Buying new Z24 - 02 2.2 ecotec or 2.4 twin cam??

[calgz24]

Hey all,

I hate to bring this issue up again but i have heard both mixed opinions on which z24 i should look to buy.....im looking for a 2002 z24 5spd, low kms but im not sure if i should look for the 2.2 ecotec or 2.4 twin cam..... PLZ HELP!!

[Lances133]

Well here are the basics, if you're considering nitrous, turbo, or supercharger, other people besides myself will have to tell you which engine is better suited for either one.

2.2eco - 140hp - 150tq
2.4twin cam/non eco - 150hp - 155tq

2.2eco = still in use today, new technology constantly being developed
2.4twin cam/non eco = dead technology basically

[calgz24]

Yah buddy,

Thanks for such a quick reply. From what i have researched the ecotec seems to be the better way to go. I mean i plan to supercharge eventually, but this car will be my daily driver so mods will come in time. I just want to get the best "bang for the buck". Like i know z24's are no sports car, but i want a peppy, easy on the wallet, fun to drive coupe. I currently own a 1992 z24 3.1 and i absolutely love it. Just the other day i dusted an 04 rsx, although its not a type S it still amazed me.....my cavy is reaching 200,000 kms and it still has it nuts.

[Lances133]

Yeah, I love my 98 z24 as well. I think if you go with a supercharger you can put it in either eco and 2.4l and be safe. Especially if you go with just the regular GM supercharger. Turbo's and amounts of Psi is where you get yourself into trouble lol

[T_rev87]

Originally Posted by calgz24

Hey all,

I hate to bring this issue up again but i have heard both mixed opinions on which z24 i should look to buy.....im looking for a 2002 z24 5spd, low kms but im not sure if i should look for the 2.2 ecotec or 2.4 twin cam..... PLZ HELP!!

ecotec. just cuz it sounds good

[calgz24]

Yah man i like the 1995-1999's, the front bumpers are better looking than the 2000-2002's i personally think......Ecotec's sound good? my sis has a 2003 sunfire with the 2.2 and it didnt sound like anything special to me! I still want some more imput towards these two engines!!!! Ecotoc is sounding like the better choice though...

[Lances133]

Most people on here will say Eco.

[JStumpalump150]

Originally Posted by Lances133

Most people on here will say Eco.

definatly^^^ but i personaly like the 2.4l z-24 cuz i think it looks better than the newer styles and you dont realy see many of them around anymore, atleat where i live.....all i see are the 4 doors and the new cavys which i dont like

[MrR0b0t0]

Yeaaa, you will get more out of the Eco, longer life, better performance, and just pretty much a better engine. No offense to any 2.4s, but if I had the choice, definatly what I would pick.

[Lances133]

Originally Posted by JStumpalump150

definatly^^^ but i personaly like the 2.4l z-24 cuz i think it looks better than the newer styles and you dont realy see many of them around anymore, atleat where i live.....all i see are the 4 doors and the new cavys which i dont like

I noticed that too, there's not alot of z24s period around here, 95-99 or 00-02, I take pride in my car. For every z24 there's like 20 2.2's around here.

[CavLCD128]

i dunno y you would wanna buy a cavalier...take a look around at some other cars you could get for the price you would spend on an 02 cavalier...prob around 5000....but if you want a cavalier the 2.2L OHV is the way to go....its got reliability, speed, and that "o so sexy" look....lol
2.2L Eco

[Crazzzyj]

Originally Posted by CavLCD128

i dunno y you would wanna buy a cavalier...take a look around at some other cars you could get for the price you would spend on an 02 cavalier...prob around 5000....but if you want a cavalier the 2.2L OHV is the way to go....its got reliability, speed, and that "o so sexy" look....lol
2.2L Eco

Especially mine. Anyways, I think you should just go with whichever car has fewer miles, fewer owners. You could have a car that is all 'supped' or 'riced' up and still beat it with a new engine.

~Crazzzyj

[Lances133]

From the past...

Originally Posted by OverAllComa

This thread will boil down to an Ecotec vs Twin Cam argument, which there are several threads on on various boards. Here's the basic stuff that you'd need to consider:

Twin Cam
-Better stock numbers
-Take to internal upgrades a little better if left NA
-Cheap parts from other Quad4 based motors (eg; secret cams, W41 intake, etc)
-Overall better for the non-boosted route
-GM SuperCharger
-Harder to find aftermarket parts

Ecotec
-Takes to boost like all hell
-More parts available
-Sure to gain more support over time due to still being used in current productions
-Newer motor, so the car will probably have less miles, so less hassle
-Aluminum Block, Lighter Wight
-Tends to last longer when stock compared to a Twin Cam (if both are equally well-cared for)

[calgz24]

Originally Posted by CavLCD128

i dunno y you would wanna buy a cavalier...take a look around at some other cars you could get for the price you would spend on an 02 cavalier...prob around 5000....but if you want a cavalier the 2.2L OHV is the way to go....its got reliability, speed, and that "o so sexy" look....lol
2.2L Eco

Thats the thing. I have 11,000 to spend on a new car (canadian), but thats not neccesarily what i want to spend. It would be nice to have a few extra dollars in the bank!!! I have been looking at aaaalll types of cars and cavalier z24's are in my price range. I probably could get something else, but i would have to pay alot more for it. And lets face it, cavaliers dont hold thier value to well and i could get a z24 with really low kms for real cheap. The bang for your buck is basically why im looking at getting a new z24. If you have any suggestions on something equivalent let me know....

[millrtime]

i have always like the 98-02 accors, 2 door of course, 155 hp, 155 tq outa the 4 cylinder. i have an 03 cavy and it suits me just fine. i just wish it was a manual. oh well......in my opinion the ecotec is the only engine worth getting in a cavy. as someone once stated on here before. "the eco is the best thing to happen to cavy's"