 5,000 miles means you’ll save yourself about $60.

Who Should Buy A Geo Metro?

Anyone looking for a fuel-efficient and affordable car should consider buying a Geo Metro. These cars are great for commuters, students, or anyone who wants to save money on gas. The Geo Metro is also a great choice for people who need a small car that can fit in tight spaces.

How Can You Get A Geo Metro?

You can buy a used Geo Metro on Craigslist, or through classified ads. Another option is to visit some of your local used car dealerships – they usually have some great deals on these types of cars. Some people even sell them for very low prices on sites like eBay.

It’s no secret that the cost of gas has been on a steady rise for years now. In fact, it is very possible that this trend will continue as we move into the future and more oil reserves are depleted.

This leaves many drivers feeling frustrated with their high monthly fuel costs or not being able to afford to purchase an expensive vehicle outright. But there is good news! The Geo Metro may be just what you need if you’re looking for: low maintenance cost, high mileage and can help keep your wallet from taking such a hit when filling up the tank every few weeks.

Keeping My Geo Metro Alive

Regular engine oil change helps both old and new car models

How long have you been using your Geo Metro? I’ve been using mine for years and she still runs. Yes, let’s admit that there are things that could be improved about this car but it still has features that I love. 

Durable as it may seem, the oldie but goodie Geometro still deserves some TLC. My Geo Metro won’t survive on its own for this long if I didn’t do my freakin’ part. But before you conclude that keeping a Geometro running is a whole lot of work, check out the simple things that I did to it below. 

Believe me when I say these simple things are worth doing. Cause you all know my lazy ass isn’t up for something that only wastes your time. 

Oil And Filter Change

There are a variety of ways to properly care for your Geometro or any other vehicle. However, I find that changing the oil and oil filter is one of the most important things to do. 

Do you want to extend the life of your engine? Then this should be done regularly. With regular oil and oil filter changes, you lessen the risk of getting into engine problems. 

Engine problems are a headache and they are very costly too. I’ve avoided that over the years by simply being constant with my oil and oil filter changes. It’s done a lot of good for me and my car and you should do it too. 

Top Up Or Flush Out Your Coolant

The coolant is another important fluid that helps your engine avoid major problems. The level of the coolant doesn’t drastically drop so you may need top-ups from time to time. However, if you notice that you’ve been topping up frequently, then there might be a leak. 

Topping up the coolant is great as it ensures you have enough to circulate and efficiently cool the engine. However, there will also come a time when you need to replace the old coolant by flushing it out. It’s a very easy procedure to do but it could save your engine by not letting it overheat. 

Check The Wheel Bearings

Maintenance for the wheel bearings is easy but could be dirty because you need to use grease. You can inspect the wheel bearings on your own and add some grease to make it run smoothly or you can just hire someone to do it for you. It’s a simple and straightforward task. 

Brake Fluid Check

You might have recently purchased that Geometro but that doesn’t make it new. There are things you should check and one of them is the brake fluid. Just like the coolant, you should also make sure that the fluid is still viable. 

Try to check the brake fluid and see if it is still clear and amber in color. If it is black with rubber bits or rust, then you might need to give your vehicle a brake overhaul. Avoid that by always making sure that your brake fluid is regularly checked and changed every couple of years. 

Recognize When You Need Help

I love tinkering with my vehicles but not all things are worth the DIY. Sometimes, you’ll end up causing a more costly problem when you try to DIY things you don’t really know. 

Even if I have experience with cars, I still learn to recognize the line between a mechanic’s job and a DIYer. Although experienced DIYers can do the job on their own, allowing a professional to do it gives you peace of mind. 

Use Your Car

Some people believe that in order to make sure the car is still in pristine condition, it should simply be stored. Contrary to that, you should make sure you use your car at least once a month. 

No matter what kind of car it is, if you leave it stationary in your garage for far too long, you would likely find damages to it. Using it regularly actually slows down the aging process of your vehicle. 

So don’t be afraid to use your car, even if it is a collector’s edition or a trusty Geo Metro. Allow the parts to move by using it. 

