any thoughts on the ECOTEC?

[Final-Reality]

I know it's not a quad, but next year when I'm done school and (theoretically) have money, I'm probably going to build a turbo ECOTEC and mate it to either the 5 spd getrag or try to get ahold of the new 6-speed that's in the Saab 9-3's.

Anybody here have any experience with the ECOTEC? With some factory performance parts I think the aftermarket will produce many more parts for it (hopefully bringing costs down some) then with the Quads...

[gOoIe B]

I wouldn't count on it having more aftermarket than the 2.3/2.4 any time soon... they have a fairly extensive racing history. ecotec has just recently been raced with. sure theres aftermarket for 'em, but you can get almost ANYTHING for a 2.3 (if you have money, that is).

I think it'd be interesting though; the ecotec does have the potential.

[1dopeDOHC]

Originally posted by gOoIe B
I wouldn't count on it having more aftermarket than the 2.3/2.4 any time soon... they have a fairly extensive racing history. ecotec has just recently been raced with. sure theres aftermarket for 'em, but you can get almost ANYTHING for a 2.3 (if you have money, that is).

I think it'd be interesting though; the ecotec does have the potential.

I thought GM released the ecotec to compete with all the import 4 cylinders?

I can remember a while ago on the old forums where guys were talking about it being able (some components like the crank) could handle serious HP before having to go aftermarket, etc..

[TurboQuad4]

The Ecotec is an awesome engine, it just needs to be tweaked a little. You can get just about everything to build a bullet-proof engine through GM Performance Parts. They even sell a book on how to build a 1000HP Ecotec! Parts from aftermarket companies are coming out fast for it. Mantapart already has a bunch of parts for it. If GM sticks with it's racing program I think the parts list will exceed the Quad's. Don't get me wrong, I love the Quad, but I think the Ecotec is gonna gain more popularity because of the time (and it doesn't have a bad reputation so far).

[cavfan1]

I like the eco. GM seems to be behind it in a big way, and the aftermarket will follow im sure. I think a NA Eco would be hella cool to build up, and I bet with some good cams and the ported GM head one could rival the mighty HO/W41 in upper RPM power and revs. Of course, a turbo eco in an old 4 door cav with the gray bumpers pushing 300 whp would be the ultimate sleeper. I would pimp an eco if i could.

[90BerettaGTZ]

funny how were comparing a modded ecotec to a stock HO/W41 engine. ;-)

[1dopeDOHC]

I find that happens alot with other 4 cyl motors.

Guys are like "Well if I get the turbo model then I'm up to 180 hp!"

and I think to myself "VIN'A' is 180 stock, and N/A."

:D

[cavfan1]

I guess my thought was 2 built engines, one quad and one Eco. Build them both and i bet you they come out pretty close. If you consider that the Eco has only ONE form right now, and quads came in 2 flavors mainly (I know you could say a W41 is another form.) Lets say you take a base quad, and consider what they did to make the HO (Compression, cams, and computer), apply the same things to a base eco and I would hope an eco would be somewhere around 170-180 hp, and around 150-160 ftlbs. Also consider that the eco will be smoother running and probably get better mileage. Thats my thoughts on a production scale. Also think about what other engines are in the eco line, including the turbo motor in the Saabs, all of it together makes me think that GM will do alright with this motor. :fastam

[Final-Reality]

I know some of you might be a tad biased, but GM designed a replacement for the QUAD with both better performance and fuel efficiency in mind... the fact that they're drag racing a cavy and a sunfire with it and they have numerous aftermarket parts for it says a lot...

Hahn racecraft has a prototype turbo system, running ~20psi and a 50 shot of NOS through an ECOTEC that is COMPLETELY stock other than forged pistons and better rods, and has this sunfire running 12.12 @ 117... that's pretty damn good

I just think in a year the ECOTEC will have stolen the spotlight from the quads pretty much, and hopefully competition will drive aftermarket prices down some

[gOoIe B]

Originally posted by Final-Reality
I know some of you might be a tad biased, but GM designed a replacement for the QUAD with both better performance and fuel efficiency in mind... the fact that they're drag racing a cavy and a sunfire with it and they have numerous aftermarket parts for it says a lot...

