Give me speed...please!

[cheerockracy]

I'm new to the forum, but have checked it out several times before. So I've searched to threads and I don't understand car talk! :confused: If anyone could just put this in lehmen'ss terms for me I'd really appreciate it!

I have a 2004 automatic 2.2 ecotec and I want to make it faster. I would like to supercharge or put a turbo in it or something. Anything at all. I see links to other cars but I don't know what can fit in mine or anything. If anyone could help me out with a list and prices (and any mechanic in the phoenix area that would install) that'd be awesome. I appreciate your help.

Thanks,
Lisa

[Vtolds]

well rsmracing.com makes a supercharger for your car. They also install it (I think installation is included). only catch is they are in canada. You can try a J body (Cavalier, Sunfire, Cobalt) forum, they probably no a little bit more about the ecotec than anyone on this site.

[alero_ecotec]

I believe the GM Performance parts supercharger is out for the 2.2 now. That's what I would go with if I were you. Get your dealer to install it and then reflash the computer, and you're good to go.

[BlackJack]

I'm not in Phoenix, but I am in Sierra Vista (about 3 hours south). If you really need help, let me know.

[Cliff8928]

Unfortunately GM does not have a program for the PCM in the Alero or Grand Am and the one for the J-Body won't work. So if you get the GM supercharger kit (part number 17800003) it should install fine, however you're going to have to find a way to re-flash the PCM to handle it.

[BlackJack]

isn't there a S/C kit that comes with a PCM?

[Alero2k4]

I have been leaning more toward the Paxton supercharger...

[cheerockracy]

Thanks so much everyone! I'll check with the dealer! Anyone have an idea on price range?

[BlackJack]

I'm just guessing....but DO check at the dealer if I'm wrong, but I'd expect between $2,500 to $3,500 for a conversion. Remember, it's the same S/C they use on the cobalt SS, so it also has dealer upgrades available in addition to the base S/C kit.

[cheerockracy]

So I was checking out the GM superchargers and one site, specifically: http://www.paceperformance.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=167186 said this in big bold letters about the 17800003 GM part number... This kit does not fit other GM cars that have the Ecotec engine. Programming is only available from GM for Cavalier and Sunfire models.
But some sites say it's for Cobalt. I just want to make sure it'll fit in my car. Also, if I go to the dealership to talk to someone about the Supercharger who do I talk to? The repair people or the sales people?

So sorry if these seem like stupid questions, but I really appreciate everyone's help!

[BlackJack]

talk to someone in service or parts. Salesmen have a hard enough time reading their own name tags.

[cheerockracy]

haha, thanks

[jturkey69]

you could also get a saab 9-3 turbo set-up from a wrecked saab at a junkyard, install adj fuel pressure regulator, wideband 02, then contact DHP...money talks for getting a custom tuning done, and when money talks...someone reputable will step to the plate

[cheerockracy]

i pretty much didn't understand any of that!! lol :( does that mean it'd be expensive? and are those all the parts i'd need? is it a turbo kit or an engine? thanks..

[BlackJack]

whoa.....slow down, killer.

You're talking about doing mad stuff with unreliable parts. Never use a turbo out of a junk yard....bearings could be coked, etc. Suppose the wastegate is froze or has boost creep....not good.

Lets get down and dirty here for a sec. Yes, any power adder is going to be expensive, costly, and even high dollar when done properly. There's alot involved in putting together a boosted setup, and I would do extensive research into people in Pho with a solid reputation. Let me see what I can find out on the Phoenix scene that know what they're doing and get back to you on that....

[cheerockracy]

thanks, i appreciate your help a lot. i checked out your thread on your car and i like it a lot! keep up the good work!

[BlackJack]

eww....just thought of something.....go do a "look-up" at the dealership on whether you have a 4t40 or a 4t45 transplosion.....er...transmission. This is gonna have a massive impact on how much boost you can run.

[BlackJack]

ok, I contacted Hahn Racecraft, who specialize in Ecotec turbo applications.

