While some of Detroit’s auto manufacturers may be struggling with how to define the word performance, the independent shops in the area are still cranking out some cool cars. Fortunately for those enthusiasts looking to build their dream car, there are hundreds of shops still in the Detroit area that can tap the resources of GM, Ford and Chrysler and build a monster of a race car or street car. One shop that’s been on our radar for the past few months is Stenod Performance.

Stenod Performance can modify anything on four wheels, from classic muscle cars, corner-carving street cars or 6-second race cars. There ability to build such a wide variety of vehicles makes them rather unique in the Detroit area. Joe Borschke is the owner of the Troy Michigan based performance shop and we recently stopped by to see what they were working on during the winter off-season.

Tom Kempf’s white Formula Firebird

With the current popularity of power adders, Stenod has learned the ins and outs of custom turbo kits and tuning. From small to large turbos and single or twin turbo set-ups, Stenod can customize a turbo kit to meet a performance enthusiast’s quest for more horsepower. Anyone that knows turbocharging knows that engine tuning is key to performance and longevity. Stenod also has an in-house chassis dyno to tune any new modification or prove out a new combination.

Front and center in the Stenod shop is a line of fourth generation F-bodies that by race season will be ready for some serious action down the quarter mile. Tom Kempf’s white Formula Firebird is being prepared by Joe and crew to challenge some of the heavy hitters in the popular Outlaw Drag Radial class. Sub-seven second drag radial racers like Paul Major and Dave Hance have set the performance standards high but that’s what pushes a racer like Tom to build a better weapon. The project is a ground-up build with plans to debut the car in the spring of 2010. Milan Dragway and Norwalk are considered Toms’ home tracks but the team plans to travel to several of the big drag radial events next year and battle the best from the North and South.

Tom has been racing F-bodies for years, starting with nitrous and moving to a turbo combination with the help of Joe who also serves as crew-chief for the car on race weekends. The turbo set-up worked well on his Red Rocket Camaro and he won the GM LSX shootout in 2007 at Memphis Motorsports Park. Earlier this year, Kempf sold his proven Camaro to a heads-up racer in Australia to help fund his current drag radial project with Stenod. The Pontiac will feature the typical Drag Radial set-up with stock frame rails and “stock” suspension points. Stenod has done its homework on this build to make sure the driveline angle and front and rear suspension geometry is optimized to put down the horsepower at the small Mickey Thompson DOT radial tire. Also included is a complete 25.2 cage for rigidity and safety considering the Formula should run over 200 mph. Weight was also addressed in the new car with carbon fiber wheel tubs and other lightweight parts that will allow the team to move weight in the car to fit the track conditions.

Power will come from a tall deck GM Performance Parts 467 cubic inch LSX engine built by Billy Briggs Performance. Billy Briggs Performance is a Southeast Michigan based engine builder and has been responsible for building some of the fastest LS engines in the country. Briggs made a name for himself at Wheel-to-Wheel Performance and started his own shop in 2008. The engine will have the best parts from Diamond Pistons, Callies and Jesel to follow the build check out Billy Briggs Performance website. Additional power will come from a single 114mm Precision Turbo unit forcing air into an LSXR aluminum intake. Eight Moran Racing injectors powered by a Kinsler Fuel pump will be distributing the fuel to the cylinders. Putting all that power to the Ford 9-inch rearend is a Carl Rossler built Turbo Glide.

The engine is expected to make over 2,000 horsepower and the car should crack the six second zone in the right conditions

For those that are looking for a more streetable combination, Stenod has an LS powered Pontiac Solstice in the works for 2010. Joe plans on making this a conversion package offered by Stenod and any Solstice owner could select a mild to wild V8 package. Conversion Pricing is still being finalized but Stenod is looking at a starting price for the base conversion, a stock LS2 and a six-speed transmission, for around $30,000-35,000. The monster Silver Solstice we saw starts at $70,000 and includes the LS7, HRE wheels, Brembo brakes, CTS-V rear end and more.

We had the opportunity to see the first monster edition Solstice powered by a Corvette Z06 LS7. Stenod built the car for a Canadian customer and has been fine-tuning the car before it’s delivered in the spring. The LS7 engine and dry sump installation and packaging looked OEM quality, a build philosophy that Joe strives for. To keep up with the new powerplant, Stenod sourced a Cadillac CTS-V transmission and rear end to endure the additional torque. The Stenod Solstice also has six-piston Brembo front brakes and an adjustable K&W coil over suspension. The car was finished off with HRE 3 piece wheels and Nitto Invo 275/30/19 ultra high performance tires. Body modifications include a Ferrari F430’esque fascia and vented front fender manufactured by Norms Fiberglass components.

Joe was kind enough to move the Solstice to the center of the garage for some photos and when he started up the 625 horsepower V8 it roared to life and will defiantly turn some heads when it hits the streets. That trademark V8 engine sound in a small car brought back memories of some of the big block Shelby Cobras we have encountered in the past.

Already impressed by the Solstice build, Joe told us that Stenod had a number of 2010 Camaro SS owners already lining up for turbo or supercharger upgrades. With the shops vast experience with LS engines and forced induction they have some cool projects in the works for the fifth generation car. A blue 2010 was in the shop ready for a Pro Charger centrifugal supercharger and tuning. As with the fourth generation cars we anticipate Stenod to have some fast new Camaros hitting the strip and street.