Hahn racecraft has a prototype turbo system, running ~20psi and a 50 shot of NOS through an ECOTEC that is COMPLETELY stock other than forged pistons and better rods, and has this sunfire running 12.12 @ 117... that's pretty damn good

I just think in a year the ECOTEC will have stolen the spotlight from the quads pretty much, and hopefully competition will drive aftermarket prices down some

not trying to be a naysayer here, but if an eco is pushing upwards of 20psi AND a 50 shot of nitrous, I'm pretty damn sure they'd have to have some aftermarket fuel solutions on there as well as the forged internals already in place. they probably have aftermarket head bolts and misc other fasteners as well, as I read an article that as the eco neared 350hp, the head was beginning to flex and leak combustion between the mating surfaces and the gasket. however, should that be all that was done to the engine, the 1/4 times are still impressive. I know thtey could easily get another second off with better spark, fuel, cams and head though.

[cavfan1]

COMPLETELY stock other than forged pistons and better rods

Those are your better internals righ there.

I remember seeing that car make its first pass ever at the jbody bash this year, a low 13 or something. I do think that they are running a stand alone computer, but dont' hold me to it. They do have a custom sheet metal intake manifold and TB on it also. What is more stock than anything else on that car is the trans. TOTALY stock 03 getrag, no phantom grip, no Quafie, nothing. I think its only a matter of time till that thing lets go.

I really do like the Eco, a friend of mine dynoed his last week in a 02 cav, with an intake and lower mount. Hit 142 hp and 139 ftlbs on a dyno pack dyno. Riding in his car, you can tell the motor has some pull, and it doesn't really poop out on top like some 2.4s i have had the experiace of driving. Like I said earlier, i would pimp an Eco if i had the chance.

[chris]

http://www.ny-jbodies.org/forum/library/ecotec/ImportFighter.htm
i think this is the link. i think the ecotec is nice, but they need a HO version. the oil filter is easy to change but exspensive. i think its undersquare and that article says their ported head flows 272cfm at .450" which is great but the numbers scott posted for a stock 086 were 279cfm at .400" i think. its also not an oldsmobile and i prefer olds power in my pontiacs. my mom has an ecotec and she doesn't believe me when i tell her my quad is faster. it seems like a good motor though.

[Phantom GTZ]

how easy are they to work on? Is the timing case one peice and and does it hold the cam housings in? My sister has one in her 2003 cavi, but Ican't touch it with a 50 foot pole.

Basically, I wanna know if it's just like the quad, or is it more user friendly?

[AmIGrand]

I find it interesting that we're comparing the two, when the Eco is more like "son of the Quad 4". Lots of things in common, they just fixed all the problems, really. And we'll never know what a less-emission freindly OBD1 Ecotec coulda done.... :lol: Point is, they're actually very similar in a lot of ways.

I know I've been the one ASKING the questions a lot lately, but I'm learning very fast, and since every car in the Saturn lineup is available with the Eco, I get to talk to our tech's about them a lot. 2 chains instead of one, no oil check-valve to worry about....

What bothers me is that with a clean sheet design, they stuck with the balance shafts instead of working out the engine harmonics. One thing that makes the HO/W41 so great is the lack of those essentially pointless power robbers. Granted, smooth matters - but why not go to a shaftless system again and get it right this time? Seems strange to me.

All in all though, I thoroughly likeable engine. Lookin' forward to the destroked blwn version we'll be seeing in about 6 months, that's for sure.... :D

BTW - Saturn took a modified Redline coupe to Bonneville last week, running a turbo instead of a supercharger. The new speed record for the G/blown fuel altered class is 212.684 MPH, beating the old record set by a modified Civic in '01 by almost 30 MPH (previous record was 183.086 MPH).