According to their site, they're advertising about 235hp (200whp) at 8psi on their kit. I am waiting for an email price quote back from them.

Keep in mind with optional modifications, you can go much higher, but your transmission will have to be upgraded, along with other things such as injectors, etc.

[elitecloud]

yo!

you live in phoenix? what part?

I live in Maricopa, and i'm in phoenix all the time :-D

Stryder, is at Luke Air Force Base

I am in Maricopa

And BJ and a few thers are way down south in SV

Also there is one in Tuscon i belive.......

[cheerockracy]

i live in scottsdale. i'm taking pics of my car today and i'm gonna make a cardomain profile. i didn't realize so many were in az.

[BlackJack]

yeah, I think it's TrickySlick that lives in Tuck-son (Tucson?) hahah

[MixtapeMessiah]

Id jus turbo it cuz the ecotec is a drag engine, the block can handle up too 1400 hp. Steve Millin is drivin a pontiac solctice with an turboed ecotec with 575 hp ;)

[jturkey69]

bj...whats wrong with a wrecked 02+ saab turbo unit...as long as it just body damage, why wouldn't you want a turbo kit made for that specific engine for about 500.00??

[ptrudel]

talk to someone in service or parts. Salesmen have a hard enough time reading their own name tags.

hey man thats harsh...i'm in sales and i aint that dumb...

[doubleN0alero]

yeah i was in sales too...parts is your best bet

[strtrydr]

Nice to see more people from Phoenix finally...sounds like we will have to get a meet going sometime soon.

[Trickyslick]

Yeah I am in Tuscon. Did not realize so many were in the area also. I know there has been a couple get togethers in Pheonix but always have something that happens or not enough time when they happen...would be nice to actually make it to one. Lets see what happens.

[BlackJack]

bj...whats wrong with a wrecked 02+ saab turbo unit...as long as it just body damage, why wouldn't you want a turbo kit made for that specific engine for about 500.00??

Because I wouldn't buy ANY turbo from a junkyard, for reasons I specified before. There's no clue how it was treated, and I wouldn't blow my shit up on a risk like that.

hey man thats harsh...i'm in sales and i aint that dumb...

not saying you are specifically, but be honest. How many sales people did you know that had in-depth knowledge of the performance aspect of what they were selling other than the advertised specs that they read to you out of the brochure?

yeah i was in sales too...parts is your best bet

case in point :)
j/k....luv ya man!

[doubleN0alero]

you're right blackjack, alot of sales people had no clue what you could do...i did cause it gave me something to do all day besides talk to pat and jon in chat, but the older guys would just send you to the parts department or tell you it can't be done

[Cliff8928]

bj...whats wrong with a wrecked 02+ saab turbo unit...as long as it just body damage, why wouldn't you want a turbo kit made for that specific engine for about 500.00??


I believe it would have to be '04+

[jturkey69]

either way...@ 500 for a complete set-up is worth it, and how hard is it to have it looked at to determine how good it is?...and bj...youve never bought anything used??

[Cliff8928]

And, you can always have the turbo rebuilt. It's getting the exhaust manifold, tubing and all the other stuff that's gonna be worth it for the most part.

[BlackJack]

ok, Hahn Racecraft just got back to me, here's a cut/paste of that email:

"On 7/25/06, Sales <Sales@turbosystem.com> wrote: Yes, we offer an Ecotec turbosystem (stage 2) w/FMIC for $3495 add $300 for the super 20G turbo upgrade, and add $1599 for the portfueler fuel system with race metal intake (which will support up to 28psi). Call me if you would liket o discuss in detail! 630-553-6830 x103
Brad @ sales"

Which is the usual price for a solid turbo kit, and the reason I started researching the true cost of building one.

RSM is offering a Ecotec turbo kit also for (3,999?) without as good of parts in it as Hahn's.

OR, you can have one custom built and probably save $1,000 or so.

[battistoni21]

i hope shes serious about this..... im anxious to see this in process

[Cliff8928]

I think I'll stick to the supercharger myself...