You wouldn't realize this Chevy Sonic has a V8 until you start it up.
@nate_the_ls_guy via Instagram
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Believe it or not, this isn’t the first V8-swapped Chevy Sonic in the world. Cleetus McFarland has one featuring an 8.8-liter Chevy big block, and a few years ago, PMR Motorsports built an LS3-powered Sonic rally car. However, I have to say, this is the most unassuming version I’ve encountered… until the builder starts it up.
His name is Nathan Hoy, known on Instagram as @nate_the_ls_guy. You might be among the 3.3 million viewers who saw the original video of this car back in August; if not, here’s a summary. He took a basic economy car with a Bowtie emblem on the front and installed a stock Chevy truck engine. He named it the SuperSonic, which is quite fitting.
More specifically, he replaced the small four-cylinder engine with a 5.3-liter LM7. This is a hefty iron block paired with an unmodified Turbo 350 automatic transmission. There aren’t any expensive components involved—he says he purchased the wiring harness from Amazon and the driveshaft from eBay—but it surely promises a lot of fun for just $5,000 in parts.
As you might expect, Hoy had to do some cutting of the Sonic's inner structure. He mentioned he chopped the K-frame in several spots to accommodate the radiator, which he sourced from a VW Scirocco, as well as the transmission. With the installation of a front-sump oil pan, he was able to position the steering gear rack in line with the spindle knuckles, simplifying the steering geometry setup. Hoy also obtained some Chevy Equinox springs to fit around the stock struts, hoping they will better support the additional weight of the engine.
Those skinny tires on the factory wheels (which I believe are 17s) can’t handle that power. However, that seems to be part of the plan. It’s a showcase build that performs impressive burnouts. Hoy notes he added a set of cast-iron shorty headers, making it a joy to watch and listen to.
Future plans for the project involve swapping the transmission for either a Saginaw four-speed or a General Motors T5 manual. The one that doesn’t end up in the Sonic will likely be used in Hoy’s LS-swapped AMC Pacer. Clearly, this guy has a type, and I’m totally okay with that.
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You wouldn't realize this Chevy Sonic has a V8 until you start it up.
A powerful engine in a small car is always enjoyable, but this person has excellent style by opting for a sleeper look.