So yeah - there's potential there.... :)

[DRSCX]

I've driven an Alero with the ecotec and 5 speed and two words sum it up. Nutless wonder.

[Fbod383]

I got a Saturn L200 rental, with an ecotec, Thing had some good pickup at freeway speeds, but down low it felt hondaish

[darkfox]

lesse... i've driven a new sunfire with the eco, and a new GA with the eco.

The GA was a dog. Sunfire was eh... i thought when i drove the sunfire, "my 2.4 is still faster, it weight a ton compared to this thing..."

stock they're a little bland. But they have some awesome potential... the heads and block are rediculously strong. The cumbustion chambers are very effeciant. I don't think its possible to get as much out of a LGO or LD9 as you can with this engine, and do the same amount of work.

[JOKERZ26]

I think if the Ecotec came out with LGO/W41 type numbers (or better) off the bat we wouldn't be having this conversation. It is well built and definitely has A LOT of potential. But with GM potential is always the keyword when it comes to what they should be doing vs. what they're actually doing.

[gOoIe B]

Originally posted by JOKERZ26
But with GM potential is always the keyword when it comes to what they should be doing vs. what they're actually doing.

too true. sure they can make a drag eco engine, but wheres the slew of aftermarket products for the masses? this engines been out for a while now...

[Esmond]

I must admit that i'm interested in seeing how successful the Ecotec motor becomes here in North America in terms of durability, and aftermarket. Although i've heard/read mostly good stuff about it regarding both areas.

To be honest, I'd rather have an engine that is underpowered, but strong from the start. i.e. Ecotec vs. Quad 4

But I do love my HO Quad. :cool:

[Fbod383]

Originally posted by JOKERZ26
I think if the Ecotec came out with LGO/W41 type numbers (or better) off the bat we wouldn't be having this conversation. It is well built and definitely has A LOT of potential. But with GM potential is always the keyword when it comes to what they should be doing vs. what they're actually doing. the 2.4L Ecotec is to come in the top level Cobalt (cavalier replacment) with 175hp.

[p8ntman442]

I saw the saturn that had the ecotec supercharged, looked like a winning combination to me.

[Fbod383]

My Buddy orks at the local saturn dealer, he said they will start getting the redlines in about 8 months.. the VUE will havea honda engine!!!

[Fbod383]

If there werent so many other sweet cars coming out.. the GTO, the CTS-V.... i'd seriously consider getting one..

[Final-Reality]

That newer uplevel 2.4L that comes in the delta-platform SUV (that looks like an old Suburban) will have variable valve timing and 200HP, apparently, according to Road & Track, or Motor Trend... I forget which Maybe Car & Driver? :P Anyways... they quoted a 2.4L ECOTEC with VVT & 200HP... that's pretty sweet right there, mating that to the Saab 6-speed manual and putting it into my Alero would make for a real fun car... I guess we'll see in a year or two...

[gOoIe B]

yeah the redline is pretty sweet... probably the best saturn i've seen.

you gonna bag a gto scottie?

[Esmond]

Originally posted by gOoIe B
yeah the redline is pretty sweet... probably the best saturn i've seen.

you gonna bag a gto scottie?

I wish the GTO was comin' to Canada.....:mad:

[gOoIe B]

shit, i wish the GTO was comin' to my DRIVEWAY...

[Final-Reality]

Uhm what? The GTO wont be coming to canada? Why the fuck not!?

[Esmond]

Originally posted by Final-Reality
Uhm what? The GTO wont be coming to canada? Why the fuck not!?

I heard that it's b/c the GTO couldn't meet one of Canada's bumper crash tests. I think it's when they crash the car at 8km/h.

However, i'm not 100% sure about this info.
Can anyone confirm this?