2.2L (L61) Ecotec FAQ
 

Common Questions Related to the Ecotec Engine.

Q: Where is the oil filter located?
A: The oil filter housing is cast into the block you can find it at the front right of the engine you will need a 32 mm, 6 point wrench.

Q: What size is the Oil filter?
A: K&N P/N HP-7000.
AC Delco PF457G

Q: How many quarts of Oil does the Ecotec take?
A: 5 Quarts.

Q: What are ideal choices of spark plugs?
A: NGK Iridium part numbers
LTR5IX-11: Stock replacement
LTR6IX-11: One step colder
LTR7IX-11: Two steps colder
or
AC type 41-981 platinum, or equivalent @ 0.042 inch gap.

Q: What kind of coolant do I use?
A: It is recommended that you use Dex-cool Antifreeze 50/50 mix with demineralised water.

Q: How Much coolant do I need?
A: 8.6 quarts.

Q: What kind of power steering fluid do I use?
A: GM Power Steering Fluid GM P/N 89021184 (Canadian P/N 89021186) or equivalent.

Q: What is my Thermostat Temp?
A: Thermostat opening temp is 180 degrees F.

Q: What size serpentine belt do I need?
A: A 50405 belt.
Goodyear P/N 4050405
Gates P/N K050405
Dayco P/N 5050405

Q: What is the Compression Ratio?
A: 10:1

Q: What is the firing order?
A: 1,3,4,2

Q: What is the recommended octane?
A: Minimum unleaded gas 87 octane.

Q: what is the stock power output?
A: 140 HP @ 5600 RPM
145 TQ @ 4000 RPM

Q: Can I use Cavalier parts on my Ecotec engine
A: Yes you can, as long as they are for the Ecotec engine.

Q: What can I use to modify my air intake?
A: Many options are available K&N drop in filter P/N 33-2121-1 also see
http://www.aleromod.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38
A good choice is the Cosmo Racing WAI.

Q: Can I turbo charge my Ecotec?
A: yes you can either buy a Cavalier turbo kit from Hahn and other manufacturers,
or you can build a custom kit with the parts that you desire.

Q: Can I supercharge my Ecotec?
A: Yes you can, you can either find a remaining GM Performance Parts one some where,
or you can use the supercharger fro the 2.0L LSJ Ecotec tuning will be required either way.

Q: Where can I get a performance exhaust system?
A: Custom is the best route, different sized piping and different mufflers are widely available.

Q: Are there header(s) available?
A: Yes please see http://www.aleromod.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38
two common choices are the Pace Setter's and Tsudo's

Q: Is there a plug n play chip available for the Ecotec?
A: No the only way you can modify your PCM is with Hp-Tuners or having a stand alone fuel system

Q: Are there Cam Shafts available?
A: Yes Comp Cams has the largest selection, there are also other companies that have there own variants as well. Please see http://www.aleromod.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38

Q: Is the Ecotec nitrous friendly?
A: For the most part yes, any EFI wet kit for a 4 cylinder will work… I personally do not recommend nitrous for anyone new to the scene looking for cheap power, or anyone with a stock engine although it can be done.

Q: How much power can my Ecotec handle with stock internals?
A: I wouldn’t recommend exceeding 250 HP, your block, cylinder head, crank, and main girdle are good with out modifications up to 400 HP.

Q: Can I use parts from different Ecotec engines to make a hybrid?
A: Yes common swaps include 2.4L ecotec manifold swap to the 2.2L (2.4L LE5 manifolds prior to 08 flow better) 2.0L exhaust manifold swap to 2.2L (direct bolt on) modifications to connect to the down pipe may be required, and the 2.0L supercharger swap to the 2.2L.

For those looking to Turbocharge
a
useful link if you are going to build your own kit
http://www.ecotecforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35


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Edited: 27/05/2014
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Please P.M me with other common questions concerning the Ecotec engine I'll do my best to find the answer and add them to this thread ASAP.
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PROPS:thumb:

great info for the newbies. well done.

thanks.

thanks. I'm hoping it will cut back on the number of repeat topics in the Ecotec section.

well it doesnt hurt to dream...

5 qts oil is overfilled, 4.5 filled mine to the full line and then some.

PF457G for the correct acdelco filter.
If i remember off the top of my head right, it is supposed to be 4.5.

Thanks, I added the oil filter, whats supposed to be 4.5?

^amount of oil i'm pretty sure. only done a handful of ecos at work tho so its not memorized like lots of engines.

Eco has the internal filter, which does not add oil capacity like external filters. As soon as you turn the engine off and pop the hood to check the oil, its already drained back down into the pan. 4.5 qts that bitch is full.

really, every place I've read said 5 quarts...

autozone said 5 quarts and that wat i put and my dip stick is right at full

yepp 5 for me too thats how ive always done it

5 Quarts here too..

When I put 5 quarts in, the oil was over the guage part of the dipstick and onto the braided middle part.


Adding .5 quarts extra isn't going to hurt anything, but I like to keep the oil level spot on to the dipstick readings, so that I can monitor for potential oil consumption.

adding a half quart too much will not kill your car.

I hope once everyone is done flaming AR this thread will be cleaned, being I made it on a serious topic.

yea props for the info

Hey, I dont know if this is worth it, but maybe in the hybrid part, you could add the LSJ exhaust manifold to the list. From what Ive seen, our OEM manifold has a D shape on the outlet, while the LSJ manifold has an O outlet. Im doing this swap in a couple weeks. Ill try and post pics.