Clean Your Car

Mud, debris, dirt, dust, and a combination of them all cause buildup that could be detrimental to your car. If you don’t keep your car clean, those will eventually cause chipping of the paint or rust.

The build-up can trap moisture and that can lead to the rusting of your vehicle. That’s also why you should always make sure to dry your car after washing it. This doesn’t only prevent rust but watermarks as well. 

Apart from the exterior, you should also make sure that the interior is properly cleaned as well. In a previous post, I told you about upholstering my car for comfort. I don’t want to go through that process again so maintaining cleanliness helps make sure that it’s the last time I do that. 

Factors That Limit Car Modifications

car painter preparing car for new paint

Ah… car modification! It is something you do to make your car feel more like it’s truly yours. The car mods you have done will represent your preference.

Do you like speed and improved performance? Then you should focus on more of what’s under the hood. Do you want to make your car look a certain way? Add some wow factor or just stick to the classic? Then you can modify your interior and exterior. 

As for me, I’m a simple man who loves his Geo Metro but I love modifying my car too. Did I tell you I reupholstered the car seats? Those seats were killing me back then. They’re definitely more comfortable now that the job is done.  

Aside from that, there are still other things that I wanna do. But alas, there are things that are preventing me from doing that. Just like most of you, my pockets don’t run deep as well.  

However, lack of moolah isn’t the only thing that can limit what modifications you can do to your car. Wanna know about the others then continue reading below.

Modifying Your Car

When you think about car mods, it’s like making your dream car come true. However, you also have to make sure that your dream car is still within the realm of possibility. There is only so much you can do to modify your vehicle plus the ones below could also limit the mods you do to your vehicle.

Money

Car modifications will need money. Depending on the car mods you want, it may or may not require a lot of money to do so. Remember my previous post on engine swaps. That’s doable but only if you have a fat bank account. 

You’ll need the money to buy the parts, to get the service done if you are not doing them on your own. For most, lack of funding is what could restrict them from getting the car mods that they really wanted.

Time

If you’re like me, then you’ll love spending time in your car. I just want to tinker with it and try to improve it as much as I can. However, not all of us have the luxury of free time. In fact, I would even want to spend more time modifying my car but I can’t always do that. 

Experience

Let’s face it, not all car owners know exactly how their cars work. That is why they can’t modify them just like they wanted to. They just don’t have the skills and experience to do so. 

Sure you can hire someone to do those for you but you have to spend money on that as well. Most take this route because they don’t know how to tinker with their own vehicle and that is perfectly fine. However, take it from someone who has modified their own car, there is something satisfying when you’ve successfully done it yourself.

Legal Issues

Do you like loud exhaust or low rides? Sure some shops can do that for you or you can also do that on your own. However, before you start your modification, it is best to do research. 

There are car mods that are illegal in most states. There may also be some that could be legal in other states but not yours so best check local rules and regulations when it comes to modifying your vehicle. 

Availability Of Technology

Do you want your car to fly? Ha! I’d want that too but there are some modifications that aren’t available yet. Let’s get realistic here okay. 

But apart from obviously futuristic mods, there are some mods that can’t be suitable for your vehicle. For example for Geo Metros, engine swaps are possible and a pain in the ass but doable. However, there is a limit to how powerful an engine you can fit in. 

That will also depend on the size of your vehicle. The Geo Metro isn’t a big one and there isn’t a tiny engine that has the same power as the other big ones. Well, not yet…

Geo Metro’s Stylish Car

stylish female on a convertible

So what have you been up to this pandemic? Have you guys returned back to work or did you have the privilege to “work” at home? 

As for me, I’m still here breathing and thinking as I admire the beauty of my Geo Metro. Yeah, yeah, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, I know because some of you might not agree with my definition of beauty.

Then why the hell are you here reading about my musings and shenanigans about my love for this Earth-saving car

Gotcha! Admit it, you secretly love Geo Metros too! 

What’s not to love? Yes, you may consider it as an econobox but did you know that there are models released for more, uhm– stylish clients? 

Picture a convertible. Just like the picture above, it really suits the more stylish clientele, doesn’t it?

Spotlight please for the Geo Metro convertible!

