Getting new car, need to know best engine

[Db_Dragon]

I am looking to get a newer cavalier, and I am having a hard time researching the engines. So, far I am between the Z24 2.4L and 2.2Ecotek.

I am looking for the over all stronger engine. By the way I will probably be modding the engine with after market parts, so I needs to be friendly with this.

Thanks for any help.

[bigdaveangell]

Theres alot of parts for the 2.2l 2200 engine. Thats what ive got and I havent had any problems with it. The 2.2 eco is also a good engine. Not sure about the aftermarket parts for it

[-Jayson-]

the 2.2L 2200 engine sucks. Its weak, doesnt resond well to mods, and its prone to leaks in the head gasket. The 2.2 ecotec is a good engine and is not starting to develope a good aftermarket. The 2.4 is the most powerful of the engines and responds very good to mods and boost. It has a massive aftermarket.

[cavyz245spd]

i got a Z24 if your looking for the 2 door or if you want the 4 door LS with the 2.4 but it is very good car. i am running a turbo and everything so its pretty damn strong. it pulls pretty hard for alil 4 banger. but i would def. go with the 2.4 the ecotec is a good engine but if you want a strong(power wise) dont do the ecotec very over rated. if your looking to boost the 2.4 is good and the ecotec is alil better to boost but id still stay 2.4 all the way.theres many parts for the 2.4 also you just have to know where to look. i couldnt find anything at first i would just go to the sites everyone knows but there are many many sites. but like i said and like one of the other guys here said the 2.4 is an easy modded car. compression is 9.7 alil high but could handle about 7psi max.

[Classicrocjunkie]

Originally Posted by -Jayson-

the 2.2L 2200 engine sucks. Its weak, doesnt resond well to mods, and its prone to leaks in the head gasket. The 2.2 ecotec is a good engine and is not starting to develope a good aftermarket. The 2.4 is the most powerful of the engines and responds very good to mods and boost. It has a massive aftermarket.

This is my buddy's sunfire and its responds to a 60 shot pretty well...its no 2.4 running 8lbs of boost, but its fun to play with at the track.

[bigdaveangell]

Originally Posted by -Jayson-

the 2.2L 2200 engine sucks. Its weak, doesnt resond well to mods, and its prone to leaks in the head gasket. The 2.2 ecotec is a good engine and is not starting to develope a good aftermarket. The 2.4 is the most powerful of the engines and responds very good to mods and boost. It has a massive aftermarket.

I dont know where you heard that from. Theres 2.2l engines that are running boost and making 300 + HP. It responds to mods the same as the 2.4.

[big dude1]

go 2.4 all the way

[Db_Dragon]

Thanks for the help. Hopefully the 2.4 will be a good replacement for my 87 Z24 with the 2.8 V6, because I love that car.

[tonymwc]

or if anyone thought about yet try switchin with a 94 v6 it still fits with a little mod and much more power.

[-Jayson-]

Originally Posted by bigdaveangell

I dont know where you heard that from. Theres 2.2l engines that are running boost and making 300 + HP. It responds to mods the same as the 2.4.

ive seen people on jbody.org put over 1,000 dollars into that engine in mods, just the basic stuff, I/E/H, clutch and actually gain time on the 1/4 mile. And what 2.2L engines are making 300 HP? Its not a 2.2L if it has new rods and forged internals, thats a different engine then, just has the same number of cylinders and liters. Ive owned a 2.2L i know how slow those things are, not worth modding one bit. For the money it would take to make one of those fast, you could have bought a nicer car and a faster car for the same amount. Also im gonna retract my old statement about the ecotec, its not that great of an engine, it really isnt.

Think about it, people always say oh its designed to handle boost, NO ITS NOT! Anyone who thinks the 2.2L engine handles boost good or even great should be working for GM. Cause GM doesnt think the 2.2L engine is very good for boost, otherwise they wouldnt destroke it a 2.0L so they can supercharger it. Also anyone here wonder why the 2.2L supercharger package keeps getting delayed? Ive got an idea about that, since i dont believe the engine handles boost very well (ive seen them blow with N02 and a low 7 PSI turbo kit that was tunned), GM isnt releasing the supercharger package just yet, because they want all your warranties to expire first. That way if and when the engine does blow up, its not their problem. But some of you might say hey wait, it comes with a warranty. ENNNHHHH! WRONG! the supercharger comes with a warranty if your car has less than 60,000 miles on it, otherwise only the supercharger itself is warrantied against defects.

Oh but wait, everyone always says the ecotec pulls faster top end, EEENNHHH wrong again. The LD9 and ecotec make their max HP and TQ numbers at the exact same RPM. 5600 RPM HP and 4400 RPM TQ. Only difference is, LD9 has 10 more HP and 5 more TQ. Also the LD9 has a flatter TQ line.

But wait, isnt the ecotec more reliable. . .no one knows yet. The engine has only been in mass production for a few years, not to many of them are considered high mileage cars. But ive heard they are starting to have their fair share of problems.

so IMO, it appears that the LD9 is the best choice of engines for the cavalier. More stock HP, been proven to be very reliable, and responds to boost amazingly. Look at my car, i put just 4.5 PSI of supercharged boost and my 1320 went from a 16.1 to a 14.7. And thats an automatic.

[noshun]

I'd go for the 2.4. have one myself I love it My sister has the ohv 2200 and I hate even having to move that thing! The 2.3 from the 95 Z24 made ten more hp but the block isn't as strong as the 2.4. If you plan to boost 2.4 is NA then 2.3 but most would need a rebuild if you are looking newer then anythin Z24 up to 02 when they stopped the LD9. Although inCanada thy continued the EcoTec 2.2 as a Z24 with nothing other than wheels and bodykit!