V8-Powered Geo Metro Listed for Sale in Los Angeles
A modified 1995 Geo Metro featuring a mid-mounted 5.3L V8 engine has hit the market for $16,500.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Car Culture
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A heavily modified Geo Metro, equipped with a 5.3L GM LS4 V8 engine, is currently listed for sale in Los Angeles with an asking price of $16,500. The car, which has 21,000 miles on the odometer, has been stripped of its back seats to accommodate the mid-mounted engine setup.
Why it matters
The vehicle represents a significant departure from the original economy-car specifications of the Geo Metro line, offering an unusual blend of compact dimensions and high-output engine power. The current owner listed the project vehicle for sale as part of an effort to downsize their private collection.
The car is powered by a 5.3L engine historically used in the 2006-2009 Chevy Impala SS, which originally produced 300 horsepower and 323 pound-feet of torque. The odometer shows 21,000 miles, with recent service including new seals, gaskets, and a fresh coat of paint.
The players
General Motors
An American automotive manufacturer known for producing the LS series of V8 engines and compact vehicle platforms like the Geo Metro.
The details
To accommodate the rear-wheel-drive powertrain, the engine is mounted in the center of the vehicle where the back seats once resided. The underhood area now houses the fuel cell, while the rear bodywork was specifically modified to ensure adequate cooling for the high-performance V8 engine. The vehicle operates using a four-speed automatic transmission.
Timeline
The vehicle was listed for sale on October 13, 2026.
The Home Front
This conversion follows a long-standing enthusiast trend of swapping the GM LS4 V8 engine into small-platform vehicles that were never designed for such power. It marks a departure from standard restoration efforts by prioritizing extreme mechanical modifications over factory-original specifications.
Prospective buyers of modified project vehicles should verify that all custom mechanical work, particularly cooling and fuel-cell systems, meets safety standards. It is recommended to have a professional mechanic inspect structural modifications to ensure the vehicle remains roadworthy.
The takeaway
When purchasing heavily modified vehicles, focus on the quality of the engine cooling system and the integrity of the chassis modifications performed to fit larger components. Ensure you verify the vehicle identification number to confirm the correct model year before moving forward with any transaction.
Further reading
For more information on unique vehicle modifications and local automotive trends, visit the Car Culture page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by GM Authority.
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