Quote:
Originally Posted by Atmosphere
I'd like a totally unbiased answer... what's the difference in performance between our two motors?
I know the 2.4 gets better mileage, especially if it's a manual. I know the 3.4 has more horsepower, probably a higher top speed, and is only available in an automatic.
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Besides the Manual/Auto debate and fun to drive factor, the biggest issue is
WEIGHT vs. torque divided by the gear ratios.
Keep in mind, LA1, and LD9 motors are Cast Iron Blocks, vs The L61 is all aluminum.
In a straight line, stock to stock, manual LD9 vs. manual L61 vs. auto LA1, very, close, I think the torque of the LA1 is enough to get out front. However in the corners, the weight bias, and the need for faster shifts, and the gear you want when you need it, the manuals are going to be quicker.
The I'm lazy Wiki Info....
The LA1 3400 ("E-code") was a bored-out version of the 3100. It retained the OHV layout of the previous engine, and was first utilized on the 1996 U platform minivans and appeared in a car for the first time in the 1999 Pontiac Grand Am and Oldsmobile Alero. A 92 mm (3.6 in) bore with the same 84 mm (3.3 in) stroke brought the displacement to 3.4 L (3,350 cc/207 cu in). Like the LG8, the LA1 featured numerous common parts with the similar GM High Value engine family. Power was up to 170 hp-185 hp (127 kW to 138 kW) and torque was 210 lb·ft (285 N·m).
The LD9 Twin Cam was a 2.4 L (146 cu in) Quad 4 variant with balance shafts, debuting in 1996. Bore was decreased from 92 mm (3.6 in) to 90 mm (3.5 in) and stroke increased from 85 mm (3.3 in) to 94 mm (3.70 in) for better torque, and power was increased to 150 hp (112 kW).[1] This engine received a minor update halfway through the 1999 model year that eliminated the EGR, increased the compression ratio from 9.5:1 to 9.7:1, and switched from low impedance fuel injectors to high impedance
The L61 Ecotec, Displacement for the 2.2 L engine is 2196 cc (134 cu in) with an 86 millimetres (3.4 in) bore and 94.6 millimetres (3.72 in) stroke. Compression is 9.5:1 or 10:1, delivering 135 to 147 hp (101 to 110 kW) and 142 to 152 lb·ft (193 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.