Ecotec dimensions

[blancojp]

I was just re-reading this post when I came across this. So, to clarify - you have put an ecotec 2.2L or 2.4L into a GT? Were there any modifications required to the body/engine bay or hood? Was the rad in the stock location or did it have to move forward? You mention the automatic transmission, so I'm guessing a standard was never tried?

Thanks,

jtb

I have done both a 2.2L and a 2.4L into the GT. You lose the firewall section where the accelerator pedal assembly is located and up to 50% of the opening where the steering rod goes through. That is not a problem since you would use a Lokar spoon type unit and cable and you must also re-route the steering rod to clear motor mount.

Other than that, the engine sits at the stock location but the stock radiator can't be used. Not because it does not fit but rather it has reduced cooling capacity for this engine. We used a Honda Accord racing 3 core aluminum radiator and electric fan. All of the wiring requires updating and the ECU was installed at the glove box area. The radiator is pressurized so a water spout was placed on the supply pipe comming from the back of the engine.

Was an awsome machine with the 2.2L and a TH350 tranny. Worth every bit of the $31,000 we charged the customer for the resto mod. The brother was the one that two months later wanted the same thing but with a 2.4L engine instead. He showed up with a list three pages long and took almost 9 months to build his car with a nice big price tag. After all, when you have several Ferraris and Bentleys parked in you tiny 10 car garage, $45,000 for a custom car is a bargain.

So if you know the Soto Rivero brothers in Caguas, you will see them Saturday nights cruising around town in two extreemly fast and modified Red and White '73 Opel GT's with a little Gargoyle decal under the front blitz emblem. The sister however went a different route, she drives a 475HP Lancia Zagato coupe that took almost two years to restore.

I believe I have full detail pictures of the work at the shop. I'll have one of the guys seek them out next week when I am there.

[jtb]

Awesome, thanks for the info!

I have already modified the firewall area and lost the gas pedal area for my existing engine swap (used a Lokar cable but built my own pedal). Chopping up the engine bay a little more doesn't bother me.

I don't have a stock rad, I'm running a double row, double pass aluminum 'scirocco style' rad and electric fans.

I have no idea where the stock engine sits, (I never had one ) but I'm sure I can figure that out.

If you do have any pictures of the conversions they would be very helpful!

Thanks again,

jtb

[jtb]

Hi, me again

I was searching for information about the ecotec 5 speed tranny, Aisin AR5, called the MA5 in GM's world, and came across this site, which has TONS of info on mating manual transmissions with various engines (not just ecotec):
Engine Swap Bellhousings - Jeeps-Offroad.com Bulletin Board
The info is geared towards jeeps, but still lots of useful stuff.

jtb

[neuropel]

So...any pics of this conversion?

[neuropel]

Bump...Any chance those of you who have done this conversion could post some pics?

[clayfive]

Just to make sure I understand info in posts 1, 2, and especially 3, and post #13 (w/thumbnails 1&3) in the Jeep Tranny link before putting money down to start my GT swap. I should be ok using a Solstice engine, Solstice Bellhousing, Solstice Tranny, and Canyon tail housing? Know I would still have to do some cutting, swap hydraulic clutch and figure out a speedo fix. Did I get that right?
Complete Solstice wreck coming up for sale here. I'm looking at getting it and using the entire drive train less the tailhousing. The engine is bigger than I wanted to use, but have plasma and TIG and it would get all the modules, sensors, etc, and a thousand other bits and pieces I can't think of now.
Thoughts?

[ghcoe]

Was doing so searching and came up with this. This is from the article about the evolution of the GM Family II engine. This happens to be from what they call the L61 version. Includes vehicles they were installed in which may be good for looking for doners.

The basic Family II architecture was substantially reengineered in 2000, becoming the Ecotec 2.2, model L61 (or L42 for the CNG version). First appearing in the 2000 Saturn LS1, the L61 spread throughout North American GM products, displacing the Quad 4 and its descendents.

Unlike its notably harsh predecessor, the L61 was designed for smoothness. dual in-block balance shafts were integral to the design, and all accessories were mounted directly to the engine block to reduce vibration. The oil filter was cast into the block with a removable cover and replaceable paper element.

