02 cavalier 2.2 ecotec HELP

I have a 2002 cavelier 2.2 eco tec manuel, i need help deciding what i should do for performance? Is it better to build up your engine internally (pistons/oversized pistons,connectin rods,what should i do to my head?) or just throw a turbo on it? Would i have to get my computer tuned with a turbo? I want to make my car as fast and reliable as i can. Or should i build it up and then throw a turbo on it? Please let me know what you think.

Welcome to AF!

We have a "performance" forum for a reason...

How much HP do you ultimately want? If it's 250 or less, the stock engine can handle that. If you're going for more, build the motor first. If you add any kind of forced induction you will need to tune the PCM, and it's advisable to tune it any time you add anything that changes airflow.

Also search J-body.org for building options, lots of performance stuff there.
For every part you add, your car becomes less reliable. More parts to break.

thank you for replying.
i am looking for about 300 horse, ok if i have to build my engine what should i build up? should i do pistons or oversized pistons,should i do anything to my head?sorry i do not know much about performance with this car

I believe pistons and/or rods are all that need to be replaced to hit 300 HP, but I would personally build the whole engine as strong as you can afford... easier to do it all while it's apart, and from my personal experience, the more power you have, the more power you want to add. Leave yourself some room to add on later!

I don't think there's a lot of room for larger pistons, and if you're going to turbo it, I think you should keep the cylinder walls as thick as possible. The head is good to well over 300 HP, you could have it ported for better airflow, install springs that will let you hit a higher RPM, or replace the head with a high performance one. The only displacement variation on the ecotecs is in the stroke, which you don't want to make longer if you're boosting. Again, I'd suggest you check out j-body.org, that site is mostly performance, while AF is mostly repair. You could read for days and still not learn everything. Just be warned, some people get pissed off if you ask a question they know the answer to :).

For 300 HP you will probably want a high performance clutch too. With about 230 HP in mine, the stock clutch feels like it slips just a bit if I hit the gas before the clutch is fully engaged. But I am the second owner, and I don't know how much is left on the clutch to begin with.

thanks for helping

what trany is in a 2002 2.2 ecotec manual 5 speed and were can i get a lsd for my trany
thanks