Production-style compact powerhouse!
A reputation for performance, durability and adaptability has made the Ecotec the "small-block" of four-cylinder engines. It's a great engine for many applications and CBM Motorsports offers a production-trim Ecotec 2.2L in a crate engine package that satisfies the needs of all sport compact enthusiasts. Also available is the Ecotec 2.0L Supercharged
The basic Family II architecture was substantially re engineered in 2000, becoming the Ecotec 2.2, model L61. First appearing in the 2000 Saturn LS1, the L61 spread throughout North American GM products, displacing the Quad 4 and its descendants.
Unlike its notably harsh predecessor, the L61 was designed for smoothness - however in the nearly 20 years since the demise of the Oldsmobile engineered Quad 4, no other GM 4-cylinder has exceeded the output of the 190 hp (142 kW) 1991 W41 Quad 4. Only recently the Ecotec LAF exceeded the high volume 180 hp (134 kW) LG0 Quad 4. Dual in-block balance shafts were integral to the design, and all accessories were mounted directly to the engine block to reduce vibration. The oil filter was cast into the block with a removable cover and replaceable paper element.
Displacement for the 2.2 L engine is 2,196 cc (134.0 cu in) with an 86 millimeters (3.4 in) bore and 94.6 millimeters (3.72 in) stroke. Compression is 10:1:0, delivering 135 to 147 hp (101 to 110 kW) and 142 to 152 lb·ft (193 to 206 N·m) of torque. The Ecotec line is manufactured in Tonawanda, New York and Kaiserslautern, Germany, and was also manufactured for Saturn in Spring Hill, Tennessee until Saturn's discontinuation. The L61-powered Saturn Ion replaced the Saturn-powered Saturn S-Series.
There are a few variations to the standard L61. The new Chevrolet Malibu uses a version with electronic throttle control and a special unitized exhaust manifold and catalytic converter. The 2003 Saturn L-Series has a high output version with higher (10:1:0) compression and more aggressive camshaft. The Malibu and Saturn versions also use return-less fuel injection. The 2002 Saturn VUE was the first North American variant of the L61 to be equipped with electronic throttle control, whereas other applications did not arise until 2005 in the Saturn ION and Chevrolet Cobalt. The supercharger and inlet manifold from the 2.0 Ecotec engine can be purchased as an official kit from GM and along with modified software in the ECM, can create a 2.2 supercharged version of this engine.
On engines produced before 2007, spark was produced via a cassette that bolts to the top of the head which contained the boots for each spark plug on the bottom of it, eliminating the need for wires. In 2007 the L61 was upgraded with a second generation cylinder case, coil on plug ignition, 58x crankshaft position sensing and a 32-bit computer.
The LE5 is a larger 2.4 L—2,376 cc (145.0 cu in)—version of the Ecotec. Both the 88 mm (3.5 in) bore and 98 mm (3.9 in) stroke are larger, and Variable Valve Timing on the intake and exhaust improve low-end torque. Compression is 10.4:1. Power is 164-177 hp (123-132 kW) and torque is 159-170 lb·ft (215-230 N·m). The engine uses a reinforced "Gen II" block.
The LNF is a turbocharged direct injected (redubbed Spark Ignition Direct Injection) Ecotec was introduced in the 2007 Pontiac Solstice GXP and Saturn Sky Red Line. It is a longitudinally mounted engine. Displacement is 2.0 L—1,998 cc (121.9 cu in)—with a square 86 millimeters (3.4 in) bore and stroke. Compression is 9.2:1 and maximum boost is 1.4 bar (20.0 psi), delivering 260 hp (190 kW) at 5300 rpm and 260 lb·ft (350 N·m) of torque from 2500–5250 rpm. Engine redline is at 6300 rpm and premium fuel is recommended. The sodium filled exhaust valves were based on technology developed for the Corvette V8 powertrains. The sodium fuses and becomes a liquid at idle, which improves conductivity and draws heat away from the valve face and valve guide towards the stem to be cooled by the engine oil circulating in this area. The camshaft-driven direct injection systems pressurizes the fuel to 52 bar (750 psi) at idle, and up to 155 bar (2,250 psi) at wide-open throttle. The "Gen II" block is similar to the 2.4 L and also features VVT technology. The Gen II block was developed using data from racing programs and computer simulations. The bore walls and bulkheads were strengthened with a weight increase of 1 kg (2.5 pounds). The coolant jackets were expanded to improve heat rejection, resulting in a coolant capacity increase of 0.5 liters.
