This was started to help the new people to this website by answering the questions that you more than likely wanted to ask. I basically looked up alot of questions people ask alot, thought of questions myself and took some suggestions from other people.
Q: What is the difference between the 2.2 OHV and 2200?
Both motors are basically 2.2 OHV motors. When people refer to each one
differently they are talking about the 2 different motors that were
produced. The 2.2 OHV was produced from 1995-1997 and that motor had
side feed injectors. In 1998, GM devoloped wht is called the 2200 OHV motor
which has top feed injectors, changed the coolant passages, reversed the
coolant flow, and revised some of the valvetrain and dubbed it the 2200
98-02. For more information on the history of the 2.2 motors, you should
read this: <a href="http://www.ny-jbodies.org/library/engine/2.2/2.2history.htm">History of the 2.2 OHV</a>.
Q: What does N/A stand for?
N/A stands for Natural Aspiration which is the same as "All-Motor"
Q: What is boost or forced induction?
When people refer to Boost or Forced Induction, they are refering to
Turbocharging or Supercharging.
<a href="http://auto.howstuffworks.com/question122.htm">The difference between a turbocharger and a supercharger.</a>
Q: How do I know what motor I have?
Open your hood and read the top of your motor (your valve cover).
Q: Will 95-99 Cavalier Headlights work on my 2002 Cavalier?
Yes but there will be a gap between the bumper and the headlights.
Q: What parts from a Cavalier can I put on a Sunfire or vice
versa?
Any Suspension parts, Motor Parts (if they have the same motor) and even
Body Accessories. If you wanted, you could put a Cavalier front end on a
Sunfire because they share the same platform.
Q: Can I put any 3rd gen parts on my 2nd gen
No.
Q: Where can I find stock parts at?
You can either check the Classifieds, your local junkyard or go to this
website: <a href="http://www.car-parts.com">www.car-parts.com</a>
Q: Where can I find a used motor?
Read above answer.
Q: Can I put a transmission from a different motor onto mine?
No. You can only swap the transmission from another motor that is the same
your current motor.
Q: What is the "secret cam swap"?
The secret cam swap was for the 2.4 motors only. They share the same
camshaft towers as the 2.3 Quad 4 motors. To do this swap you need the 95
2.3L intake camshaft, (VIN D #24574239) and the LO (LD2) 93-94 Quad 4
exhaust cam, (VIN D #24570698).
Q: I am throwing a code on my computer for my ECOTEC motor, where can
I find the codes?
<a href="http://www.ny-jbodies.org/library/engine/ecotec/dtccoded.asp">http://www.ny-jbodies.org/library/engine/ecotec/dtccoded.asp</a>
Q: What does the Auto Trans Interceptor and Shift Plus Do?
They increase the line pressure in your transmission to shift faster and
more efficient. Remember they only fit 4-speed 4T40E transmissions.
Q: What is a cat-back?
When people say "cat-back" they are refering to the parts from the Catalytic
Converter and the parts behind it which is the piping, resonator (if there
is one) and muffler(s).
Q: I want to buy a chip for my car...do they make them for 3rd
gens?
Yes they make them. Do they work? No. You cannot chip our OBDII
computers...if you did buy these products all they do is act as a resistor
and will end up throwing more fuel into your motor. If you don't need more
fuel into your motor, you will have worse gas mileage and end up running
rich which will hurt your performance.
Q: What does Rich, Stoich & Lean mean?
Rich means you have too much fuel, running lean means you're not supplying
enough fuel and Stoich is the area right in between where you have enough
fuel. Some cars run slightly lean and slightly rich which isn't a bad thing.
As you drive, your computer constantly switches back and forth from lean and
rich (which is normal).
Q: What compression ratio is my 3rd gen motor?
2.3L Quad 4 Motor - 10:1 Compression
2.4L Motor - 9.5:1 Compression
2.2L ECOTEC Motor - 10:1 Compression
2.2 OHV Motor - 8.85:1 Compression
2200 OHV Motor - 9:1 Compression
Q: Is it possible to put a 3800 motor in my 3rd Gen?
