Ok guys, this question may be a bit noobish. I used to know alot about cars, J-Bodies in particular, but lately I've been filling my head with other knowledge and have forgotten much of what I knew. One thing I did remember though is that the cavalier I have came with the crappier engine.
I hear a slight really soft tap tap tap when my car is running. OK w/e, I keep the oil fresh so I'm not worried. Now my car starts overheating, mechanic says I warped or cracked the heads. He goes on to say if they are warped and repairable, it will be $900. If they're cracked and have to be replaced it will be $1100.
So I gets to thinkin' well damn, long as I am paying THAT much I could add a little to it and just buy an ecotec engine, or can I? I call ThunderBolt (yeehaw!) and the guy on the phone says the 2001 CANNOT have an ecotec put in it. Well don't that beat all? Is this true? And if not about how much would something like that cost? And where could I go since the damn transmission shop told me no?
I am sorry, forgot to mention, I have a 2001.
yes you can put a eco in..you need: egine, tranny, engine harness, computer, rad...and its a direct bolt in..phil
Your mechanic said the "heads" might be warped/cracked? Dunno if maybe you heard him wrong, but if you heard him right, I'd find a new mechanic. The 4 cylinder Cavs only have ONE head.
As for the Eco swap, theres a really nice thread in 3rd gen detailing it. You'll also need the upper engine mount, and MAY need to modify the trans mounts. The swap PJ did had the manual trans though, the auto is probably not too overly different, unless your car has the 3-speed. I think all the Eco autos have the 4 speed auto.