However, the Geo Metro convertible isn’t exactly like that, but at least it tried to be…

The Geo Metro Convertible Is Not For All

To target those who are looking for a more stylish, yet still efficient and affordable Geo Metro, the convertible model was born. However, not all people liked it and some are even laughing at the thought of a convertible Geo Metro. 

Don’t laugh too hard and belittle such a car. There are still great things about it like the efficient 55 hp engine. Additionally, it also has an airbag, at least for the driver side. Without too much excess baggage, the weight is minimized.

As for the top, it’s manually operated and you have to manually unlock the cabin to get access to it. Some were also not a great fan of the plastic panel that covers it. 

The seats were like any other Geo Metro, which is a pain in the ass and there is no armrest. The side mirrors are also present and are manually adjustable. Lastly, it also has air conditioning and a tachometer. 

Would You Drive It?

If you ask me, I’d surely love to take that for a ride. That might amp up my appeal, being a convertible and all. Plus, it’s efficient and you’d save a ton from using it. 

However, some people might not be comfortable with it due to safety reasons, you wuss. As for me, I’m a careful driver and I take my chances every time I drive my own Geo Metro anyway so as long as I can still make it run, then I’d gladly take it for a ride. 

How about you? Would you take the chance in driving such a classic beauty? Come on now, I know I’ve got a lot of readers who are as big Geo Metro fans as I am. 

Engine Swap On A Geo Metro? No Way! Here’s Why

car engine

The other day I was busy admiring the awesome job I did with my car seats. (My ass is now somewhat more comfortable with the seats I have. As a skinny white-boy with no cushion in the rear – they’ll certainly do for now.) 

Just then this young lad approached me. We talked about cars and I told him all about Geo Metro because I simply love sharing insights about this baby. 

We were on the topic of improving my speed then he suddenly blurted out “Why don’t you just swap the engine?” I laughed my ass off at that comment and thought he was kidding but I noticed his face was damn serious. 

I controlled my laughter, straightened up my face, and told him, “Son, there is no friggin way I am doing an engine swap.” Then I began telling him why it is not a great idea to do an engine swap.

First of all, it’s a whole lot of work. You’d be spending countless hours making all things fit. Don’t get me wrong here, I know it can be done. I’m just not interested in taking on that crazy challenge. Well, at least for now…

The Magic Of Engine Swap

It seems like a dream come true to swap a more powerful engine into a Geo Metro. Some have done it and succeeded while others simply found their project rotting in their garage. With an engine swap, you remove the old engine and replace it with another. 

Some do it because the engine is purely junk and can’t run at all. However, some take on the challenge of replacing the engine with a better one to make the car more powerful and efficient. In older cars, this could be done if you can’t find an engine or spare parts of the same model.

Why You Shouldn’t Do An Engine Swap

Engine swaps are possible and many have done it. Many shops have spent countless hours just to make things work and they did. However, there are reasons why it’s not such a great idea:

  1. First of all, you don’t just swap one engine for another. You have to make sure they are compatible with the other components of your vehicle or you’d have to redo all that too.
  2. You have to make sure it fits, if not, you’d have to make adjustments to support the engine so it doesn’t fall off while you’re driving.  
  3. It takes a lot of time to do all the adjustments just to make the new engine work. You have to check and recheck a lot of things before you even attempt to do a test drive. After all, you wouldn’t want to risk your life just to test your car.
  4. Lastly, it can be expensive. Sometimes, it might be more cost effective to simply buy a faster car than to swap out the engine just to make the car run faster. 

Things To Consider Before You Do An Engine Swap

If you are dead set to do an engine swap, then take the leap. Just make sure you prepare yourself to do a lot of hard work, spend a lot of time and sometimes money for the job. But if it is your passion, keeps you busy and your mind off this crazy pandemic then do it. Here’s just a few reminders on what you shouldn’t forget or underestimate.

Wiring

Wiring a car is quite complex. The circuit is connected to various systems in the vehicle. Before you attempt to adjust the wiring, you should have great understanding about the relays, wire gauge, amperage and overall circuits. 

