Ecotec install pictures here!

[fixitman04]

well , on the colorado forums they have a lousy reputation. i wasnt the only problem had, there were 5 engines and a few trannys that failed shortly after a pcmforless install. mine was a 20000mile engine that burned 2 pistons within 1000 miles of there tune being installed. gm found their tune and refused the warrenty, they were unwilling to help at all. they instead accused me of abuse! the same accusation was given to all of us 355 owners.

im just saying buyer be ware because their tuning practices are wrong! id definately run a wideband on it to make sure

[Alvin]

this is freakin' cool!
does it sit really high in the front to clear the exhaust?
how was the steering rod modified?
Which ecotec motor is this, and what year solstice?

[GoldHawg]

this is freakin' cool!
does it sit really high in the front to clear the exhaust?
how was the steering rod modified?
Which ecotec motor is this, and what year solstice?

Believe it was a 2006 2.4 solstice, possibly a 2007. BTW, Paul also has a '63 roadster and a spare ecotec/5 speed in his shop
Don't know the answer to the other ??s.

[blueridgespeed]

+1 more super-impressed and interested fellow.

I think that the SR and a host of other alu-block 1.6-2.4 liter engines that WORK well and have been fitted into a Datsun are probably the way I'd be looking too...

....if I didn't have a rwd Ecotec and Aisin 5-spd transmission in my shop.

The ECU (and BCM) issues previously identified are challenges.

The fittment (current issue) are challenges.

I have one more (unknowing at this point) person who could be a resource. Check out the Ecotec 510(s) over on Ratsun and 510 Realm.

The 510 bay is roomier, and there are significant differences so fittment there won't be DIRECTLY applicable, but there are some pertinent points. The fellow wh made the Ecotec 510 and brought it to the 2010 Mitty (See a pic of him on the BRE2.net site pointing it out to Pete Brock) - is probably a HUGE source of answers on the ECOTEC swapping and tuning.

As suggest by Alvin and others early on, the "ecotec forums" SHOULD be the best source for this but (in my opinion and I don't wish to offend anyone) - there are a lot of younger, first-car types on those forums. I looked and found it more frustrating than helpful. The vast majority of ecotecs are transverse...and that's a big deal when exhaust is an issue. Most of the hotrodders (naturally) look to the turbo swap. After that, the fwd applications etc.. there's little RWD info that's reliable on those forums in my expereience. The Solstice/Sky forums are also somewhat small - and now without Pontiac and Saturn I'm not sure how they'll do...time will tell...Datsun's did ok..

So... the ecotec fits in a 510 without exhaust manifold mods. THe tighter roadster's engine bay bring up the issue of a custom header sooner. This Ecotec fellow made headers for his (510) ecotec just to improve the power and seems happy he did. He drives this car a lot...has been working on it and selected EFI LIVE as the tuning program of choice. The variable valve lift is a feature of the ecotec that I'd want to retain. EFI live allows one to get past some potential issues like the BCM (and rest of the donor car) not being in your roadster after the swap. This guy's an impressive fabricator and tuner, and drives the finished product, like a few our our gems on here (spriso). If he's willing to share some of his talent it could help a lot in this case.

So, this fellow's built an ecotec header, been tuning and improving the car for at least 3 years by my math, loves the power and doesn't even blink to mention the reliability and 30+ mpg fuel mileage. 2.4 liters, alu block, GM parts availabilility.. I think there's a lot good here!

Like many, though, this guy's a little hard to get in touch with. Good resource though when you're this "deep into it" and need some reliable answers. I don't feel comfortable "linking to him" here, but p.m. me if interested in learning more.

Whatever I build/solve/fail with my Ecotec, I'll post. Nothing worthy of a build thread yet.

Oh, and if you haven' addressed it yet, let me know what you choose to do for a driveshaft. The ecotec (manual DS anyway) does not have a slip yoke as it was designed for a fixed differential. I can think of several solutions, but haven't done them and held them in my hands so I can't be too much help on that front.

NICE PROJECT!

[travr6]

I am thinking this is the way to go for me. The sr20 engine and trans set ups are way too expensive.
I can pick us up the ecotec and manual trans with wiring fit under $500.

Anyone else installed one of these?
Any basic info or problem areas before I take the plunge?

[spriso]

Purchase price may be cheap, but what's the price for figuring out all the rest of the swap?

If you go that way-- just be sure to document everything to help out the next guy...

Michael

[spl310]

Purchase price may be cheap, but what's the price for figuring out all the rest of the swap?

If you go that way-- just be sure to document everything to help out the next guy...

Michael

Most people don't consider the value of their time in doing a swap

[travr6]

That's why I am asking for information since it has been done before.

I am really impressed with Paul's install.

If I am going to swap engines I either want something newer wirh fuel injection or something that is going to be really easy to swap. I am not looking for the most powerful highest hp engine swap possible.

Trying to do a lot of research before I take theree leap

[spl310]

You could add fuel injection to an existing Roadster engine if that is the big driver. Roadster engines are very reliable.

[travr6]

Would love to get a hold of this guy just for the basics like engine/trans mounts and any clearance issues.
If I could get it set in the frame I have no problem getting it all hooked up and running.

[fj20spl311]

If I am going to swap engines I either want something newer wirh fuel injection or something that is going to be really easy to swap.

EDIT:
Do a KA24E or KA24DE than.......it hits both EFI and easy for a swap.......they can be found cheap on 240SX sites or truck sites.

[travr6]

How many hp do those put out? I assume they come out of 240's?
I will begin the googling

[pebbles]

How many hp do those put out? I assume they come out of 240's?
I will begin the googling

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