Hello everyone. its been a longgggg time since ive been on the forum. i sure do miss my cobalt LS 2.2 and my Cobalt SS/TC Sedan with bolt on's.

i came across another ecotec. its a 2003 cavalier though. im just doing some checking to try to find out some info.

its a 2003 cavalier with 106k on it. got it for 500$ i was curious as to how similar the 2.2's in the cavalier platform as the 2.2's in the cobalts.

im guessing around the 100k mark is when the timing chain needs to be replaced?

anyone with any info would be much appreciated.

the Jbody forums dont really give a whole lot of detail, and the jbody forum is dead.

 

100-150k is where it should be changed but im sure others have made it farther. Just listen for noises and if one pops up it is likely the chain tensioner. That cavi has the same engine as 05-06 cobalts.

 

Ok cool! thank you!

im just trying to get this thing road ready. its nothing special, but ive been out of the ecotec game for a couple years now. they are solid motors, but i just have to relearn them a little bit again.

 

BOOOOST IT lol, but seriously.

 

haha no no, i need this gem to last. as much as i miss boost, i would love to. i do have a friend selling a complete SC kit lol

 

zzp sells complete sc kits for 650

 

im good with the SC kit. as much fun as i had with boost, i need this 2.2 to be reliable as ever.

 

have to source your own sc and mani tho, still good price

 

im pretty sure my buddy has everything for it to bolt on for 500$ he said, i think.

although it would be fun.

this cavi would be a perfect sleeper car. a little rust, from bumpers messed up, a little faded paint haha

 

I haven't made it a year with boost on stock internals before I decided to put in forged rods and pistons and throw a TVS on her so I can't really speak from experience as far as longevity on stock engine. But I would think with the stock pulley or maybe a little smaller you wouldn't sacrifice too much reliability, as long as the parts you put on are in good condition and you get a decent tune.

 

There is no set maintenance period when to replace the timing chain on the ecotecs. Its not a timing belt like on Hondas....

Like others have said, inspect for any noise. What should be checked or changed are the timing chain guides, bolts and tensioner. The chain its self can last a very long time if maintained properly.

 

ok, thanks everyone.

just figured by picking this cavalier up, now i can get back on CSS again haha

Alot of people know alot of **** about these cars/motors on here.

its spring time here in MN, and it really makes me miss my SS/TC.

 

I just looked and since when were they doing this? better than the 2500 before. Maybe its time to blow up my car again

 

i swear that im falling back in love with these ecotec motors.

now that ive picked up this cavi, ive been doing more and more reading on here. now im looking at HHR SS's haha

 

Ecotecs are the bomb diggity!!

My ecotecs are as follows:

2007 SS/SC
2013 Equinox
2012-2013 Regal GS (future)

 

they really are though. they are solid motors. ughh haha the struggles. i do need to down size my car payment, and i think an HHR SS could possibly fit nicely in to the budget.

 

They are pretty solid if the oil is changed regularly, personally from what ive seen at work its
good maintenance to change everything timing related somewhere between 100-150k.
the chains do wear and stretch too. I recommend crank/cam gears, all guides, chain, water pump chain, water pump chain drive sprocket and guides. both timing chain and water pump tensioners also.
Good idea to get oem parts, ive seen a few cust cheap out and get aftermarket kits and be back in 50k with chain slap and worn out guides.
also a good Idea to either get new bolts (they come with locktight preapplied) or making things
squeaky clean and applying (I belive red) locktight if the bolts still have their black coating/aren't worn.

Just from a gm tech perspective. we work on ALOT of ecotech timing problems.

 

If ever replacing the timing chain guide bolts...

Use the arp bolt upgrade (CED carries them), and be done with it.

 

Will a cavalier 2.2 work in a 07 cobalt if i have the harness and ecu. Found a gen 1 l61 built and turbo.

 

no it wont. 07+ they changed the reluctor wheel for the crank sensor as well as added a cam sensor.

 

i have a donor motor. Just how compatable and interchangeable is what im tryibg to find out. Its my understanding that any of the ecotec heads will bolt on if thats the case i can jjst swap my gen 2 head on. As for the selector wheel i can't see gm making the crabk different so in theory couldn't i just swap the cranks and redo all the bearings and that fun stuff.