Cooling System

The cooling system seems simple enough but don’t underestimate just how much work goes into it. With newer and faster engines, you’d expect them to heat up faster too as compared to older models. Although mechanical fans might have worked well with your old engine, it may not be able to handle the heat of that newer engine you’d like to install. 

Headers

Upon installing a new engine, most people will assume that the exhaust manifolds should also be modified. However, what people don’t realize is how complicated it could be. When fabricating a header, it would usually be a challenge to consider the spark plugs, wires and steering linkage. But there is more, once you’ve done that you also have to make sure that the tubing won’t’ hit anything like the frame or the body. This is a common costly mistake because you’d have to start all over again.

Steering

Steering linkages are already tricky to figure out from doing the headers. Apart from that, you’d also have to make sure they’re compatible with the suspension and steering system. Sometimes people also change these to further upgrade their vehicles. There are many aftermarket components available but you’d really have to think and figure out what odd combination of steering linkage will work for your project. 

Torque Converter

If you plan to preserve the rest of the driveline, it can be challenging to find the right converter that has the right flywheel pattern plus transmission spline count. Sometimes, you’d have to turn to hybrid converters to address this problem. 

Final Words…

The complexity of swapping an engine just goes on and on. These are only some things to consider and even if I know such things, I myself am not considering swapping the engine of my Geo Metro. For now, I’ll stick to simpler and easier mods. 

I Need To Stop Running My Metro On Fumes

Geo Metro Out Of Fuel

Most gas stations freak me out.

I won’t bother you to the reasons, ’cause they’ll make me sound insensitive, and possibly schizophrenic.

(There is, however, this one Amaco near the bypass that isn’t too bad, but that’s just because they still sell baseball cards which I still collect even though there essentially worthless!)

ANYHOO…

My point is – I don’t like gas stations, and as a result I seldom fill up my blue 1989 Geo Metro unless the fuel gauge is about 2 cm below the “E“mpty indicator.

This is where, if I keep driving, the engine starts to sputter, convulse and die.

Turns out – this is not a good thing for the mechanics of your engine. In fact, it’s freaking horrible!

A mechanic friend enlightened me to this reality and now I’m a regular Joe at the gas station where I know all the convenience store staff by name.

So if you’re like I was before I was “converted”, you’re likely wondering:

Just how bad is running your car all the way to fumes?

Read on friend…

Engine Damage

The car engine is an amazing feat of engineering. You’ve got your different systems; the engine, the coolant, the electrical – all timed and configured to work together to propel your vehicle forward. And all systems need to be clicking just so to ensure your automobile doesn’t freeze up.

See the source image
Fig.1 – Engine Schematic (Image Pilfered From This Website)

This is especially true in older cars like my Azure Blue Metro who can’t rely on all that new wizz-bang ECMs to monitor and adjust system operations.

Likewise the fuel systems most most cars manufactured during the Metro years or before were designed in such a way that the fuel is pulled from the top of the tank used to power the engine.

All the debris and unwanted particles in the fuel are, in turn, collected and filtered from the bottom of the fuel tank.


Run out of fuel? Man-up son!

Run out of fuel? Wondering what To Do? Do you call you Mom, or, Dad, or Girlfriend to bail you out? NO!

You read this article from a towing company in Virginia Beach on getting your damn car to run again.


Now what do you think happens when but a spittle of fuel is left at the bottom of your tank?

That’s right! The fuel pump sucks up the swill (aka: shit-fuel) at the bottom of the tank.

Luckily there’s a nifty fuel filter inline before the fuel pump which gets most of the big chunks of crud.

The more insidious stuff gets through though, and over time it can clog up your primary fuel filter, which then causes shit-fuel to your injectors and engine cylinders.

Shit-fuel can cause your injectors to fail, your pistons or cylinders to pit, and your engine to run hot – which can then cause complete and utter destruction on your engine!!!

Here’s a visual of the result…

Now most modern cars are gonna give you “head-up” in the way of a warning light of something. But do you think they put that technology in my 1989 Geo Metro Hatchback?

Yeah sure pal, you bet they put that technology in my Geo Metro from 1989. (Gawd!)