One goal of the Performance Division was to make the Red Line Ion capable on a racetrack, with brakes that don't fade after a few laps of hard driving. Spring and damping rates, as well as the bushings and anti-roll bars, have all been considerably firmed, and the rear axle is a heavy-duty unit taken from GM's upcoming Delta platform, on stiffened trailing arms. No modifications were needed to the unit-body chassis, but the Red Line suspension has been thoroughly tweaked. What's more, heavy-duty wheel bearings cope with the added power, as do 5-lug hubs. Although its linkage is a bit clunky, the gearbox delivers power to the wheels via equal-length halfshafts that minimize torque steer. Measured by GM's clock, the Red Line Ion hits 60 mph in a scant 6.3 seconds and the quarter mile in 14.8, and achieves a top speed of 144 mph.īorrowing more from GM's global parts bin, Saturn also employs close-ratio 5-speed manual transaxle in the Red Line. At peak boost, the transverse powerplant puts out 205 bhp at 5600 rpm and 200 lb.-ft. And at $20,000, it's a heck of a bargain, a 205-bhp coupe that benefits from a sporty chassis and great brakes tuned and developed at the Nürburgring.Īlthough GM calls it an Ecotec, the Red Line's 2.0-liter engine is actually based on the aluminum long-block of the, a twincam inline-4 with oil-cooled pistons and sodium-filled valves to help it cope with 12 psi of intercooled boost, courtesy of a large Eaton Roots-type blower normally used on GM's supercharged 3800 V-6. That's right, the Red Line has that kind of wheel-spinning power, and all it takes is one stint in this new front-driver to learn that GM's Performance Division has built a car that deserves a spot on the performance podium right between the and the Dodge SRT-4. A word to the wise, though: You might steer clear of the new Red Line Ion, because this car makes even the best of kids suddenly feel the urge to put down a pair of black stripes on the pavement just outside the study hall. As new cars go, it's affordable and fuel efficient, plus it's hip, what with its center-mounted instruments, unconventional rear doors and optional XM satellite radio. The big M-B was inexpensive, well-built, slow and safe, largely because it was constructed like a tank.įor different reasons, entry-level Ion also shines as off-to-college transport. If so, no big deal, I bought the seats cheap enough that I can resell them, Ion people still love them.When my niece Lizzy headed off to college, her dad gave her a 1981 Mercedes-Benz 300D for all the right reasons. I will post the progress when I get started. While Ihave thought about fabricating some bracket adapters, I think I will just buy the Goodwin seat brackets. I have not posted any photos yet - have not had the time to dothe install. Will loose the side airbags, but i will still have the stock seats when needed. Heighth, I am estimating is about an inch to 1.5 inch higher. I do not have the measurements handy - but the width is about the same as stock. Second, from my measurements, they will fit. Now I know - these are not the same recarros as found in your higher priced Italian sports cars. I was able to measure and give them a good "test sit". Found them on E-bay at a fairly local auto recycle center. So after looking at a number of options -and doing a lot of measurements - i bought a set of used Saturn Ion Redline Recarros. ![]() I am looking for alternatives that don't look all that bad at REASONABLE cost.Jon 01 LSĪs I have posted on the forum, I have not been satisfied with the seats in my NC. Here in South Florida where it is frequently in the mid to upper 90's, top down you get nasty burns with the leather if your wearing shorts, and who wears long pants in South Florida?. and as I said they come in a tan cloth instead of the leather. Everyones tastes are different and what someone else likes ,others may not. The seats are actually more comfortable than the Miata's are by a long shot. they might sit slightly higher in the bottom than the Miata originals ( foam-ectomy possible on these as well as the Miata seats), I don't know as I haven't yet measured one. If these would work they could be bought together used for about 200 bucks. I have an 01 with the surfboard seats ( as every one refers to them on here), have had them apart a few times so I do know how the pan design is and rails attach, and have recovered the factory leather once already and don't want to go that route again for cost reasons. I was just putting this out there that these might be an alternative to expensive Recaro's.
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