Yes...read this post: <a href="http://www.j-body.org/forums/read.php?f=2&i=228240&t=228240#228240">http://www.j-body.org/forums/read.php?f=2&i=228240&t=228240#228240</a>
Q: I want to lower my car, can I put lowering springs or coilovers on
my stock struts and shocks?
It is highly suggested that you don't. You have to understand that your
struts and shocks are designed for 1 specific height and designed to have a
certain amount of space in the cylinder to absorb. By lowering the car,
you're lowering the amount of space inside the cylinder to absorb and it
will cause you to bottom out and have probably the most uncomfortable ride
you will ever experience. If you choose to lower your vehicle, do it right
the first time and upgrade your struts and shocks as well.
Q: I found a set of coilovers for Cavaliers on ebay for $68, should I
get them?
No. This is a perfect example of you get what you pay for. In the world of
modifying there is a difference in buying a cheap part and getting a quality
part for cheap. If you were to buy that set of coilovers, they would ride
terribly, wouldn't fit your car properly and end up spending more money to
replace them in the near future. Always remember, you get what you pay
for...spend quality money on quality parts, don't cheap it out.
Q: Will an intake or exhaust upgrade void my Warranty?
When it comes to warranties, the dealership has to prove that your
modification was the cause of whatever problem you are having. If you blow
your #4 cylinder and all you have is an intake, they would have to prove
that your intake caused it, which they couldn't. Now, if you were spraying a
75 shot of nitrous and blew your #4 cylinder, they could prove that and void
your warranty. So the answer is No.
Q: Are there any people in my area on the org?
Yes, the org has over 26,000 members from all over the US, Canada and even
other countries. If you go to the "Regional Forums" and find the forum that
most resembles where you are from, you will find people who are in your
area.
Q: Does the "electric supercharger" work?
No, it is basically a gimmick to draw in people who are inexperienced with
cars to thinking that an electric motor can help you gain quality power out of
your motor.
Q: I have a picture and a video of my car that I want to post, where
can I host them at?
You can host your pictures at <a href="http://www.cardomain.com">www.cardomain.com</a> & <a href="http://www.photobucket.com">www.photobucket.com</a>. You can host your
videos at <a href="http://www.streetfire.net">www.streetfire.net</a> and <a href="http://www.putfile.com">www.putfile.com</a>.
Q: How much Horsepower & Torque does my 3rd gen car have?
1995-97 2.2 OHV - 120 Horsepower / 130 lbs of Torque
1998-2002 2200 OHV - 115 Horsepower / 135 lbs of Torque
1995 2.3 L.O. Quad 4 - 160 Horsepower / 155 lbs of Torque
1996-2002 2.4 TC - 150 Horsepower / 155 lbs of Torque
2002-2005 2.2 ECOTEC - 140 Horsepower / 150 lbs of Torque
Q: How come the 2.4 Motor & the ECOTEC don't have spark plug
wires?
They don't have spark plug wires because they are distributorless and use a
"coil on plug" system.
Q: I want to buy a set of rims but I need to know my bolt pattern,
what is it?
All 95+ J-bodies bolt patterns are 5x100
Q: I want to swap out my 2200 OHV for an ECOTEC, what parts do I
need?
You would need the transmission because the one from the 2200 will not work
on the ECOTEC motor, you will need the ECU, motor mounts (get aftermarket
ones), tranny mounts (if it's a manual, get aftermarket ones), you will need
to either buy an aftermarket header or take the header off that car because
the ECOTECs header is in the back of the motor & the 2200s is in the front
(also they will not fit each other...2 different types of ports), the
ignition system (the 2200 uses spark plug wires, ECOs use a distributor), &
the fuel system.
Q: I want to swap out my 2200 OHV for an 2.4, what parts do I
need?
Read the above above answer...same parts needed.
Q: Do I have a 3-speed automatic or a 4-speed automatic?
If your shifter reads 1 2 D N R P, you have a 3-speed.
If your shifter reads 1 2 3 D N R P, you have a 4-speed.
Q: What is the "bottom end" and "internals"?
When people refer to the bottom end, they are refering to the parts that are
located in the lower part of your motor or the bottom end. Those parts
include your Pistons, Connecting Rods & Crankshaft. The reference for
"internals" is your engine internals, basically everything inside your motor
(cams, cylinder head, pistons, connecting rods etc).
