Anybody tried this: 2.4 --> 2.2 ?

comanche · 07-31-2006, 04:36 PM

How hard is it to replace a 2.4 with a 2.2? I'm looking at an alero with a 2.4 and I'd like to put a 2.2 in it. The engine is bad, otherwise I wouldn't bother doing it. And from what I hear, the 2.2 is even more reliable.

Any ideas?

Vtolds · 07-31-2006, 04:48 PM

2.4 is plenty reliable, if you replace the motor put in another 2.4.

comanche · 07-31-2006, 04:52 PM

I'm looking for really great gas mi. as well---And I had a 2.2 and really liked it.

Redog · 07-31-2006, 05:23 PM

4 banger for a 4 banger and expect better MPG?

Vtolds · 07-31-2006, 06:15 PM

if you want good MPG drop a 3800 Series II in there. My Impala gets almost 26 MPG, imagine what it would get in a much lighter Alero.

07-31-2006, 09:47 PM

will a 3800 Series II fit in an Alero?

Vtolds · 07-31-2006, 10:38 PM

yes, but do a search before you get flamed.

sburke · 08-01-2006, 01:55 AM

The only real reason for going through the trouble of putting in the smaller 2.2l ecotec would be because of all the performance products that are sold for that engine. The 2.4l has decent aftermarket support but the 2.2l eco is ridiculous. If all you are looking for is a good reliable engine, save your money and put in the 2.4L like the other guys said. It'll save you a lot of time, money and effort in the long run.

ptrudel · 08-01-2006, 10:06 AM

i'm droppin in another 2.4 after my first one crapped out on me a while back...finally gettin back into the mood of doin it...should be done next week...and i'd stick to the 2.4 too...from what i hear its tougher then the eco, just with a bit less aftermarket

comanche · 08-01-2006, 03:39 PM

OK, now that I've heard the engine run, it sounds like there's a good chance it's just the timing chain, which would be great for me, as I've done that several times before.
-So it sounds like nobody's tried putting a 2.2 in place of a 2.4?

jlenko · 08-02-2006, 03:22 AM

Lots of the J-body guys have done it... it's not a difficult swap, except for the power steering and fuel lines... just swap the whole works, wiring and PCM and all... should drop in...

But for the cost? You can drop a 2.4L and keep your existing trans... go to an Ecotec and you need the matching trans, or at least the bellhousing (have fun swapping the guts tho).

I just blew up my 2.4L... considering building it up stronger this time, or swapping an Eco... just because the Eco will have more support in the long term...

ptrudel · 08-02-2006, 10:05 AM

jlenko, what was the mileage when yours went? mine was at 195 000kms (~122 000miles)

Spilner521 · 08-07-2006, 12:49 PM

I'll be swapping in a 2.2 Eco for my 2.4 as soon as I can get my hands on one. The Eco is much tougher and stronger than the 2.4 and is a newer, more efficient engine design. Plus, like others have said, the aftermarket support is incredible.

The main reason I'm swapping though is to get more power from my car. I'm going to swap in some forged pistons and rods and a larger turbo than I have now. If you're not planning on adding many aftermarket parts to add some more power, the 2.4 will be just fine for daily driving. But if you want to add more than just bolt ons and you've got the extra cash to burn, the Ecotec is the way to go.

jlenko · 08-08-2006, 01:12 AM

Mine went at 108,000... but it was somewhat modified

GM supercharger
ported & polished head
"secret" cams
1mm oversize SS valves

I went lean and detonated it... too much boost, not enough fuel. Oh well..

I've decided to swap in a 3.8 supercharged (L67) motor now instead... 240 hp to start with, and upwards from there

AlbinoMonkeyRat · 08-08-2006, 02:32 AM

IMO: I wouldn't swap the 2.4 for a 2.2 unless the 2.4 was FUBAR. It's really not economically feasible to do that.

of course, if you plan on taking FULL advantage of the 2.2's larger aftermarket, by all means, go right ahead!

ptrudel · 08-08-2006, 12:29 PM

jlenko, if you're gonna do that, you should sell me some parts

2fst4u · 08-08-2006, 06:42 PM

i'm in the same engine swap boat. my 2.4 went at 125,000. that was with all bolt ons (header, intake manifold swap, tb, full exhaust). i'm thinking of buying a wrecked grand am gt and swapping in the motor, trans, harness, subframe, axles... pretty much everything up front. i'm thinking of just sticking to naturally aspirated and keeping my exhaust. then, i'd sell off the intake, throttle body, intake manifold, 200 amp alternator, pulleys, header, mounts. but, i have to wait and see what the damage really is.