00:00 - OPEN - Saturn Sky is a Sports Car Bargain Hiding in Plain Sight

01:06 - Introduce Loren Campbell - Owner of a 2008 Saturn Sky Redline

• Purchased car new from San Jose Dealer in 2007
• Has all options except spoiler and automatic transmission
• We discuss the merits of a manual transmission

05:35 - What Makes the Saturn Sky Redline Great?

• The Saturn Sky and Sky Redline looks great
• It came with a substantial amount of power from a 2.0-liter engine
• First Direct Injected GM vehicle
• Highest per-liter output of any previous GM car
• Reasonably priced when new

08:50 - Performance and Upgrades

• Stock it made 260-hp and 260-lb.ft. of torque
• GM upgrade tune = 290-hp and 340-lb.ft. of torque
• Later Loren added a larger turbo, high-flow cat and upgraded intercooler to his Redline. Estimated output: 350-hp
• Stock driveline is able to handle up to at least 400-hp
• Aisin 5-speed manual can handle the power increases too

11:00 - Why Would Listeners Want To Own One?

• It's really fun to drive... both conservatively and aggressively
• It's a comfortable car to drive
• Can be a weekend car or a daily driver
• Storage space is probably the biggest hold back
• It's a convertible! Not a power top, but it's not an issue
• It's also a great looking car
• Looks good both top up and top down
• It's a great performance value
• Parts are still available even though its out of production

18:45 - More Saturn Sky and Saturn Sky Redline Details

• Saturn Sky had a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder that made 177-hp and 173-lb.ft. of torque
• Performance was decent, but not as quick as the Redline
• Redline models with more horsepower still got good fuel economy
• Greater than 30-mpg on the freeway for the Redline
• Loren's car sounds great with high-flow exhaust system

23:00 - Loren Hasn't Done Track Days or Racing, but has Considered It

• RE71 Auto cross tires have made a huge handling difference
• Adding a roll bar would ruin the look and function
• Solstice GXP (similar to the Sky Redline) in a racing school Loren attended was quicker than Corvettes and a Factory 5 Racer
• First Year of SCCA racing the Solstice GXP was dominant

25:00 - What are the long term issues listeners should know about?

• Check the internet - good shopping guides available online
• Early cars had leaky diff
• Water pump failure is the big issue on these cars
• Replacing the water pump and thermostat is a very labor intensive project (12-hours, maybe), but it's not particularly difficult... your mileage may vary. PS - Don't throw your tools!
• Front end of the car is low, so expect the chin to be scraped
• Some body parts are hard to find (the hood is one example)
• Fenders (small plastic panel behind wheels) can be damaged without lift-pucks when you put the car on a lift
• Norm Vandermee makes replacement body parts
• https://www.normsfiberglass.com/sky.html

31:55 - Not Many 2010 Models Were Sold?

• Only 45 were built/sold
• Definitely more expensive due to their rarity
• Check out the Lemay Marymount museum near Tacoma, WA to see a unique example of a one-off factory Saturn Sky Cutaway

35:55 - What Price Should One Expect to Pay For These Cars?

• $5,000 to $8,000 - You can will find drivable cars with Patina
• $8,000 to $12,000 - Solid "driver" examples in this range
• $12,000 to $15,000 - This is the sweet spot for the best values (great looking examples, good performing, 2-3 owners, well-cared for, but still used on a regulary basis)
• $15,000 to $20,000 - Examples in this range typically have one or two owners and very low miles.

49:50 - Quick Mention of Upcoming SOVREN Vintage Car Racing April 22nd and 23rd, 2023 at Pacific Raceway in Kent, WA

• Loren will be racing his Austin Healy Bugeye Sprite racing in the H-production class
• Ticket price allows you to watch the races one or both days
• Stop by the paddock area to see the race cars up close and talk with the drivers
• Be sure to check out the go-kart track right next store!

52:25 - CLOSE - Saturn Sky Redline

• Our thanks to Loren for sharing his Saturn Sky Redline ownership experience
• If you are looking for a great 2-seat convertible sports car with power, great looks and excellent handling, all at a great price, be sure to check out the Saturn Sky Redline