Ok so here goes my first post. With that said, I searched the site for related articles, read the rules and may be considered a "stupid newbe" after you read it.
The Scope of my project.
1) Mounting Ecotec engine from a Cavalier or Sunfire in a Opel GT.
2) Use the entire engine, trans, suspension, struts, subframe and brakes in the GT
3) Use the entire drivetrain assembly in the Rear of the GT, like the Fiero set up
4) Turbocharge the Ecotec
5) Replace the pistons, rods and crank for durabilty.
The Questions
1) What is involved with the shifting on the 5 speed, I understand the auto uses a cable for shifting. Does the 5 speed use a similar cable or linkage/shift rods?
2) I assume the clutch is hydrolic, can anyone confirm that?
3) Are there any opinions about Manual vs. Automatic behind the Ecotec, keep in mind I expect between 350 and 500 HP
4) Is the braking system Convential or ABS? Rotors vented?
5) Is there an opinion or facts that would support a specific year Ecotec as "better" to use.
6) Anyone know of a good source for wrecked late model cars in the New England Area?
I already have a Very Nice GT for the project as well as a Mockup GT. I am in need of a totalled Cavalier or Sunfire. The exact year and transmission are still undecided, hense the questions above.
1106 people online earlier today ... Then 734 this afternoon ... now 386 with a 130 members ....
And not a single responce?????????
Are the questions too tough? Should I make it easier to understand? Maybe only ask 1 question at a time so not to confuse anyone. OOPS there I go again with all the questions...
ill try to help ya.
1. Im pretty sure its a direct link... The shifter stick is connected to the tranny. no cables or whatnot.
2. pretty sure hydraulic
3. Manual or auto... in stock form neither is gonna hold up to 350 hp. I know you can hook a 4t65e tranny (grand prix gtp) up to an ecotec.
4. Sunfire/ Cavalier brakes can be both. ABS was in opton in 03+ regular rotors
5. The ecotec in the 02s has different injectors than the 03's+ But performance wise there is no difference...
What kinda plans do you have to get 500hp?
"What kinda plans do you have to get 500hp?"
Forged Rods, Forged pistons new wrist pins and rings. Up the head bolts to 7/16" Studs. Higher lift intake cam and added duration. 5.5 mm Stainless Valves. 8psi boost from a turbo. And an improved oil pump. Thinking about a Crank but stock should be good to around 450. And at 8psi boost it should be about 450hp. Turn the boost down to 2 psi and it should be around 300hp.
Opel GT wrote:And at 8psi boost it should be about 450hp.
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As a note, I am not trying to get 500hp, I would however like between 350-400hp because I can keep the stock crank at that level. Althought I may change the crank just for piece of mind.
tmnt328
Thanks for the info it will be very helpful. I had my doubts about the transmission that is stock behind ecotec in a cavalier. I did some reading on the 4T65e Transmission you mentioned and it certainly seems like the transmission of choice for Hi-HP ecotecs. It is a bit on the pricey side at $4300 w/exchange for one that is all set to go. That also included ALL the performance mods that can be done. Including hardened input and output shafts, a limited slip diff., extreme duty chain and gears and drilling flywheel for larger torque converter.
I could probably save $1000 forgoing a feew of the options but I want something that can take all the motor has to give without exploding.
I don't think you'll make quite 450hp at 8psi because there are a lot of other factors that go into making that power. First, that car was running a 10:1 CR on some unknown fuel with god knows how aggressive a timing curve. You'll probably want to run closer to a 9:1 CR and use a more modest timing curve with a turbo unless you want to fill up with CAM-2 fuel for 4-5 bucks a gallon. Second, the engine reached peak power at 9000RPM. Thats insane! If you plan on reving that high, don't expect your engine to live very long without regular rebuild and re-balancing. (Remember: HP is a function of RPM and torque)
Just my 2 cents... Don't get me wrong, those power levels are very attainable, but don't use that engine are you model.
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uuhh... just cause theres that many people showing online, is also not just for Ecotecpower.... is it not for JBO and the other forum?
would a valve cover off a opel speedster fit on a GM ecotec? hahahahhahah that would be a sweet conversion ahhaha
Matt, excelent points. You are correct. I was using that more for reference to show that those numbers and alot more are attainable. In the original post I referenced 350 - 500hp. I think that 350 will be pretty easy to get too, and I think with tweeking and testing I can get even more, maybe 400+.
The car itself, only weights in at 1960 lbs with the stock running gear. The ecotec with the aluminum block and head, actually weights in a bit more than the original engine. The automatic tranny I use will weight more than the stock 4 spd by alot. But there won't be a big rear axle like stock. I think, over all, the weight will be Very close to stock.
Assuming 2000 lbs and 400hp thats 5 lbs per 1hp ... should rip if I can keep the front end down.
Dougall, Thank you for pointing that out, I didn't realize that. Also I will have to look into the valve cover you mentioned.
Does anyone specifically know more about the compatibilty of the 4T65e automatic transmission and the Ecotec motor? I am assuming it is the same bell housing bolt pattern. Does anyone know for sure?
Still looking for a line on salvage Cavalier or Sunfire in the northeast, 03-05 with ecotec and auto.
Thanks for the help
You have to use an adaptor plate and make some custom mounts. Heres a post about it.
adaptor plate