Displacement is 2.2 l (2189 cc) with an 86 mm (3.38 in) bore and 94.6 mm (3.72 in) stroke. Compression is 9.5:1 or 10:1, delivering 135 hp to 143 hp (101 kW to 107 kW) and 142 ft·lbf to 152 ft·lbf (193 N·m to 206 N·m) of torque. The Ecotec line is manufactured in Tonawanda, New York, Kaiserslautern, Germany, and (for Saturn) in Spring Hill, Tennessee. The L61-powered Saturn ION replaced the Saturn-powered Saturn S-series.

There are a few variations to the standard L61. The new Chevrolet Malibu uses a version with electronic throttle control and a special unitized exhaust manifold and catalytic converter. The 2003 Saturn L-Series has a high output version with higher (10:1) compression and hotter camshaft. The Malibu and Saturn versions also use returnless fuel injection. There is also a stroked out version of the original 2.2L (the LE5 2.4L) that increases to 170 hp and 170 foot/pounds of torque, in the (2006) Saturn Ion 3.

The 2.2 L Ecotec is used in the following cars:

2000-2002 Saturn L-Series
2001-2005 Vauxhall VX220/Opel Speedster
2002- Saturn VUE
2002-2004 Chevrolet Cavalier
2002-2004 Oldsmobile Alero
2002-2005 Pontiac Sunfire
2003-2005 Saturn L-Series (high output)
2003- Saturn ION
2004 Chevrolet Classic
2004- Chevrolet Malibu
2005- Chevrolet Cobalt (145 hp/155 ft·lb)
Pontiac Grand Am
Opel Astra/Vauxhall/Holden Astra
Opel Vectra/Vauxhall/Holden Vectra
Opel Zafira/Vauxhall/Holden Zafira/Subaru Traviq

Following the GM-Fiat agreement, the 2.2 L engine is also used in
Fiat Croma
Alfa Romeo 159

Does that mean GM is making engines for Dodge now

Here is the link to where I got this info if you want to read more about it's history.

GM Family II engine

George.

[clayfive]

That's a good read. Wikipedia has a similar write-up for Family II. The Solstice is RWD so it should be an easier swap than using any of these FWD models. The LNF engine is in the 2008 wreck I have a chance to buy.

[ghcoe]

240 hp is going to be a lot of power in a GT. Going to have room for the turbo? I will keep a eye on your conversion. I have read some on the UK forums, but did not know we actually had them here and so available. Conversions look pretty straight forward except that firewall and transmission hump clearances problem.

George.

[clayfive]

Agree on it being a lot of HP (260 for the SIDI). My first choice was the LLU 1.6L turbo @ 180 HP but it's not out in the States yet, and all the Euro models using it are FWD anyway.
GM PartsWorldPerformance was willing to sell an LLU stand alone from one of their kit cars. The 1.8 NA (LXV) was $4200 for just the crate engine, but didn't get the price for the 1.6 Turbo. The LXV is availale locally from Saturn's 2008 Astra in the US and the '08 and '09 models in Canada. About $1100 in salvage yards around here.

Here's their email: "We have recently completed the development work for the Westfield vehicle here in the UK which uses the 1.6 Corsa VXR engine, complete with the GM ECU, wiring loom, instruments and modules. If you were intested we can supply you this as a complete, programmed turn key solution." See "http://www.racedandrallied.com/kit-cars-for-sale/westfields-for-sale/westfield-sport-16-murcielago-killer" or "http://www.westfield-sportscars.co.uk/se.html" for more info.

Wanted to make sure my shifter position would workout close with this bell/tranny and Canyon tail before buying the Solstice. Cheaper than buying parts piecemeal, but still a lot of $$ for the wreck.

[uptownguy]

That's a good read. Wikipedia has a similar write-up for Family II. The Solstice is RWD so it should be an easier swap than using any of these FWD models. The LNF engine is in the 2008 wreck I have a chance to buy.

This is the engine

I have a ECM solution that does not need a matching Body control and bypasses the antitheft it produces a reputed 345HP and 400+ Torque.

Make sure you get the ECM and wiring harness.

If you pass on the solstice please PM me with the contact I would b e interested in some parts.

I saw a dimensioned drawing of the ecotec motor and am trying to find it again. I think it was on a GM website along with several other drawings.
Peter Austin
Montreal

[clayfive]

That ECM solution would be great. Don't need 345 HP for this daily driver, but skipping a complete module swap would save a lot of effort. Any drawings you could email would be a big help too (do you have a GM Service password?). jtb found some drawings (post #18 this thread) for marine applications you may want to check out. If you fiddle with the http address or search GM, 2010 info is on the same site.
PM sent regarding the Solstice.
Chuck