I am just doing some reading into swapping out my 2200 engine for an Ecotec and had a few questions that I would like to have answered so I have a better idea of what I am getting into. First off I would probably have a budget of a couple thousands dollars to work with (if I am strict on my savings) and I wouldn't be planning this until next winter or so. I have read up on what is needed for completing the swap and have come to understand it is an easier swap to do with some mechanical knowledge. However I would like to hit in the range of 250-300 hp with a turbo kit (which I don't feel is to excessive for me). What I am having a hard time trying to figure out is what kind of work would have to be done or be a good idea to have done to the engine to handle that kind of power. I really want to do things right the first time so I don't have to be spending more money fixing things if they aren't done right. Like I said I just really wanna know what I am getting into and an idea of how much I would be having to spend so a little more insight on a project like this and suggestions towards it would be greatly appreciated (and please no negativity)
Further more I have been reading up on suspension work to and I am having a difficult time trying to figure out which setup would be ideal for lowering the car about 1.25" - 1.5" and being able to return it to stock ride height for the winter. And how difficult would it be to install?
I have taken mechanics classes in high school but the teacher only really had me doing brake work, replacing brake lines and replacing the block heater, so I do have minimal knowledge with cars and I am sure it shouldn't be to much of a problem if I also had an extra hand from someone slightly more knowledgeable then me.
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Further more I have been reading up on suspension work to and I am having a difficult time trying to figure out which setup would be ideal for lowering the car about 1.25" - 1.5" and being able to return it to stock ride height for the winter. And how difficult would it be to install?
Coilovers are about it (aside from airride)
Unless your area gets a buttload of snow, go with the AGX+ProKit combo.
Anything you would recommend for coil over setups? And we usually get a dump load of snow (maybe 12" tops) then it melts then we get another load and it melts. So nothing really piles up here so...
(yeah I don't want to spend the money to get air ride I wouldn't need it)
Either Ground Control, Gravana or Tein
Make sure that you are using good struts as well (not stock, AGX, GR2's, or some other OEM replacement)... either D-Specs or Koni Yellows.
Gravana and Tein sells their coilovers in a full kit (coils + struts), so that may be the best bang for your $$$
Anyone able to answer my questions about swapping?
your question is really related to boost and not the actual swapping of the motor. what i would do is go to the boost forum and ask them what you need to do to the engine to turbo it to around 300 hp. if your stick with the 250 range i dont think you will need to do anything enternally at all. when you get close to the 300 hp range your going to have to beef up the internals. look for a post under performance i think for phlatcavs post, hes using a supercharger but going for the same power range, 300-350 hp i believe so he's building up his internals
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Thanks sndsgood. Since you are also doing the swap how easy would you rate it? What kinda modifications or performace additions are you doing to the engine?
Sounds like fun
. How much HP you plan on running?