Q: What kind of manual transmission do I have?
If you have a 95-99, you have an Isuzu Transmission. Anything 2000 and up is
an Getrag Transmission.
Q: Are the ECOTEC pistons and valves free willing or
interference?
Interference
Q: How do you make your HVAC knobs clear?
What people do is remove the rubber that is on the actual knob and
underneath the knob is actually clear. If you have trouble removing it, you
can use a heatgun or hair dryer to heat up the rubber to make it easier to
remove.
Q: How do you remove the speed limiter?
No one here will answer that question for you unless you are making trap
speeds of upwards of 108 MPH. Please reframe from posting that question.
Q: I want to make my J-body faster, what should I do?
First what you should do is figure out how much power you plan on making,
how much money you plan on investing in your vehicle and how much time you
have to do all of this. When you first figure out those questions than we
can answer that question for you.
Q: Is it true that an intake can improve my MPG?
Yes.
Q: Is Nitrous as dangerous as the movies and people make it
seem?
Yes and No. Nitrous is only dangerous if you don't use it properly and don't
have the right amount of knowledge to maintain spraying for a long period of
time. If you buy a nitrous kit and start spraying without taking any
pre-cautions, you are more likely to have problems. In all reality, it's not
the nitrous that is dangerous, it's the lack of knowledge.
Q: What is the worse that can happen to my motor while spraying
nitrous?
You can detonate, fry your pistons, snap a rod...the possibilities are
endless.
Q: What is the difference between a "Warm Air Intake" and a "Cold Air
Intake"?
A Warm Air Intake will have the filter inside your engine bay, a Cold Air
Intake will lead the filter outside of the engine bay (usually in the wheel
well area).
Q: How do I reset my car's computer?
Disconnect your battery for about 30-60 minutes then reconnect it or if you
have a scanner you can just send a "clear codes" signal and it will reset
all the dynamic tables.
Q: What does a Port & Polish Do?
It reduces the restriction in the motors intake ports and exhaust ports, in
turn you can let more air into the engine. If you have more air, you can add
more fuel.
Q: What is a core-charge?
What a core charge is money you are paying for them to actually use their
supply beforehand. Now...if you send them your stock part, they will give
you either store credit for the amount of the core charge or a core charge
refund (For example: if they charged you $100, you'll get $100 store
credit). Now, if you decide NOT to send them your stock throttle body,
you're just out $100 store credit or out a $100 refund...
Q: I want to build up my ECOTEC motor but I don't know what parts are
available, where can I find these parts?
If you want to know what parts are available for the ECOTEC read this
thread: <a href="http://www.j-body.org/forums/read.php?f=2&i=318797&t=318797">The Full ECOTEC Build Guide</a>
Q: How do I remove the side moldings off my j-body?
You need the following materials:
- fishing line
- scissors
- gloves (optional; I highly recommend using them because the fishing line
will really start to hurt your fingers after a while)
- 3M Adhesive and Tar Remover (in a teal can; can be found by automotive
paint at Wal-Mart)
- a towel or rag
Here are the Instructions:
1. Cut a piece of fishing line that is about a foot long. No matter how
careful you are the fishing line will eventually break and you will need to
cut more.
2. Take the piece of fishing line and put it behind one end of the moulding
or badge. Begin working it up and down behind the moulding or badge.
3. Continue working it up and down until the moulding or badge comes
completely off.
4. Once the moulding or badge has come completely off, spray some 3M
Adhesive and Tar Remover on the area and let it sit for a few minutes.
5. Take a towel or rag and start scrubbing the area. You will have to
re-spray the remover a few times to get all the adhesive off.
6. Once all the adhesive has come off, wash and wax the car and you're done.
Q: What parts do I need to do a automatic to manual transmission
swap?
If you want to know the parts you need, read this thread:
<a href="http://www.j-body.org/forums/read.php?f=41&i=19987&t=19987#19987">http://www.j-body.org/forums/read.php?f=41&i=19987&t=19987#19987</a>
I hope this FAQ has helped you out some. If you have anymore questions, just
ask.
www.kronosperformance.com / 732-742-8837
