The result is an 850hp engine...
The result is an 850hp engine that produces no less than 700 lb-ft of torque between 2,000 and 7,000 rpm.
A 90mm throttle body and 65 lb/hr injectors are integrated into the system. The ignition is the stock GM coil-pack setup with a 58x reluctor wheel. A stock Solstice E65 processor was completely revamped to work in a V-8 configuration. This also required a custom-fabricated wiring harness and specific software programming.
The spent gases are routed into a custom set of headers fabricated by Thomson Automotive, which feature 2-inch primaries and 4-inch collectors. They feed into one 4-inch diameter muffler, which then splits into twin 3-inch pipes, with resonators at each end.
Power output can only be described as excessive, especially in this application. The supercharged 428 LSX produces 850 hp at 5,200 rpm, with 850 lb-ft of torque at 5,200. It has an extremely broad torque band, developing 700 lb-ft at 2,200 and the same 700 lb-ft at 7,000 rpm.
The interior of the LSX Solstice...
The interior of the LSX Solstice remains stock except for updated gauge faces and.the red seat inserts that match the exterior graphics.
Drivetrain
From there, the power is transferred to a prototype version of the 5L50-E automatic transmission used in certain Cadillac applications. It was beefed up to handle the extra power, though the details of what was actually done have not been disclosed. Brian is not even sure, though it works beautifully with the blown V-8.
The power then flows to the stock rearend with 4.11 gears and limited slip. While it might seem a bit foolhardy to put that much faith in a rearend originally designed to handle a four-cylinder, the truth is that it's the same differential that was used in the '04-'06 GTO. A special Harrop 12-bolt centersection will soon replace it, though. It will be fitted with the same gearing.
Suspension And Brakes
Rolling stock consists of the production Solstice 18-inch polished aluminum wheels shod with P245/45R18 Goodyear Eagle RSAs. Obviously, with that level of power, they will go up in smoke at will. Brian said that while a stock Solstice will exhibit some wheelhop under hard acceleration, this particular car has none at all. It will actually smoke the tires right through any wheelhopping tendencies.
With the performance potential that the Solstice is now capable of, Brian wisely upgraded the brakes. Stainless Steel Brakes' Force 10 system was selected, which features 13-inch slotted rotors with three-piston calipers up front and singles in the rear. They work with the stock anti-lock braking system for complete control.
On The Road
I have to say that, in many ways, this car has ruined me for life. I cannot imagine another street-legal car giving me the rush that this 850-horse Solstice did. The combination of the insane power-to-weight ratio and the top-down perspective has probably set the bar so high that I might never reach it again in my lifetime.
Even before we went out for a spin, the Solstice's power output was clearly evident when Brian fired up the mighty supercharged LSX V-8. At an idle, the combination of the supercharger's whine and that throbbing exhaust note let anyone within earshot know this was no poseur.
Brian then drove the Solstice out behind his shop. Within seconds, many of the workers at surrounding businesses came out from their open garage doors and loading docks-apparently they knew what was coming next. I positioned myself to get a decent shot and Brian revved up the engine and started with a part-throttle burnout. Amazingly, the car hooked up almost immediately, providing a little bit of squeal but very little tire smoke.
Turning the Solstice around and getting back to his original position, Brian came to a halt, blipped the throttle, then let it rip. Thick clouds of smoke billowed from the wheelwells as the engine screamed near its redline. In a few seconds, it was over. The metallic echo bounced between the cement block buildings in the industrial park and rang in my ears even longer.
I didn't get a chance to drive this one, though I did get to ride shotgun. Even from the passenger seat, it was obvious this was going to be a ride to remember. Was I ever right!
 Even though the Solstice is...  Even though the Solstice is a small car, the swap added nearly 400 pounds to its overall weight. The chunky two-seater now tips the scales at 3,300 pounds. Fortunately, the extra weight is behind the front wheels, so the front-to-rear balance isn't harmed. |  This is the view that just...  This is the view that just about everyone will get of the Thomson Automotive LSX Solstice. Brian Thomson predicts the V-8 swaps will become commonplace in years to come. |  The Solstice retains its stock...  The Solstice retains its stock 18-inch wheels and Goodyear Eagle RSA tires, but the brakes were upgraded to 13-inch Stainless Steel Brakes slotted rotors and three-piston calipers up front. Rears are also 13-inch SSBC slotted rotors, with single-piston calipers. Additional stopping power was deemed necessary, considering the huge upgrade in power. |